White ribbon race breaks silence on violence

ROSS GIBLIN/ The Dominion Post

FOR THE CAUSE: A White Ribbon Day team makes its way along Lambton Quay to Civic Square.

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Tied together by white ribbons, 200 men have run through Wellington in protest at family violence.

Their race marked White Ribbon Day, otherwise known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. White ribbons are the international symbol of non-violence.

Eighteen teams of men were tied together with 50-metre strips of white ribbon yesterday as they ran from Lambton Quay to Civic Square.

Wellington Maori radio station Te Upoko O Te Ika cleared the office, as its team of six – ranging in age from 30 to the 70s – took part.

Team member Henare Kingi said the outcome of the race was irrelevant.

"The white ribbon and all about it [is] what we're here for. It's not so much for the fun, it's about being here for the kaupapa."

Event co-ordinator Susie Colien-Reid said participation in the event, which had been organised to promote positive male role models in the community and work place, had been drummed up by the men themselves.

"The men encouraged and organised other men to take part and train up ... they took it really seriously."

She was surprised by the momentum that the run had gathered, especially among leaders, with a few CEOs taking part.

"It just seemed like every man in Wellington wanted to take part. I had so many people ringing up at the last minute."

The race was intended to raise awareness of violence that thrived on a "culture of silence", she said.

"Silence is the best breeding ground for family violence."

Former All Black Norm Hewitt spoke at the event about creating a supportive community environment that would help men to stop resorting to family violence.

"My real challenge to you is not just about wearing that ribbon once a year, it's about wearing it every day."

The army won the event, followed by the ASB Bank and the Health Ministry.

A RECORD OF VIOLENCE

* There were 23 murders related to family violence between January and August, including nine of children.

* One in three women – and one in five men – will experience family violence.

* On average, 14 women a year are killed by their partners or former partners.

* There are 3500 convictions a year for assaults on women.

* One in five women is sexually assaulted at least once in her life.

* Police statistics show a 15 per cent increase in family violence offences in 2007-08, with more than 86,000 complaints.

- © Fairfax NZ News