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A Northland anti-domestic violence campaigner says, in the lead up to Christmas, White Ribbon Day is a perfect time to encourage people to stand up to domestic violence.
Phil Paikea, champion for the It’s Not OK campaign, said the Christmas/New Year period is the worst time of the year for domestic violence.
“I’d like to say I’ve seen a big change but it’s still a big problem and we haven’t even got to the Christmas and New Year period yet.
“It’s a disgrace and a shame on this nation and we can’t give up.”
In Kaitaia, 1500 white ribbons were planted in the lawn of Hope Christian Centre on Commerce St.
Last year, the lawn was transformed into a sea of 1000 white ribbons but this year the church has had and extra 500 made. Pastor Howard Cross said the initiative was receiving a more positive response this year.
He said planting a ribbon would in itself not halt the domestic violence in the Far North, but it was a positive symbolic gesture and a way of speaking out.
“So this is another way to allow your voice to be heard, and to pass on a visible message to children and the wider community that violence isn’t acceptable”.
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