WAAV Marks March 6 with MA Observation of White Ribbon Day

Wakefield Alliance Against Violence Marks Day to End Violence Against Women - Please pick up a White Ribbon at the Beebe Library!

Thursday, March 6, has been designated White Ribbon Day in Massachusetts. The focus of this observance is to call attention to the role men can play in ending violence against women. The essence of White Ribbon Day is making the following pledge and commitment:

"FROM THIS DAY FORWARD, I PROMISE TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

IN ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN."

In Wakefield, the Beebe Library will feature a display of books and information about the White Ribbon Campaign, as well as White Ribbons to be picked up for free to wear in support of this effort.

Ending violence against women, whether actual physical and sexual assault, as well as a wide range of controlling behavior including name calling, mocking, and gaining compliance through threats and intimidation, requires education, changing attitudes, and personal action.

The solution to ending violence against women involves education about what constitutes violence, the effects of violence on families, and the cultural depictions that both entitle and sanction male dominance and the use of threat and force to control women. The solution also requires personal action not only to refrain from the use of controlling violence, but personal action to stand up to the comments, jokes and excuses that perpetuate violence against women.

This 7th Annual White Ribbon Day Campaign in Massachusetts will be marked by the reading of a Proclamation at the State House, and other activities throughout the Commonwealth to recognize the leadership and commitment of men to make a difference. Supporters of the White Ribbon Campaign wear a white ribbon to signify their endorsement of the pledge.

Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) is a community based volunteer organization working to raise awareness of issues of domestic violence, teen dating violence and bullying. For more information about WAAV, or to become involved in WAAV activities, please visit the web site: www.waavonline.org

For more information about the Massachusetts White Ribbon Campaign, please visit www.wrdcampaign@janedoe.org