Shining a light on violence

White Ribbon Day falls on November 25. Photo / Peter Watt

Every year 14 New Zealand women are killed by their partners or former partners. One in five will be sexually assaulted. And 3500 convictions will be recorded against men for assaults on women.

The majority of these horrific incidents are preventable, and men are being asked to step up and publicly pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.

This year's White Ribbon campaign kicks off tomorrow with an event at the Sky Tower, which will be lit up to "shine a light on men's violence".

Mark Longley knows all too well the impact of such violence - his teenage daughter Emily was murdered by her boyfriend in May 2011.

Emily, 17, was strangled to death by Elliot Turner in Bournemouth, England, where she was attending school.

She was raised in Auckland and after she was killed Mr Longley became an ambassador for the White Ribbon Trust.

Mr Longley said he got involved because he wanted to help raise awareness. His biggest focus was on getting men, or their friends or family, to seek help for anger or violence issues before it was too late.

Before he killed Emily, Turner threatened and assaulted her. No one intervened. "I want to try and prevent another girl and family going through what Emily had to go through," Mr Longley said.

As part of this year's campaign, which is officially recognised with White Ribbon Day on November 25, a number of events will be held across New Zealand to raise awareness.

One of those is the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event, where men must walk in a pair of women's shoes to show support.

Mr Longley will be taking part in a walk in Takapuna on November 27 and will be joined by police and others in the community.

"I have size 13 feet so not sure where I will get my women's shoes from. But it should be a good event," he said.

Q&A

What is White Ribbon Day?
An annual international day marked on November 25 where people wear a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence towards women. It was started by a men's movement in Canada in 1991 and has been officially adopted by the United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It has been held in New Zealand since 2004.

What is the White Ribbon Pledge?
A pledge men are asked to take, by signing up online. The pledge is: "I promise never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women."

Who are the White Ribbon Ambassadors?
There are 64 Kiwi men who act as ambassadors including judges, police officers and politicians, musicians and sportsmen.

How do I get involved or find out more?
Visit the website whiteribbon.org.nz or the official Facebook page.