Two of Rotorua's community leaders have helped launch the city's White Ribbon campaign - making a pledge they want all men in the area to follow.
The White Ribbon Campaign to end men's violence against women was launched in Rotorua and the rest of the country today.
"I'm proud to take part in the White Ribbon Campaign. Violence against women is unacceptable and as a community leader I want to play my part in helping end this violence," Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said.
Joining Mr Winters in launching the campaign was Rotorua police area commander Inspector Bruce Horne.
Mr Horne said police were behind the campaign as reducing domestic violence was a priority.
Mayors around the country have signed a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence towards women.
The signatures will be displayed on November 25 on International White Ribbon Day.
"On average, 14 women die and over 3500 men are convicted for assaults on women every year in New Zealand. Those women are our mothers, daughters, sisters, female workmates and colleagues," Mr Winters said.
"As a community, we must take responsibility to end this violence and that's why mayors throughout New Zealand are putting our names on the White Ribbon pledge."
Mr Winters said violence often began in the home, making it a serious community problem.
"Our council has always taken violence seriously and the White Ribbon Campaign is a chance to talk about the issues openly and honestly.
"Change needs to occur in every community across New Zealand. So I'm joining with my mayoral colleagues in signing the White Ribbon Pledge to add my voice to this important campaign," he said.
The White Ribbon Pledge is one of a number of initiatives organised by the Families Commission. The pledge brings together New Zealanders throughout the country in a united show of support to end violence against women.
Chief Families Commissioner Carl Davidson said as support grew for a violence-free future, the White Ribbon Campaign hoped to encourage men to take a stand and show they're man enough to end violence.
"We want this campaign to talk to people that are outside the tent.
"There are many passionate people throughout the country working to reduce violence, but we need to connect with the many good men who simply don't believe this problem affects them.
"While there's no violence in my family, I could easily say this issue doesn't affect me. But I have two daughters and one day I might have grandchildren.
"I don't need any other reason to make ending violence against women my responsibility. And that goes for nearly every man I know. We all have women in our lives and to shrug our shoulders and say this violence only affects others is a cop out.
"By standing up and not remaining passive bystanders, we can influence our friends, our mates and work colleagues. Are we man enough to stop violence towards women? I'd like to think so," Mr Davidson said.
To sign the pledge visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz.