Violence against women and children is, unfortunately, something we deal with all too frequently.

Today (25 November) is White Ribbon Day, providing an important reminder to the community to be aware of this frightening issue.

White Ribbon is the world’s largest male-led movement to end men’s violence against women.

As a community, it’s up to all of us to be on the lookout for signs of abuse, and to support victims in seeking help and taking action against the offender.

I’m proud to be an Ambassador for White Ribbon Day, doing my bit to raise awareness. Every action we take, no matter how small it may seem, will serve to improve the situation faced by victims
of violence.

It will help to send a very clear message that violence will not be tolerated, and that victims will receive all the support they need. If everyone is vigilant, it will empower victims. Prevention of violence is the ultimate aim.

The vast majority of violence against women still happens in the home, and is committed by a husband, partner or boyfriend.

As police officers, we have witnessed many examples of family violence situations.

These examples include the very worst of human behaviour.

The message of White Ribbon Day is to say that as a community that we reject such violence.

As an organisation, we’ve made huge improvements in how we respond to and deal with family violence.

We work more closely with other government departments and community-based organisations but we know we can’t solve the problem simply through law enforcement.

As a community we need to create an environment where violence is unacceptable between friends, between family members, at home, at school or in the community.

We must address power imbalances between men and women and promote ways of being a man that values respect, non-violence and equality.

I think that education programmes and role models for young boys are particularly useful in tackling violence against women and creating attitudes of respect. Parents should be responsible for “setting an example” and should be supported in developing children’s skills and attitudes.

Collectively we can and are showing how things should be different; to enhance the knowledge, skills and values of young people to foster respectful relationships.

D L Hine
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

Further information is available on the White Ribbon Day website.