Media release

7.00am, Tuesday 25 November 2008

White Ribbon Day a time for reflection

White Ribbon Day is a time for reflection, Chair of Te Kahui Mana Ririki, Dr Hone Kaa said in Wellington this morning.

'This day is an international call to action. We are asking men to take responsibility for the violence which we perpetuate against women. I believe that this violence is a continuum of behaviours that ranges from put downs and verbal abuse through to the assault, maiming and killing of women.'

'Whatever the expression, this violence is absolutely unacceptable and must stop.'

Dr Kaa said that awareness about these issues is increasing exponentially.

'Men are now taking responsibility for this most serious issue. There has been huge growth in the men's movement and the services that support men who have anger management issues.'

'Men are the forefront of the ministry of Social Development's It's not OK campaign. The stories of role models like Alfred Ngaro, George Ashby, Brain Gardner, and Vic Tamati are touching the hearts of all New Zealand families.'

'When women are safe our children are safe. We must continue to focus on the needs of our most vulnerable.'

'My hope is that men continue to learn how to be nurturers in our whanau, and I look forward to the day when all New Zealand whanau are violence-free.'

Te Kahui Mana Ririki is a national Maori child advocacy body. Next week the organisation will commence anti-smacking workshops with iwi around the country.

'We need to re-train Maori parents who are in the habit of using physical discipline.'

'We are also working with Maori politicians to develop a cross-party approach to child maltreatment and have other communications initiatives under development.'

'We are determined to eliminate Maori child maltreatment.'

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