White Ribbon Day marked at HBDHB

White Ribbon Day marked at HBDHB

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is supporting White Ribbon Day (the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) with Hawke’s Bay Hospital façade festooned with metres of white ribbon. White ribbons are also being distributed around the hospital and staff encouraged to wear them.

Community paediatrician Dr Russell Wills, says family violence is a reality in Hawke’s Bay. “Family Violence is a health issue. Children and women are most affected as victims, and the effects on their health and well-being are profound and long-lasting. Violence is never acceptable and it is a crime.”

White Ribbon Day, is commemorated worldwide on November 25, and encourages people to wear a white ribbon to show they do not tolerate or condone violence towards women. New Zealand has a high rate if family violence. One in three New Zealand women will experience partner violence in their lifetime.

HBDHB’s Family Violence Intervention Coordinator, Kara Duncan-Hewitt says HBDHB staff have been trained to support people experiencing family violence “If family violence affects you, please talk to a health professional – we can help.”

Media are invited to take photos of the hospital from Canning Road, the ribbon is highlighted with lighting at night and will remain in place until Monday. For more information and a list of some of the events go to www.whiteribbon.org.nz

ENDS

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