NATIONAL COLLECTIVE of
INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S REFUGES INC.

MEDIA RELEASE – 7 MARCH 2008

Men Urged To Make A Pledge To Stop Domestic Violence

Women’s Refuge is calling for all men to honour women tomorrow by making a personal commitment to help curb the country’s epidemic of domestic violence.

Tomorrow marks International Women’s Day, but Women’s Refuge says while it is a day to celebrate the achievements of women, it is also a time to acknowledge the terrible reality of many women’s lives.

The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuge, Heather Henare, says one of the greatest issues facing New Zealand is the appalling level of domestic violence.

“We’re seeing an average of 14 women killed every year in domestic violence homicides, and countless others are being injured and scarred for life.”

“While some women will be out tomorrow having fun with their kids or coffee with friends or family, many other women will be nursing the results of what their partner inflicted on them the night before.”

“This isn’t just about the physical abuse they receive, but the psychological terror and abuse that they face day after day.”

Ms Henare says while everyone in the community has a role to play in eliminating violence, it is something men in particular must take a strong lead in.

“Whether it’s about their own violence, their mate’s violence or a neighbour’s violence, they need to be doing something to stop it and to keep women and children safe.”

“At the moment we’re seeing men on ads on television admitting to their pasts when it comes to domestic violence and having the guts to make changes.

“I want to see other men doing the same and saying loudly and clearly that this behaviour is NOT OK.”

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