MEDIA RELEASE 24 NOVEMBER 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jigsaw Encourages Men to Support White Ribbon Day

Jigsaw is right behind White Ribbon Day on Saturday 25 November says Mr Tau Huirama, Jigsaw CEO Strategic Relations.

White Ribbon Day is about creating awareness about eliminating men’s violence towards women. This is symbolised by encouraging men to wear white ribbons.

“At Jigsaw we hope that men will stand for hope and safety of their partners and children, and show their support by proudly wearing a white ribbon” Mr Huirama says.

“We want men to not only challenge each other, but support each other to change any attitudes and behaviors that condone or support any violence towards women and children.”

Mr Huirama wants men to be aware of the effect that violence on women has on any children who are present when the violence occurs.

“You hurt your partner you also hurt your child. Most children love their dads, they don’t like being made fearful of them. It is often overlooked that children who witness any violence in their families are indeed being abused themselves. It has a huge effect emotionally on a child if they see their mum being abused. Sometimes a child can get caught up in the violence as well. It can result in the male caregivers taking out their anger or their abuse on the child at the same time.”

White Ribbon Day started in Canada 15 years ago. Since then it was officially adopted by the United Nations as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

ENDS

© Scoop Media