Mayor backs national campaign to end men's violence against women

Dunedin (Monday, 9 November 2015) – Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull is again adding his support towards a national campaign to end men's violence against women and is calling on others from throughout the city to do the same.

The White Ribbon Campaign launches today, with mayors throughout the country taking the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.

Mr Cull says he is proud to be taking the pledge and supporting the campaign.

"Violence towards women is never acceptable. Violence isn't just physical – it's also emotional or verbal behaviour used to control someone through fear.

"As a community, we need to nurture a culture that encourages respect and rejects violence.

As men, we can help to achieve this by challenging comments, statements or actions that are abusive, and by supporting those who wish to change their violent behaviour."

Mr Cull says he urges other men from throughout the city to also take the White Ribbon pledge and add their support to the campaign.

The White Ribbon Campaign also includes a week-long motorcycle ride which travels the length of the country, picking up support riders in every region along the way. The White Ribbon Ride rolls into Dunedin on Monday 23 November.

The pledge and motorcycle ride are two of a number of initiatives organised by the Families Commission-led White Ribbon Campaign. The campaign culminates on 25 November with White Ribbon Day – the international day for the elimination of violence against women.

Visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz for more information about the campaign and to sign the pledge.

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