“New Zealand has a shameful record of child abuse and mortality and most child abuse occurs within the context of family violence. Most family violence is perpetrated by males against females and children. Protection of children from violence and abuse is a key priority for Save the Children New Zealand, which is why we are supporting the “White Ribbon” campaign. We are hopeful that the campaign will increase New Zealanders’ intolerance of violence against women and encourage people to take action when needed.” - John Bowis, Executive Director, Save the Children NZ

About the White Ribbon Day Campaign

Family violence causes death, injury and fear. It causes families to break up, and jeopardises children's health, education and social outcomes.

White Ribbon Day is the international day when people wear a white ribbon to show they don’t tolerate or condone men’s violence towards women. It also promotes the positive action that men can take to show their support for the elimination of violence towards women.

The White Ribbon Day campaign was started by a men’s movement in Canada in 1991, and has been officially adopted by the United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

It was introduced to New Zealand by UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women); they, together with community and Government organisations are working closely together to make this year’s event even more successful than last year.

White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviour that condone, support, or tolerate violence towards women.

Family Violence and link to Child Abuse

Most child abuse occurs within the context of family violence. The impact of children witnessing family violence can have serious consequences on them, including psychological and emotional problems, cognitive function problems, and physical problems. Five times as many children who live in homes where spousal or partner violence is evident are themselves at risk of being abused, or at the worst being killed.

The situation in New Zealand is critical. On average, 14 women, 6 men, and 10 children are killed by a family member every year. Police deal with more than 70,000 family violence calls a year - those are only the cases that are reported.

What You Can Do

• wear a White Ribbon to show your support
• encourage others in your organisation, family/whanau, community, street, or workplace to wear a white ribbon
• place a White Ribbon poster up at your workplace
• spread the word about the White Ribbon campaign and its aims
• organise a local event to speak out against violence towards women
• challenge attitudes and behaviour which condone or tolerate violence - visit: www.areyouok.org.nz

www.whiteribbon.org.nz has more information and a calendar of White Ribbon events around the country. To register your event, send details to jade.lock@nzfamilies.org.nz