THE WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN is a global movement of men and boys working to end gender-based violence. This March, the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence is looking for the community to come together to raise awareness around violence against women.
WAKEFIELD — In the month of March, the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) is working to raise awareness around the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC). WRC is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls. The movement began in 1989 after 14 women were killed in Canada during the Montreal Massacre. The shooter entered the University of Montreal and targeted female students and stated he was “fighting feminism.” Active in over 60 countries today, the movement seeks to promote healthy relationships and looks to have men and boys pledge to never condone or remain silent about all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination.
WAAV is a community-based volunteer organization with the goal of reducing domestic and intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, and bullying in our community through educational programs and linking survivors to resources they need for support. One in four women and one in seven men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetimes. Domestic violence impacts people of all genders, but much of the data available focuses on women because nearly 80 percent of those killed by intimate partners are women. In 2021, 14 women and one man lost their lives to domestic violence in Massachusetts. WAAV has assisted both men and women alike when help has been needed.
This March, WAAV is looking for the community to come together in raising awareness around violence against women and all gender based violence. The solution requires personal action to stand up to comments, jokes, and excuses that perpetuate violence against women. There is a statewide helpline available, 10 to 10 Helpline (877-898-3411), for both adults and teens who are using violence/abuse in an intimate/dating relationship, as well as for survivors. To anyone who may be struggling in an unhealthy or violent relationship, please know help is out there. Visit WAAV’s website at www.waavonline.org for a list of resources.
