Talk it up – a solution to domestic violence

Talk it up – that’s a solution to domestic violence according to Parekotuku Moore from the National Network of Stopping Violence Services.

Ms Moore is in Northland for the Bream Bay Community Trust Coast to Coast Motorcycle & Classic Car Run (Saturday 29 November 2008), supporting the White Ribbon day message of stopping male violence against women.

“We should applaud all men who take action against violence towards women. The 200 plus riders in the Coast to Coast Run are taking the serious message of non-violence to the Northland communities, in a very fun and visible way.”

Ms Moore is the Network’s Kaihautu - National Director Maori Development. She says domestic violence thrives in silence so it’s critical that the issue is not kept behind closed doors.

“Talk it up. Recent cases like those of Nia Glassey and Jyniah Te Awa may have had different results if whanau or friends had have spoken out or talked with those involved earlier. It may be hard or uncomfortable to start with but in the end it could save the life of your sister, or your niece, your daughter or your mother.”

Whilst the statistics show that one in three women will be subject to violence at some point in her life, Parekotuku Moore says the fact that many families are not violent needs to be celebrated too.

“Like many of the riders today, there are lots of men who are great fathers, sons, brothers, boyfriends and uncles who treat the women in their lives with respect. These men are in all of our communities and we need to recognise them for being great role models.”

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