Media Release

November, 2012

Stand Up Against Family Violence on White Ribbon Day

What do motorbikes, sausages, ribbons, balloons and chocolate have in common? All feature as part of White Ribbon Day events being held in Rodney this year.
November 25 is the international day when men show they won’t tolerate or condone violence towards women.

Most family violence remains hidden, local experts say. Statistics show that on average 14 women are killed by their partners or ex-partners each year and one in three NZ women will experience violence from a partner in her life time.
While 3,500 convictions are recorded against men each year for assaults on women Police estimate only 18% of family violence is reported.

“White Ribbon Day is a great opportunity for men to take a visible stand on this issue,” spokesperson Diane Woolson Neville said.

“Violence against women is not just physical. Emotional and psychological violence such as manipulation, intimidation and coercion are very common but less visible types of violence, and frequently their effects are underestimated,” she said.

“By wearing a white ribbon, men show their commitment to being part of the solution to family violence, and promote messages of respectful, healthy relationships.”

This year, organisations around Rodney have come together to organise a number of events. In Warkworth, Abuse Prevention Services has teamed up with Seeds of Abraham to get the White Ribbon Day message across, and over 100 bikers will be wearing their white ribbons at the Orewa Santa Parade on the 17th November.
Other events between 17 and 26 November include:

• Stalls at the Orewa Parade and family fun day Saturday 17th
• BBQ with Bikes at Warkworth (outside Farm Butchery 12 – 4pm) Friday 23rd
• BBQ at Helensville (Unichem Pharmacy 11am – 2pm) Friday 23rd
• A stall at Wellsford (outside Postie Plus 11am – 1pm) Friday 23rd
• A stall at Whangaparaoa plaza (11am – 1pm) Saturday 24th

There will also be information available in the Whangaparaoa library foyer during the week of November 19th – 24th.

“We call on all men to participate in White Ribbon Day in some way this year. Family violence destroys lives and is preventable – let’s work together to keep families safe,” Ms Woolson Neville said.

There are a number of local organisations who can provide support for women and families experiencing family violence and men who are looking for support to change abusive behaviour.

Hestia Women’s Refuge provides community support, advocacy and emergency accommodation to those affected by family violence. They can be contacted by phoning: 09 425 0452 in Warkworth/Wellsford, 09 427 5154 in Orewa/Whangaparaoa, 09 420 6083 in Helensville or 0800 321 361 to reach the crisis line service.

Abuse Prevention Services provide violence prevention programmes and counselling for men, women and children and can be contacted on 09 425 8130.

Te Korowai Aroha Pūmau Inc provide programmes for men, women and children and can be contacted on 09 423 9481.

The Men and Family Centre South Kaipara provides services and programmes targeted at men, young men and their families. They can be contacted on 09 4208263.

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ENDS

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