Waitakere Stands Against Domestic Violence
Every six minutes in New Zealand police are called to a domestic violence incident. However, reports show these call outs only represent about 15 percent of what is happening behind closed doors.
Today marks White Ribbon Day, where people wear a white ribbon to show they are against violence towards women. The international campaign is particularly aimed at men, sharing the message that domestic violence is never acceptable. It encourages men to dedicate their lives to being violence–free and teach other men to do the same. Waitakere City took part in the international day with a march of about 400 people through the city centre today. Groups represented included The Waitakere City Council, local iwi, community groups, schools, Barnardo’s, New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service, women’s groups and victim support groups. The parade was lead by the Super Maori Fullas and Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club. New Lynn Community Board member Tony Hartnett was among the marchers. He said he wanted to support the day because being violence-free is important in any community. Unitec staff member Carla Goebel was there with about six of her colleagues to march. She said awareness about domestic violence is growing and the march reflected that, however, she said she liked to see more Unitec staff there to help spread the message. “Violence in the home needs to be eliminated raising awareness is the first step in changing society for the better,” she said. Waitakere City mayor Bob Harvey spoke to the crowd after the march. “Do believe in hope,” that domestic violence will end one day, he said. He said the march might be the last his council would be involved in, due to the impending Super City structure, however, despite the disestablishment of his council, he said they were not going anywhere, but neither was domestic violence. “Domestic Violence isn’t going away. We march and hope daily but its still there.” He said it can be eradicated with community efforts. “We can do it; each and every person here is an ambassador in our community.” He urged the crowd to go out and make a difference in their communities to speak out against domestic violence.