NZ - a long way to go before all women can feel safe from domestic violence

New Zealand has a long way to go before all women and children can feel safe from domestic violence and that's why everyone should get behind White Ribbon Day (25 November), that's according to Brian Gardner from the National Network of Stopping Violence Services.

White Ribbon Day is the international day when people wear a white ribbon to show they don't tolerate or condone men's violence towards women. In Wellington, celebrity chefs Steve Logan & Al Brown (from Logan Brown and TV1's "Hunger for the Wild") along with Citron's Rex Morgan served up breakfast to 120 men who are in some way or another supporting efforts to end family violence.

Brian Gardner, who was a guest speaker at the Mens' Breakfast says on average 14 women and 10 children are killed by a member of their family every year.

"The "It's Not Ok" campaign is doing a great job lifting community awareness about the unacceptability of domestic violence. However stories like Nia Glassey and the recent case of a district court judge imposing a light sentence on an ex-Crown Prosecutor who was charged with assault on his wife, show that there's a long way to go change attitudes and behaviours in the community."

Mr Gardner says men can and should use their influence on their mates to make a difference.

"It may be as simple as challenging a mate, who's telling a demeaning joke about women. Or speaking up if your see a friend or family member yelling abuse at his partner. That does not mean challenge violence with violence but it does show that you will not tolerate abusive behaviour and attitudes.

ENDS

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