Lining up behind the White Ribbon

We have two versions of this year’s White Ribbon Day poster – we wanted to show as broad a range of men as possible were involved with the campaign.

Take a look at all the White Ribbon posters.

 

Chef Steve Logan

Steve, of Wellington's Logan Brown Restaurant and co-host of the television programme Hunger for the Wild, says "The thought of a woman and her family living in fear of their husband, partner, or father hits me in the pit of my stomach. A real man's role is to take care of his family.

"Men can be role models for their sons, mates, and family. Men can speak up when they suspect the violence is occurring rather than turn a blind eye or consider it is not their business. Not acting is actually supporting the behaviour. Men can promote non-violence in sports clubs and work places to establish what is acceptable not only to their mates, but to all New Zealanders."

He says, "People on the edges of families in violent situations should be encouraged to speak up. Men who are abusing their partners need to know their behaviour is wrong, and their victims need to know they have choices and that there are systems and people to support them."

Presbyterian Minister Les Solomona

Les joined the campaign to encourage other Samoan men to show they don't condone violence and that they are willing to support women who are being abused.

"In our culture, it is not acceptable to hurt women, but it can be difficult for some women to challenge the traditional authority of men and speak out against their husbands. I want to encourage other Samoan men to show their support for these women."

 

Musician and public servant Ruaridh Morrison

Ruaridh says for him, taking part in the campaign is a very personal statement.

"I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where there was no violence whatsoever, and that's the way I want myself and my family to live," he said.

 

 

Chartered accountant Andrew Law

Andrew Law, who is a father of two, says "Violence against women, domestic violence in particular, should not be tolerated in modern day New Zealand society, regardless of your culture and background. It is not just socially unacceptable, it is a crime and a disgrace.

"We must break the silence and encourage victims and their families to reach out for help. There is excellent support available to them, and to the men who want to change their behaviour."

 

Personal trainer Daley Tapa

Daley says for him it's about taking care of the next generations.  "This is about stopping violence so they are okay.

You have to be straight up with the guys doing this. I'd step in to stop a mate if he was acting in this way. You've got to show the guys what they are doing is wrong but at the same time still give them your support as your mate, and be there to help them."

 

Student Nelson Curry

Nelson says "As a child, my father never lifted a finger in anger against my mother or any other woman. His supportive attitude built a happy and safe home environment. His beliefs encouraged my views against violence towards women. When I was given the opportunity to become involved in the White Ribbon campaign, I saw it as a chance to speak for the youth of New Zealand, and show my belief that every person, young or old, has the right to a safe, violence-free, home.

I also feel strongly about youth involvement in aising awareness of issues such as family violence.  It is all very well to have adult support, but if the youth do not equally participate in creating a solution then the issue will continue in the future generations - my generation and my children's generation. I encourage every individual, regardless of their background, ethnicity, age, or occupation, to wear a ribbon and show their support the White Ribbon Campaign.  Every voice is important."

 

Firefighter Trevor Tofts

Trevor said taking part in the campaign was an easy decision.  “There is no excuse, no reason, ever, for using violence against a woman”.

 

 

 

Peter Gerrie – manager and grandfather

"The measure of a man is not in his ability to physically dominate women, but rather in his ability to nurture his family – I support White Ribbon Day because violence against women and children is one of the most debilitating factors facing New Zealand today."

 

 

 

All Whites and Wellington Phoenix striker Vaughan Coveny

Vaughan, who is the father of two young children, says violence against women is a serious issue in New Zealand and around the world and it’s important that men get involved in efforts to end it.

“Like many men, I haven’t experienced family violence. Growing up, I was aware it happened in other families but it’s not until you get older you understand how damaging it can be. As a father and husband I do my best to keep my family safe, and I want to do what I can for people who are not so lucky. We can all reach out to offer our help and support to people we know who are in an abusive situation.“

 

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