Police saddle up for victims

Wairarapa police will push themselves out of their comfort zones when they take on a 100km cycle around the region this week to raise awareness of violence against women.

Wairarapa area commander Brent Register said the team of seven police officers would cycle from the Masterton station to Martinborough on Friday morning as part of the White Ribbon Cycle Ride.

They will then make their way back to town via Featherston, Greytown and Carterton on the approximate 100km route.

Some would cycle the whole way, while others would join in at different points.

He said it was important for police to push themselves to show their support for a violence-free community.

"If we can come out of our comfort zone and do something like this, hopefully they can come out of their comfort zone and stop being violent towards women," said Mr Register.

Detective Sergeant Bill van Woerkom said: "Preventing family violence is at the heart of what we do."

Mr Register said there had been an increase in family violence reports in the last year, which was a positive step.

"They're showing the first step of wanting to get out of that circumstance," he said.

The group will leave Masterton at 8am and aim to be in the town by noon for White Ribbon celebrations in Library Square.

Violence Free Network Wairarapa co-ordinator Gerry Brooking said about 20 teams were competing in a relay race this year, and there would also be stalls and a free sausage sizzle from 11am.

She said it was great the police were showing their support for the cause.

"They take family violence seriously and it's a major social issue for Wairarapa," she said.

"It's certainly part of the community effort to reduce violence."