November 19, 2007

Mayor Urges Action On Family Violence

Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey is urging people to take to the streets this Friday as part of a campaign to raise awareness of Family Violence.

The November 23 White Ribbon Day March starts at 10.15 am at Waitakere Hospital on Lincoln Rd. The March is being organised by community and government agencies with the theme: “Family Violence- It’s Not OK”.

“It seems that every day we hear through the media of another act of senseless violence,” Mayor Harvey says. “This is an opportunity for people to stand up and be counted and to simply say violence is not OK in our homes or in our community.”

Last year several hundred people took part in the march and it is hoped that upwards of 1000 will participate this year.

Mayor Harvey heads- along with MP Dr Pita Sharples- a Taskforce on Family Violence in Waitakere City. In New Zealand Police deal with more than 70,000 family violence calls a year.

“That’s an appalling statistic and we’ve got to do anything we can to bring it down through raising awareness of the issue and the agencies and channels available to help victims,” Mayor Harvey says.

Waitemata District Health Board Family Violence Prevention Co-ordinator Margaret Devlin says there are simple but effective measures people can take to save their lives and the lives of those they love.

“You can have a code word to let friends know you need help, ask a neighbour to call police if they see or hear something wrong, and tell people you trust about your concerns,” she says.

“If you think you are in immediate danger you should call the police by dialling 111.”

The march, on November 23, starts at Waitakere Hospital at ends at Henderson’s Civic Centre at approximately 11.30am.

ENDS

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