16 days of activism challenges Hamilton
This week people throughout Hamilton and New Zealand are wearing white ribbons to show they do not tolerate or condone
violence against women.
Hamilton’s White Ribbon Day Celebration will take place in Garden Place from 11am-2pm on 23 November. The event will
launch 16 Days of Activism - a series of events aimed to support abuse victims and encourage men to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviour
that condone, support and tolerate violence towards women.
New Zealand has a high rate of men's violence towards women. Last year the police recorded 63,000 family violence
incidents. In 2004 there were just over 3,100 convictions recorded against men for assaults on a woman and a 2001
national victims of crime study showed that close to one in five women experienced sexual assault or sexual interference
at some point in their lives.
Physical abuse is the most obvious form of violence but many people don’t realise that threatening and controlling
behaviour, psychological and sexual abuse are violence too.
Addressing family violence is a critical dimension to Hamilton’s Social Wellbeing Strategy. In co-operation with other
key social development agencies Hamilton City Council is working towards the vision of a city where family violence is
not tolerated.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock says, “Family violence in any form is simply not acceptable. Respect, equality and safety are
key to strong and healthy relationships and our children learn from us. We must set an example, show them how to show
these qualities and how to know they deserve them.”
“The community have an opportunity to reinforce these important messages by participating in the events taking place
over the next couple of weeks.”
Local musicians and Waikato Chiefs players Richard Kahui, Toby Lynn, and Mark Burman will take part in tomorrow’s
celebration, which aims to let Hamilton know violence must be addressed.
For more information and a list of events see http://www.hamilton.co.nz/index.aspx?404;http://www.hamilton.co.nz/news/pageid/2145836573
ENDS