Local police will be wearing White Ribbons this week as part of New Zealand Police's support for White Ribbon Day on 25th November.
Ten thousand white ribbons have been delivered to police stations around the country so that police staff can show their support for the day.
White Ribbon Day is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
"As Police, we know that in the vast majority of Family Violence events Police attend, women are the primary victims. This fact is reflected in the deaths and injuries inflicted on the women and children of New Zealand", said Superintendent George Fraser, District Commander for the Southern Police District.
"This violence is unacceptable. Southern District Police are committed to ensuring victim and child safety, offender accountability and to collaborate effectively with agencies who can help us achieve this."
"All of us in this community need to be part of the solution, not only for women, but for the children and the men who suffer violence in our midst."
Last year there were over 120 events around New Zealand organised as part of White Ribbon Day. This year organisers of White Ribbon Day are expecting an even greater number of activities.
"This week in the Southern region there are a number of events, including a street march at 2.15 pm on the 25th November, from the Dental School to the Octagon in Dunedin. "Police will be supporting these events and we encourage the community to do the same," Superintendent Fraser said.
For more information about events in your area you can visit http://www.familiescommission.org.nz/.
Other events: Dunedin - A family concert in the Octagon between 3pm and 9pm, which has been organised by the Te Wai Matua Trust.
For more information contact:
Senior Sergeant Kelvin Lloyd
Southern District Family Violence Co-ordinator
(03) 471 4800