The 111 Files: Time has come to take 'The Pledge'

Violence is any action that controls through fear

On Saturday the national launch of the White Ribbon Riders and Whanau Fun Day will be at the Village Green, Rotorua Lakefront. The event starts at 9am and will finish around midday. Everyone is welcome.

The national White Ribbon campaign is about raising awareness of violence against women and children. We know most men are not violent and all it takes is everyone working together to say enough is enough.

This year's campaign is about taking The Pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.

Locally, it's great to hear that our newly elected Mayor Steve Chadwick and Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson have pledged their support to help our community make a stand against violence towards women.

The first thing men can do to stop violence is to understand what it is and the harmful impact it has on families.

In my last article I quoted Dianne Feinstein, US Senator for California, "Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you love and think loves you in return".

If you take a moment to think about this quote you will realise it is so true.

Violence is any action that controls through fear. It can be physical or non-physical. It can happen in front of others, but is often hidden and occurs in private.

The police are just one of many agencies working collaboratively to turn the tide on family violence. Campaigns like White Ribbon challenge you to take a positive stance to prevent violence in our community.

You can also learn more about White Ribbon by going to www.whiteribbon.org.nz.

Detective Chris Nairn is the Family Violence co-ordinator for the Rotorua Area.