Mayor and deputy mayor encourage Rotorua people to take White Ribbon pledge

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick and deputy mayor Dave Donaldson are urging local people to help make a stand against men’s violence towards women, as the 2013 White Ribbon campaign kicks-off today (11 November).

White Ribbon’s focus is to change attitudes and behaviours around men’s violence towards women. This year, the campaign will focus on asking men to take ‘The Pledge’ and encouraging them to build it into their daily lives.

Mayor Chadwick and Deputy Mayor Donaldson this morning signed the online White Ribbon pledge showing their commitment to the campaign.

Mayor Chadwick said mayors throughout the country are taking The Pledge ‘to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women’. She said she is proud to take the pledge and demonstrate her commitment to ending this violence.

“Violence must be eliminated. It destroys lives and prevents the most vulnerable in our society from participating in our communities,” said Mayor Chadwick.

The Pledge asks men to never ‘commit, condone or remain silent’ about violence towards women. When men take The Pledge online at www.whiteribbon.org.nz, they are provided with resources to help them take action and change attitudes and behaviours. The Pledge lets men know that thousands of New Zealanders are backing them, and support their decision to help make Aotearoa a violence-free country.

“We can all influence those around us, and saving just one life, preventing just one woman from being hospitalised or one child from experiencing violence would make the campaign worthwhile.

“I urge everyone to take The Pledge. If we all take responsibility to reduce the appalling levels of violence in our society, we can and we will make a difference.”

The Pledge can be taken online at www.whiteribbon.org.nz

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