Christmas good timing for anti-violence message

Phil Paikea champion for the It's Not OK campaign with Northland police family violence coordinator senior sergeant Marie Nordstrom at yesterday's White Ribbon Day event in Whangarei. Photo / John Stone

A Northland anti-domestic violence campaigner says, in the lead up to Christmas, White Ribbon Day is a perfect time to encourage people to stand up to domestic violence.

Yesterday marked White Ribbon Day which encourages people to stand up against family violence. In Whangarei, a stall run by Northland District Health Board, Northland police and Women's Refuge was set up selling white ribbons and raising awareness.

Phil Paikea, champion for the It's Not OK campaign, has been touring New Zealand speaking at hui to encourage people to stand up against family violence. He was meant to be in Whakatane yesterday but said it was important for him to come home to support the kaupapa.

"I'd like to say I've seen a big change but it's still a big problem and we haven't even got to the Christmas and New Year period yet. It's a disgrace and a shame on this nation and we can't give up."

Mr Paikea said the Christmas/New Year period is the worst time of the year for domestic violence.

"People should know to never remain silent on family violence and to never condone violence towards women and children."

Northland police family violence coordinator, Senior Sergeant Marie Nordstrom, said White Ribbon Day was a chance to promote anti-violence. "It's a chance to support the message and encourage people to stand up to family violence."

In Kaitaia, 1500 white ribbons were planted in the lawn of Hope Christian Centre on Commerce St.

Last year, the lawn was transformed into a sea of 1000 white ribbons but this year the church has had and extra 500 made. Pastor Howard Cross said the initiative was receiving a more positive response this year.

He said planting a ribbon would in itself not halt the domestic violence in the Far North, but it was a positive symbolic gesture and a way of speaking out.

"So this is another way to allow your voice to be heard, and to pass on a visible message to children and the wider community that violence isn't acceptable.

"Hopefully this will encourage people who have been silent to speak up."