Local Events To Mark Two Awareness Days

Violence and abuse come under the spotlight in Nelson with events planned to mark two international awareness days this month.

The World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse is on 19th November and aims to create a culture of prevention of child abuse. Nelson Coordinator Gina Lyon says that local organizations are joining together to work for the promotion and protection of the rights of the child.

“In 2005 we held a morning of fun events for families with information and advice on positive parenting,” said Ms Lyon. “This year we have increased our membership and will be holding a mini-carnival at the top of Trafalgar Street with lots of free activities, music and entertainment - aiming to promote an environment of prevention with information on local support agencies and positive parenting.”

A week later on November 25 is White Ribbon Day where people are asked to make a personal pledge to not commit, condone nor remain silent about violence against women and children.

There will be a march from NMIT to the Church Steps. Organisers, Julie Smith and Nikita Kay say they chose a march because they wanted a show of support and to encourage people to stop turning a blind eye to domestic violence.

“We really want to raise awareness about family violence in Nelson. It’s as much a problem in Nelson as it is anywhere in New Zealand and we hope that by encouraging men to turn up and march it will send a clear message to other men that it is not OK to use violence against women,” Julie says.

Nikita Kay says they’ve had a good response from many organizations. but really want men to support the march.

“The more men involved the more powerful the message and the greater the opportunity to encourage change,” Nikita says.

White Ribbon Day was started by a men’s movement in Canada in 1991 and has been officially adopted by United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Marchers will assemble at 11.30am on Sunday 25th November on the NMIT campus and will march to the cathedral steps at 12 noon. There will also be entertainment and spot prizes on the 1903 site. Members of the student body SANITI are showing their support for the White Ribbon Day march by providing a BBQ, a PA and posters.

ENDS

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