The District Commander of Waitemata Police says everyone should take time during this week to reflect on how destructive family violence is to our society.
Today Tuesday 25 November 2008 is White Ribbon day, and police in the District will be wearing a white ribbon throughout the week, to openly express their opposition to family violence. The Commander endorses this action.
Superintendent Bill Searle said, "People don't talk about family violence for a variety of reasons. Incidents of family violence happen in our District as they do everywhere. When someone witnesses a family violence incident it is Not OK to do nothing."
"The message is simple." - Family violence is Not OK - it is unacceptable."
"Let me make it very clear. Family violence reduction is a priority for the Waitemata Police. The District is committed to enforcement and education and to ensuring offenders will be held accountable."
"We collaborate closely with our partner agencies to achieve these aims. The challenge and key focus for both police and the agencies is to prevent victimisation being repeated."
"The good work that is being carried out by our District family violence units and our partner agencies has already made an impact in this area."
"The New Zealand Police Commissioner Howard Broad has also become a signatory this week to an Australasian Police Family Violence strategy. This will provide a coordinated response to family violence by all the Australasian Police jurisdictions," Superintendent Searle said