Police staff from around the Bay of Plenty District will be showing their support at a number of White Ribbon events this week to reinforce their stand against family violence.
White Ribbon Day (25 November) is the United Nations International Day for the elimination of violence against women and the wearing of a white ribbon has been adopted as the international symbol of opposition to such violence.
Prevention manager for the Bay of Plenty District, Inspector Scott Fraser, said: “Family violence remains a daily priority for police, but we know that incidents still go unreported and White Ribbon Day is the valuable opportunity to remind people of the importance of taking a stand. For us to effectively help victims, prevent violence and hold offenders to account, we need family, friends and the wider community to speak out.
“We encourage everyone to join in the conversation about family violence, recognise the behaviours that might indicate someone is suffering at the hands of violence and then act by seeking help for victims. With this united approach we will teach our future generations that violence and abuse of any kind is not acceptable.”
The community can also join police at a variety of White Ribbon events around the district. It is an opportunity to show support for the cause and to find out what support services are available in an informal, anonymous and non-judgemental environment. Among the events are:
· Tomorrow morning at 10.30am (Tuesday, 25 November) there will be a march against violence in the Opotiki.
· On Thursday, 27 November at 3pm you can head to the Mitchell Park, Whakatane, where there will be a whole range of activities for all ages including bouncy castle, a vintage fire engine and a tug-of-war competition. Motorcyclists taking part in the annual White Ribbon Ride across New Zealand will also be travelling through Opotiki at lunchtime and will stop at the Mitchell Park event.
· Between 10am and 2pm on Friday, 28 November community event will be held at the Ron Hardie recreation centre. There will be live music, fire engine rides and various other stalls and activities. Motorcyclists from the White Ribbon Ride will attend this event. Those motorcyclists then head onto Fraser Cove in Tauranga for another community event and tug-of-war competition at 5pm Friday; which is in its 5th year. Among the activities will be live performances, a kids’ fun zone, barbecue, prizes and giveaways.
· On Saturday, 29 November, members of the Rotorua community are being encouraged to take part in a 4km bicycle ride through the town. Riders are asked to dress in black-and-white and meet at the Village Green at the Lakefront at 10am. Children must have an adult with them for this event. Then from 11am until 3pm there will be a host of fun activities on the village green for all of the family as well as a visit by the White Ribbon riders up.
Remember violence is not OK, but it is OK to ask for help, so if you are the victim of violence or you know someone who is being abused speak out. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger call 111. Women's Refuge Crisis Line also offers a 24hr helpline service on 0800 REFUGE.
There are a number of other national and local support services that can provide useful help and advice.
For more information about where to get help and how you can help if you know someone affected by family violence go to www.areyouok.org.nz or call 0800 456 450.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.