Mayor Launches Marlborough's White Ribbon Campaign

The White Ribbon Campaign to end men’s violence against women was today launched throughout New Zealand with Mayor Alistair Sowman endorsing Marlborough’s community response.

‘I’m proud to take part in the White Ribbon Campaign says the Mayor. ‘Violence against women is unacceptable, and as a community leader I want to play my part in ending this violence.’

The 2012 White Ribbon Campaign was launched throughout New Zealand with Mayors putting their signatures on a pledge to never commit or condone or remain silent about violence towards women. The signatures will be displayed on 25 November on the international White Ribbon Day.

‘On average, 14 women die and over 3,500 men are convicted for assaults on women every year. Those women are our mothers, daughters, sisters, female workmates and colleagues,’ says Mayor Sowman ‘As a community, we must take responsibility to end this violence, and that is why I and many other Mayors throughout New Zealand are putting our names on the White Ribbon pledge.’

‘Violence so often starts in the home and that makes it a community problem. Our council has always taken violence seriously, and the White Ribbon Campaign is a chance to talk about the issues openly and honestly. Local police attend up to 20 family violence incidents each week and up to 40 in Christmas week. If we can reduce that number by working with the White Ribbon Campaign then we must take this opportunity. Change needs to occur in every community across New Zealand. So I’m joining with my Mayoral colleagues and signing the White Ribbon Pledge to add my voice to this important campaign,’ says Mayor Sowman.

The White Ribbon Pledge is one of a number of initiatives organised by the Families Commission-led White Ribbon Campaign. The pledge brings together New Zealanders throughout the country in a united show of support to end violence against women. As this support grows for a violence-free future, the White Ribbon Campaign hopes to encourage men to take a stand and show they’re man enough to end violence. To sign the pledge simply visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz

‘We want this campaign to talk to people that are outside the tent,’ says Chief Families Commissioner, Carl Davidson. ‘There are many passionate people throughout the country working to reduce violence, but we need to connect with the many good men that simply don’t believe this problem affects them.’

‘While there’s no violence in my family, I could easily say this issue doesn’t affect me. But I have two daughters, and one day, I might have grandchildren. I don’t need any other reason to make ending violence against women my responsibility. And that goes for nearly every man I know. We all have women in our lives, and to shrug our shoulders and say this violence only affects others is a cop out.’

‘By standing up and not remaining passive bystanders, we can influence our friends, our mates and work colleagues. Are we man enough to stop violence towards women – I’d like to think so,’ says Mr Davidson.