November 25 (Thursday) is the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Auckland City will be doing its bit to raise awareness of the issue in the city.
Police staff throughout the Auckland City District are wearing the white ribbon brooches this week and will participate in several planned events to mark the occasion and acknowledge the work Police and other agencies carry out every day in an effort to curb the incidence of family violence.
Auckland City District Police will assist Auckland District Heath Board staff with distribution of white ribbons at both Auckland and Greenlane Hospitals to members of the public on November 25. White ribbons will also be distributed by Police to
morning commuters at Britomart and via a stall at the St Lukes Shopping Mall, on the
day.
The Auckland City District Family Violence Co-ordinator, Senior Sergeant Vaughn Graham, says he would love to be able to disband his team of dedicated staff as that would signify there'd been an end to such incidents.
"Sadly though, family violence continues to be largely under reported to Police and other
agencies.
"Auckland City Police Staff continue to work on a range of family violence related
offences which range from murder down to property damage and verbal abuse,” said Mr Graham.
"Also included within that scope are serious physical and sexual assaults of children as well as adult sexual assault cases.
"Our specialist staff work closely with other specialist Police investigators from the CIB and other government and non-government agencies to support victims and families of such offences, including work with offenders every day.
"Wearing the white ribbon is an opportunity for our staff to reflect on the daily work they undertake.
"Thursday the 25th November also provides a small opportunity for staff to distribute
positive anti violence messages and invite the community, especially men, to embrace the message - that violence against women should not be tolerated."
Of the family violence occurrences reported to Police annually, about 5000 of them occur in the Auckland City District.
District White Ribbon Day events:
• Thursday, November 25, Britomart Complex, (7am - 8-45am) Police will distribute white ribbons to morning commuters.
Thursday, November 25, Auckland Hospital & Greenlane Hospital (10am -2pm)
Police will assist ADHB staff with the distribution of white ribbons.