Flip the Script this White Ribbon Day
White Ribbon Day (25 November) is focused on working to end men’s violence against women and children in our communities.
This year it’s all about flipping the script – the stereotypes and ideas from the past about masculinity are causing harm in our communities.
It takes strength and bravery to stand up and speak out in a world that often limits people to stereotypical gender roles. The campaign this year takes back the phrase ‘Boys will be Boys’ and focuses on how boys can be kind, caring and trustworthy, and have potential to grow into great men that will not remain silent about violence.
Steph Rotorangi, DCE Service Delivery Design, is a White Ribbon Day Ambassador and said, ‘I’ve recently been made an Ambassador for White Ribbon New Zealand and am on a steep learning curve as to how to support those affected by family violence in New Zealand. White Ribbon’s aim is that we all have positive relationships and freedom to be our best selves. While the White Ribbon message can be heavy and it’s hard to know where to start, there’s lots of tips on the website https://whiteribbon.org.nz/(external link) along with thought provoking information. This year’s theme is about celebrating positive masculinity and acknowledging the precious taonga of the boys in our whānau and in our community. Today’s boys have the potential to grow into great men that will not remain silent about violence. If the opportunity presents itself for you to recognise White Ribbon Day please do so.’
Ultimately we don’t want anyone in Fire and Emergency to experience unwanted behaviour, in the workplace or at home. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call 111 in you’re in immediate danger. There are also a list of organisations below that can support you, and we have our own wellbeing support available(external link) too.
If you are concerned about your own behaviour, then please reach out for help. White Ribbon Day has advice on helping to change your behaviour here(external link).
Here’s a video from Chief Executive, Kerry Gregory, on the importance of White Ribbon Day:
- Shine* on 0508-744-633 2shine.org.nz(external link) or https://www.2shine.org.nz/get-help/helpline(external link)
- Women's Refuge 0800 733 843 womensrefuge.org.nz(external link) or https://womensrefuge.org.nz/get-help/(external link)
- Shakti Crisis line – 0800SHAKTI/0800 742 584 https://shakti-internatorg/shakati-new-zealand/(external link)
- National Network of Stopping Violence https://nnsvs.org.nz/#home(external link)
- Male Survivors Aotearoa https://malesurvivor.nz/contact/(external link)
- Safe to talk sexual harm helpline Dial 0800 044334 support@safetotalk.nz
- Victim Support – 0800VICTIM/0800 842 846
- Rape Crisis 0800 88 3300
- Elder Abuse 0800 32 66865
- Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865
- What's up? – 0800WHATSUP/ 0800 942 8787
- Lifeline Helpline 0800 543 354
- OUTLine (LGBTIQ+ support) – 0800 802 43
- Youthline 0800 376 633
