KEY POINTS:
Local bobbies will join thousands of other New Zealanders in sporting white ribbons this weekend to mark the international day for elimination of violence against women.
White Ribbon Day is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
This year 400,000 ribbons have been distributed to community groups, government agencies and individuals nationwide to use during a week of events leading up to the campaign.
Southern police district commander, Superintendent George Fraser, said police knew from the vast majority of family violence events they attended that women were the primary victims.
"This fact is reflected in the deaths and injuries inflicted on the women and children of New Zealand.
"All of us in this community need to be part of the solution, not only for women, but for the children and the men who suffer violence in our midst."
Families Commission chief commissioner Rajen Prasad said by wearing a white ribbon men showed their respect for women.
The New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey 2006 found that 26 per cent of women can expect to experience violence by a male partner during their lifetime.
New Zealand had an unenviable family violence record with each year about 3000 men convicted for assaulting women and roughly 14 women killed by a male member of their family.
"By pinning on the ribbon, men show they do not support, condone or commit violence against women," Mr Prasad said.
Relationship Services chief executive Jeff Sanders said the organisation had seen an increase in the number of people seeking help as a result of the campaign against family violence.
"People are talking about what is okay behaviour at home, at work, and in the community.
"They are promoting and joining in with White Ribbon Day activities across the country, and many are also seeking help with their own behaviour," Mr Sanders said.
" We all know that violent behaviour is not okay, it's great to watch the ground swell of everyday New Zealanders saying that."
- NZPA
