Staff to send anti-violence message

Whanganui District Health Board male staff members have committed to take time out from their jobs today to help publicise this year's White Ribbon Day.

Besides greeting staff and visitors in Whanganui Hospital's front entrance, the men will hand out white ribbons, brochures and contact details for agencies available to help victims and perpetrators of family violence.

WDHB child and youth mortality review co-ordinator Terry Sarten and alcohol and drug clinician Hohepa Albert said the campaign matters to every one of the men.

"I'm delighted that they are committed to making a visible stand against family violence," Mr Sarten said.

"It's widely recognised that family violence affects the health of many individuals and their families throughout the Whanganui district."

Mr Albert said growing up in an environment where the threat of violence was ever present was hugely damaging for children.

"Tragically, research tells us that children who are the victims of violence or witnesses to it, often echo this behaviour as adults.

"As a key health provider in the region, the WDHB sees the results of family violence in the injuries to women and children.

"While working to keep them safe is paramount, we need to change attitudes and it's the influence that men have on their peers that has the greatest long-term effect on family violence."

As well as White Ribbon activity in the main entrance of the hospital, the Alcohol and Drug Service will have a stand.