Police seeking support against home violence

Police are hoping to see the community band together again and show support for stopping violence against women and will be highlighting the issue today.

To raise awareness of White Ribbon Day next Wednesday, men from around the district will be gathering at the Strathallan St/Stafford St corner at midday today.

Timaru police senior constable Steve Wills said it was about raising awareness and stopping violence against women, a move symbolised by the white ribbon.

He urged anyone in the area to make an appearance and collect a ribbon.

"It's about saying 'we're against violence in the home'."

Last year about 5000 white ribbons were distributed throughout the district, which showed attitudes towards family violence were changing, Mr Wills said.

About five years ago, the appeal fell on many deaf ears, with a number of people in the community not willing to accept that family violence was even a problem in the district, he added.

- © Fairfax NZ News