GLASGOW is to step up its efforts to prevent women suffering violence and sexual exploitation.

Councillors have agreed to work towards White Ribbon City status next year.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of all forms of violence against women with a focus on those sexually exploited for money.

The campaign, ahead of the Commonwealth Games, will involve drawing up workplace policies on domestic abuse and harassment that will be promoted across the city.

And a booklet will be produced telling women safe places to go if they are suffering violence at the hands of a partner.

Annemarie O'Donnell, the city council's corporate services boss, said becoming a White Ribbon City would provide a platform for a city-wide campaign that would allow high- profile individuals to pledge their support.

She added: "Glasgow has the opportunity to build on its current international reputation as a forerunner in challenging violence against women by becoming a White Ribbon City.

"It would provide a lever against licensing of sex establishments and raise publicity for anti-violence against women work.

"Glasgow as a local authority has led the way in Scotland in tackling prostitution as a form of violence against women.

"Before the Olympic Games, London brought together representatives from key organisations to put a plan together that would ensure the city had in place a robust prevention plan to the sexual exploitation of women.

"It is proposed Glasgow develops a similar working group to ensure the city is very much focused on welcoming families, athletes and visitors to celebrate the success of the city."

Councillor Jim Coleman, chairman of the Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership, said: "One in four women will experience some form of domestic abuse in their life, so we have to make it clear this is not acceptable in any way."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk