Time for Action Against Violence
Acknowledging the emotional and physical scars family violence can have on young children - not only at the time, but
throughout their lives - is a responsibility adults must face up to, according to Angela Baldwin, Plunket’s General
Manager Clinical Services.
“The Week Without Violence campaign is an opportunity to speak out against violence. It is about Society making a stand
on behalf of women and children who are facing intimidation and violence in their lives. The first priority is that the
violence against them stops.”
“It is time society acknowledged the everyday realities of women and young children affected by physical, verbal and
mental violence. We can start by challenging ourselves to live without violence – beginning with this week.
“Feeling safe and loved when we are very young has benefits that carry right on through our lives and into adulthood,”
says Angela Baldwin.
The Week without Violence campaign started in the United States in 1995, and this is the third year the campaign has run
here in New Zealand.
‘Saying no to violence’ is this year’s theme for Voices against Violence: YWCA Week Without Violence to be held around
the country, from Guy Fawkes Day, 5 November to Armistice Day, 11 November.
The purpose of the week is to heighten awareness of the problem and to generate increased political and financial
support for alternatives to violence in homes, schools, workplaces and on the streets.
The campaign, led by the YWCA, has been collectively organised by a wide range of national community organisations and
government departments – including the Police, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Youthline and Plunket.