White Ribbon Day in Waitakere

Join the parade against family violence
Banner making competition
Behind closed doors
What is White Ribbon Day?
Do you need Help?
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Join the parade against family violence

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Show your support for the campaign to stamp out family violence by joining the Waitakere White Ribbon Day parade on Wednesday, November 25.

The parade is a chance for Waitakere people to stand together and say "Family Violence is Not OK".

The parade will start at 11.15am from Mount Lebanon Lane in Henderson before making its way down Great North Road, through central Henderson, finishing at Falls Park around midday where people can enjoy lunchtime entertainment with family.

People will also have the chance to view the Behind Closed Doors exhibition which has been created by artists and community groups across the city.

The exhibition will be open from Monday, November 23 to Friday, November 27 at the Global Café, Henderson.

White Ribbon Day is the international day for elimination of violence against women and the White Ribbon movement was established in Canada in 1981 by men working to end violence against women.

Waitakere's response was to establish the Mayoral Taskforce on Family Violence in 2007, launched by Mayor Bob Harvey and Dr Pita Sharples.

The taskforce is made up of a network of national and regional leaders, local family violence and prevention agencies, the council, police and health officials.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse also sits on the taskforce and says one of its successes has been to get all these different groups working together for the same goal.

"That unity and commitment has sent a really powerful message to Waitakere and the rest of the country that this city is not going to tolerate violence in our community.

"No one can do it alone. We all have a part to play."

And her plea is that people don't turn a blind eye to what might be going on.

"It requires courage but it is critical for people to get help and for friends and family to tell the many support groups, such as police, if you know something is going on next door."

The White Ribbon Parade 2009 is hosted by Waitakere City Council, Waitemata District Health Board and Waitemata District Police, along with the WAVES network of family violence prevention and intervention agencies.

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

Banner making competition

Got something to say on family violence?

Banner making competition for White Ribbon Day parade

How about making a banner and joining the Waitakere White Ribbon parade. You could win one of five family passes to West Wave Aquatic Centre.

Banners must feature a white ribbon and be at least 1.5 metres wide and 1m deep and be carried by at least two people at all times during the parade. Individual or group entries welcome.

Remember this is a family event so keep the messages respectful. Some examples from last year include "speak out", "you can help" and "you can make a difference." Banners will be judged while you walk. Judges will be looking out for visual impact and strength of message.

Register your entry:

It is free to enter but you need to register first. Just complete the registration form below:
Note: Please see banner making competition flyer for full terms and conditions.

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print these documents.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

White Ribbon Day 2009 - Banner Making Competition Flyer (Size 948K)
White Ribbon Day 2009 - Banner Making Registration Form (Size 82K)

Behind Closed Doors

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Donna Sarten's Door 2008

The result of an exciting collaboration between the local arts community and the social sector, this exhibition promotes White Ribbon Day on November 25th.

The Behind Closed Doors Project is a community arts project that creatively profiles the issue of family violence in Waitakere and positively reinforces the Family Violence - It's Not OK! message.

Reclaimed house doors have been developed as art works that reflect the abuse and family violence that occurs 'behind closed doors' as well as the pathways away from violence and expressions of positive relationships and families.

Agencies such as Barnardos, Brainwave Trust, Man Alive, Neighbourhood Support and the Waitakere Youth Council have partnered with artists and designers from across the city to produce the doors specifically for White Ribbon Day 2009.

What is White Ribbon Day?

White Ribbon Day 2009 poster courtesy of the Families Commission.

See the 2009 White Ribbon Day posters on the National White Ribbon Day website.

Do you need help?

Violence happens in many ways:

• Physical - slaps, punches, kicks, weapons
• Emotional - making you think you're crazy
• Verbal - put downs, harassment
• Threats - to your safety and safety of others
• Isolation - keeping you away from your friends, family and support
• Sexual - molestation, rape, coercion
• Financial - keeping you financially dependent
• Intimidation - living in fear

Life doesn't have to remain like this!
You can call for help: