Deputy Commissioner of the NZ Police, Rob Pope, will join police staff and members of the Families Commission at the Wellington Railway Station tomorrow morning to hand out white ribbons to early morning commuters.
"By wearing the white ribbon, you are taking a stand against violence and supporting the many organisations working to prevent violence in our homes and communities."
"I urge people to wear the ribbon tomorrow, but to support the message it stands for, all year round," said Mr Pope.
Over 12,000 ribbons have been distributed to Police staff to wear and to hand out to members of the public for White Ribbon Day which is recognised by the United Nations as the international day for the Elimination of Violence towards Women.
Police will be out in force throughout the country in support of the day, taking to streets and malls to hand out ribbons, fire-up BBQs for sausage sizzles, and to take part in organised community events.
Police attended over 73,000 family violence occurrences In 2008/09 financial year. In most cases women were the primary victims. This is also reflected in the deaths and injuries inflicted on women and children.
Police are working closely with many organisations like Women's Refuge, Victim Support, the National Network of Stopping Violence Services and many others, in raising awareness of this issue by supporting the international White Ribbon Day.
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