Community urged to discuss violence

SAFETY PLEDGE: Sharon Morgan (left) and Sheryl Mai signing the White Ribbon Campaign pledge calling for individuals and communities not to put up with family violence. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Whangarei's top two civic leaders are telling their community to stop putting up with and helping hide domestic violence.

Mayor Sheryl Mai and Deputy Mayor Sharon Morgan are leading Whangarei's community response to this month's White Ribbon campaign against family violence by signing the White Ribbon She is one of many mayors launching the 2015 campaign in their own region by signing the White Ribbon pledge which promises never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.

"I urge everyone to be part of that, just as council is by working actively with organisations, including the police," Ms Mai said.

"The White Ribbon Campaign is a chance for people to talk openly about the issue, sign the pledge themselves, and talk to police, a trusted friend or an organisation such as Women's Refuge if they or someone they know is subjected to family violence," she said.

Ms Morgan also signed the pledge to highlight the issue of family violence in Whangarei.

"Too many of our women are impacted by domestic abuse in all its forms," Ms Morgan said.

"These are our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and work colleagues, and as a community we must support them."

This year's White Ribbon campaign focuses on men saying "Yes" to respecting women, giving them space, talking disagreements out, asking first and questioning their own behaviour. The month-long annual campaign, culminates on White Ribbon Day, November 25.