White Ribbon Day is an international event held on the 25 November each year and designed to raise awareness of family violence by asking men to be part of the solution.
The main Christchurch event is one of a number of regional and national activities being held around New Zealand and is aimed at encouraging construction workers and tradies who wear hi-vis every day to take a stand against violence alongside other members of the community.
Superintendent John Price says people wear hi-vis to stay safe while working in hazardous environments and we are using this symbolism to highlight the harmful effects family violence has on the community and that any form of violence is ‘not ok’. “We encourage the community and those working in the city to come to Cathedral Square tomorrow lunchtime, 12.30pm, and take a hi-vis break so they can stand together against violence.”
“The BBQ will be fired up in the square so you can grab a burger and find out what you can do to help stop violence in our communities. The event in Cathedral Square will run from 12.30-1.30pm on Wednesday (25 November). Members of the LSV will march onto the square and form up on the south-side prior to the Karakia at 12.30pm. This will be followed by short keynotes by Sir Mark Solomon, Todd Blackadder, Hon Amy Adams and Superintendent John Price and end with a Haka by the LSV. Zion will continue to entertain participants until the event finishes at 1.30pm”
There are lots of other events being held across the District to mark White Ribbon Day including a street march in Ashburton, presentations at schools in North and South Canterbury, White Ribbon themed cupcakes and visits by the White Ribbon Riders.
Canterbury Police and partner agencies in the District are taking a whole of family approach to family violence by working with affected families.
“In the lead up to Christmas Operation Bright Hope, a Police led initiative taking a holistic approach to family violence prevention and intervention, has had a positive impact on many affected families. White Ribbon Day is a great way to raise public awareness that violence is ‘not ok’ and find out how you can help someone who you think may be at risk” explains Superintendent Price.
“Wear your white ribbon with pride and if you can’t come along to one of the organised events take a few minutes to stop what you are doing and think how you can make a difference and stop violence in your community.”
The White Ribbon Day awareness campaign in Cathedral Square is being run in partnership by Canterbury Police, Canterbury District Health Board, Canterbury Family Violence Collaboration, Christchurch City Council, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Social Development.
ENDS
Issued by: Canterbury Police District Communications Manager, Lisa-Marie Brooks
