NZDF shows support for white ribbon

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force were among those showing support for the White Ribbon campaign in Feilding last Friday. Photo: ALECIA ROUSSEAU

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force were out and about in Manawatu last week supporting the White Ribbon Campaign, which seeks to educate men about non-violent attitudes towards women.

Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, became a White Ribbon Ambassador last October and since then the NZDF has become heavily involved in the campaign. This week NZDF people will be engaging in activities all over the country to support the cause.

Staff from the Ohakea Air Force base and Linton Army camp showed their support for the campaign last week in events including the White Ribbon Ride in Feilding on Friday.

The following morning was a breakfast in Palmerston North for riders hosted by Manawatu Abuse Intervention Network (MAIN). This was prior to the main event -- Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.

Linton base commander Colonel Brett Wellington says as members of the Manawatu community, NZDF staff at Ohakea and Linton are proud to support the campaign.

"As an army we are often asked to protect and defend those who may not be able to protect and defend themselves. Taking part in promoting the White Ribbon message is an extension of the ethos and values we expect our people to uphold in themselves."

The NZDF is taking its commitment for the campaign across the country, starting two torches on a journey at opposite ends of the country before they meet in Wellington tomorrow.

The torches are a symbol of the NZDF's pledge to help prevent violence against women. At the end of the journey, one torch will sit in the entrance to the Wellington NZDF headquarters and one will be presented to New Zealand Police as part of the Defence Force encouraging others in the public sector to get behind the White Ribbon message.

LTGEN Keating says the NZDF wants to show leadership, not just within the organisation but also the wider community.

"I am determined we will do that - starting within our own organisation.

" We say we are a force for good and a force for New Zealand, so as an organisation we should be a positive role model to the rest of society and to those we seek to assist on our many missions in New Zealand and around the world.

"This is the reason we fully support the goals and values of White Ribbon, because they reflect our own."

The White Ribbon campaign is already sending the message about building respectful relationships and this is paying dividends around the country, Manawatu Abuse Intervention Network (MAIN) co-ordinator Gail Wood says.

A practical example of this was seen at a recent meeting in Feilding.

"We worked through the White Ribbon Toolbox with the victim and the perpetrator and it was absolutely helpful.

"It was really obvious that the message of respectful relationships was getting through and how it can equip people to deal with each other in a respectful, non-violent way."

Based in Palmerston North, MAIN aims to enhance collaboration between agencies providing services for families affected by family violence.

"This is an issue I'm very passionate about and there's a lot of good work going on especially with police to assist victims and families and also in helping offenders," Ms Wood says.

"With many family violence agencies working together we are making a difference.

"A lot of violent behaviour is learned behaviour, so showing offenders different behaviour with the respectful relationships programme is helpful and sends the message if you want to change, we can and will help you."

As part of the White Ribbon awareness campaign, the popular White Ribbon Ride was held again this year, starting in Feilding last Friday.

"This year we also had a White Out Concert in The Square," Ms Wood says.

"All funds raised will go to the two local Women's Refuges."

For more information on White Ribbon go to www.whiteribbon.org.nz or for information on Manawatu Abuse Intervention Network email main.nz@gmail.com