Media Release

Mayor Launches White Ribbon Campaign in Whangarei

The White Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women is today being launched throughout New Zealand, with Mayor Morris Cutforth endorsing Whangarei’s community response.

‘I’m proud to take part in the White Ribbon Campaign,” Mayor Cutforth says.

“Violence against women is unacceptable, and as a community leader I want to play my part in ending it in Whangarei.”

Mayor Cutforth is one of many mayors around the country launching the 2012 White Ribbon Campaign in their own region by signing the White Ribbon pledge which promises never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.

“On average, 14 women die and over 3,500 men are convicted for assaults on women each year in New Zealand,” Mayor Cutforth says.

“These are our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and work colleagues, and as a community we must take responsibility to protect them.

“We can’t escape the violence statistics, but we can address them by working with the White Ribbon Campaign and signing the White Ribbon pledge at www.whiteribbon.co.nz .”

The international White Ribbon Campaign originated in Canada and is now part of the United Nations annual calendar. The New Zealand Families Commission took a leadership role in 2006 and the campaign now focuses on the whole of November, culminating on 25 November - White Ribbon Day.

“It aims to change attitudes and behaviours around men’s violence towards women,” Mayor Cutforth says.

“I urge all our men to be part of that, just as Council is doing by working actively with organisations such as the Police.”

Inspector Tracy Phillips, Relieving Police Area Commander for Whangarei and Kaipara, agrees that family violence is a serious issue and one on which we must all work together if we are going to find answers.

“Violence destroys families and can affect women and children for the rest of their lives through mental health issues, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and a tendency towards crime,” Inspector Phillips says.

“The White Ribbon Campaign is a chance for everyone to talk openly about the issue. If you or someone you know is subjected to family violence you can also call the police, talk to someone you trust or call an organisation such as Women's Refuge.”

Getting people talking is another of the White Ribbon Campaign aims, especially those who feel the problem doesn’t affect them or there is little they can do about it.

“Some men may think that, because there is no violence in their family, the issue doesn’t affect them,” Mayor Cutforth says.

“But they may know others who are experiencing or inflicting violence about which no one else is aware, and men can help them by signing the pledge, talking about it and generally raising awareness of the problem.

“Men are a big part of the problem, but they can also be part of the solution. The White Ribbon Campaign is a wonderful opportunity to do just that.”

ENDS

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