Latest News Taranaki Base Hospital draped in white ribbons to show violence towards women is never OK
21 November 2014
Taranaki DHB is supporting the week of White Ribbon Day, Tuesday 25 November, with the addition of three large (18 metre) white ribbon banners on the outside of the new Base Hospital, near the main entrance.
Marianne Pike, Violence Intervention Coordinator said, “These banners will really help to draw attention to White Ribbon Day - the international day when people wear a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence towards women.”
Callum Williamson, Coordinator for the Taranaki Safer Families Trust, who are leading the White Ribbon Campaign for Taranaki said, “Family violence is endemic within New Zealand and we all need to do our part. We really appreciate the hard work the Taranaki DHB are putting in to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign.”
“We want people to understand and share the message that violence towards women is never OK. This includes not only physical violence but emotional or verbal behavior used to control someone through fear,” added Mr Williamson.
Just inside the main entrance the ‘Lost Child’ art exhibition will also be on display for the week. The exhibition features work from WITT Art Student Deon Roodt, and Inglewood High School students which depicts the effects of family violence on children.
“Taranaki DHB staff will be available in the main entrance to explain the white ribbon banners and provide more information about the White Ribbon Campaign and art exhibition,” said Ms Pike.
“White ribbon pins and biscuits will also be handed out at the Base Hospital main and maternity entrances, as well as the Hawera Hospital main entrance, throughout the week.”
“In addition to supporting the White Ribbon Campaign, the Taranaki DHB, through our Violence Intervention Program (VIP), is committed to reducing and preventing the health impacts of violence and abuse through early identification, support, assessment and referral of victims presenting at our hospitals to specialist community organisations,” adds Ms Pike.
About the White Ribbon Campaign
Violence is endemic within New Zealand with one in three women experiencing violence from a partner in their lifetime, while on average, fourteen women are killed each year by a member of their own family.
White Ribbon Day on 25 November celebrates the many men willing to show leadership and commitment to promoting safe, healthy relationships within families. It also encourages men to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviours that are abusive.
As part of the White Ribbon Campaign men are asked to take The Pledge - to never condone or remain silent about violence towards women: www.whiteribbon.org.nz/act/the-pledge/
The White Ribbon Campaign originated as a men’s movement in Canada and is now part of the United Nations annual calendar. The Families Commission took a leadership role in New Zealand in 2006 and the campaign now focuses on the whole of November, culminating on 25 November – White Ribbon Day.
Where to find help for family violence:
- It’s Not OK 0800 456 450
- Women’s Refuge 0800 733 843; or visit the websites:
- www.nnsvs.org.nz
- www.areyouok.org.nz
For more information please call –
Cressida Gates, Media Advisor, Ph 027 703 6177
Last updated: Monday, November 24, 2014