WHITE RIBBON Keep our families safe from violence
The year is flying by and we’re now into November which means it’s the time to promote and talk about White Ribbon Day [WRD].
November 25 is the international day for WRD for the elimination of men’s violence towards women, but it’s important to note that Thursday November 22 is the day for central Taranaki.
Eltham Primary School will be hosting an event for students from around the area. There will be fun games and activities, free barbecue and drinks, water slides, fire truck rides, and increasing our general awareness of the problem.
It starts at 12.30pm for the students, and is open to the public from 3pm until 4.30pm
The popular Street Relay event in New Plymouth will be held on Friday November 23. The event kicks off at noon and finishes at 1pm with prize giving and a free barbecue, so please come and support the campaign.
The aim of the day world-wide is to end the violence by encouraging men to lead by example and talk to other men. Violence towards women is unacceptable. Violence comes in many forms and is defined as physical, emotional and verbal behaviour used to control someone through fear.
The campaign pledge this year is to E TU¯ or to STAND UP — “I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence towards women”.
It’s all about encouraging men to stand up and commit to the following.
■ Talk to women about their experiences with men — and believe what they tell you.
■ Ask myself how I’ve treated women, and how I can behave more respectfully.
■ Disrupt other men when they disrespect or threaten women.
■ Treat women as equals in everything I do.
■ Choose how I will be a man and how I will act.
■ Talk with a young man about ‘breaking out of the man box’.
■ Think about what I’m watching and the media I use.
■ Talk with young men about respectful relationships and porn.
Taranaki Safe Families Trustsupports this campaign by being involved in some key events leading up to White Ribbon Day. The Waitara Champions ran the Motorcycle Poker Run on November 17. The ride started at the Waitara RSA, around the mountain, arriving back in Waitara at 4pm.