White Ribbon Day march in Auckland

There's a display of solidarity for those affected by family violence on Auckland's Queen St this morning.

As part of national White Ribbon Day people are marching from Queen Elizabeth Square to Myers Park.

At the park a number of speakers will talk and there'll be a couple of performing arts presentations.

New Zealand police have given their full support to the day and have closed off Queen St for the march.

Police commissioner and White Ribbon ambassador Mike Bush said it was an important day on the police calendar.

"White Ribbon's campaign to eliminate violence against women is one that is close to the heart of every police officer in New Zealand.

"Family violence causes great harm in our communities."

The theme of this year's White Ribbon campaign is "respectful relationships".

Mr Bush says a key to preventing family violence is changing attitudes "particularly among men who are responsible for the vast majority of violence that occurs in the home".

Recently appointed Chief Victims Advisor to Government, Dr Kim McGregor, said it was good to see so many men promoting the need to prevent violence against women.

"Today I encourage even more men to support the elimination of violence against women and to take ownership of this important issue, by continuing to be great role-models or through seeking help if they need it."

Justice minister Amy Adams said today was the day to highlight the need for a continued focus on reducing family and sexual violence which she said was a "horrific" problem in New Zealand.

"New Zealand has the highest reported rate of intimate partner violence in the developed world. We know that around half of all violent offence charges in our courts relate to family violence and in 86% of cases of violence against intimate partners the victims are women.

"That's why I've made helping to reduce family and sexual violence one of my core priorities."

Statistics

41% of frontline police response is due to family violence

More than 3500 convictions recorded against men each year for assaults on women

14 women a year are killed by partners or ex-partners

12,000 police committed to putting a stop to it

Historic snapshot

1991: First White Ribbon Campaign launched by group of men in Canada after mass shooting of 14 female students at University of Montreal

1999: United Nations officially recognised November 25 as International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women

2004: UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) introduced White Ribbon Day to New Zealand

2006: Families Commission embraced White Ribbon Day as part of its work to raise awareness of family violence and encourage social change

2008: Funding base expanded, with contributions from Ministry of Health, Police, ACC, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social Development

2009: During 2009 first NZ White Ribbon Ambassador Ruben Wiki appointed to provide leadership and use profile and support networks to spread message

2010: More than 510,000 white ribbons distributed throughout New Zealand

2011: Campaign introduced White Ribbon Ride to South Island. Now reaches more than 80 communities on trip throughout NZ

2013: White Ribbon Trust set up to take over campaign

Where to get help

Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00

Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843

Victims Information helpline: 0800 650 654

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