"Six months later, I and some of my fellow staff members, have been pleased to learn that the message is having a profound impact on those we're trying to reach out to and help.
"We've had visitors to the hospital and people in the community tell us that when they read 'Stand up, speak out about family violence. It's ok to ask for help' they found the strength to leave an abusive relationship and seek help," Ms Cossey said.
People who haven't experienced family violence have also congratulated the WDHB for making a stand.
Ms Cossey said she applauded the WDHB for getting behind the shirts and saying yes to staff wanting to wear them year-round.
"Family violence is an issue people need to think about every day, and not just on White Ribbon Day. It's an issue that affects people of all ages and in all corners of our society for whom the consequences can be far-reaching.
"I'm very proud we have staff who want to do all they can to stop family violence and proud we have men and women on our staff getting behind the cause."
Organisations who can help and support those affected include:
•Family Works
•New Zealand Police
•Ministry for Vulnerable Children - Oranga Tamariki
•Tupoho - Iwi and community social services Trust
•Whanganui Safe & Free
•Age Concern
•Jigsaw
•Te Oranganui
•RISE Stopping Violence programme
•Women's Refuge.
Whanganui DHB is a member of the Violence Intervention Network (VIN) which includes 42 membership agencies who meet monthly to discuss the work being undertaken in Whanganui to reduce family violence.