Monday, November 24, 2008
Too often we hear of acts of senseless violence perpetrated by men against woman.
Sadly many of these incidences happen here in the Hutt Valley.
It is an unpleasant reality but one that we must face up to.
In 2007 police in Hutt Valley responded to 2,074 cases of family violence.
Men were responsible for nearly all of them, and many involved violence against women.
That is 2,074 cases too much.
Well, today we are taking a stand.
Today we are saying enough is enough.
Today we sign a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.
It is not okay to hit your girlfriend, spouse or wife.
Nor is it okay to protect those who commit such a vile and cowardly act.
Nor is okay to turn and look the other way, rather than challenge the behaviour.
There must be zero tolerance for violence against women.
I hope today raises awareness of the problem in our community.
I also hope it encourages those who commit violence against women to seek help and make the change to non-violence.
Women have a fundamental right, as does everyone in our society, to live free from the fear of violence.
I want to thank all those that have joined today’s march, your support for White Ribbon Day, and for your rejection of violence towards woman.
I also want to thank the organisers – the Family Safety Team.
I wholeheartedly support the White Ribbon Day campaign, as do my council colleagues.
Hutt Valley will be a better place, and a safer place, when violence against women is eliminated.
Today’s march and the signing of the pledge is the latest step in achieving that goal.
Thank you.