White Ribbon Day not just for Jake the Muss

This White Ribbon Day, people are being reminded that domestic violence is not always committed by Jake the Muss.

The awareness day was created following the mass shooting of 14 women at the University of Montreal Campus on December 6, 1999. The day is designed to raise awareness and to encourage men to be part of the solution ending violence towards women.

In Tauranga, a fun family White Ribbon Tug of War and Motorbike Display will take place this Friday. The free event begins at 5.30pm at Fraser Cover Shopping Centre.

Shine, New Zealand's leading provider of services working to stop domestic abuse, has come on board to break the stereotype of perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Aaron Steedman, Shine no excuses programme coordinator, said many forms of emotional and physical abuse caused fear, suffering and anxiety for people - our friends, sisters, wives and daughters.

"We encourage men to talk about the relationship between their beliefs, thoughts, feelings and violence. Most men have managed to convince themselves that their violence is about losing control. The programme helps these men understand that their violence is actually about gaining control over others," Mr Steedman said.

"Once they understand that they are in control, it can free them to consciously decide that they no longer want to continue using violent behaviour."

Research showed that group programmes were more effective than individual counselling at developing ideas, attitudes and behaviours which support respectful, safe and caring relationships with partners, children and family members.

Mr Steedman said if people were worried about their behaviour with a partner or family member and wanted to make positives changes, they could call the Shine Helpline 0508-744-633 (7 days/week, 9am 11pm).

Jake the Muss is a character from an Alan Duff novel who was made infamous in New Zealand when actor Temuera Morrison played the role in the movie adaptation.