February 14 is a very special day for people who have a Valentine. Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away, but February 14 is also a special day for another reason. As part of an international day of community action, Jane Doe, Inc. is sponsoring the 2nd Annual White Ribbon Day Campaign in Massachusetts. Jane Doe, Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence is an organization that seeks to educate residents of the state of Massachusetts about domestic violence prevention. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the 1st Annual Campaign held in Massachusetts. On February 14, 2008, I attended an event held at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. The primary goal of White Ribbon Day is to encourage men of all ages to be advocates opposed to domestic violence against women, men, and children. At last year’s event held in the Great Hall of the State House, there were speeches given by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and Boston Celtics basketball player Leon Powe. The event was well attended and part of the day included members of the audience taking a pledge against domestic violence. This year, there will not be a statewide program held at the State House. However, the Men’s Initiative Project of Jane Doe, Inc. is encouraging White Ribbon Ambassador’s to participate in local events. In 1991 a group of Canadian men founded the White Ribbon Campaign. Their idea was to commemorate the lives of 14 female students who were killed by one gunman in 1989. This tragedy was known as the Montreal Massacre. Since the early 1990s, the Campaign has grown and today 55 countries around the world participate in the White Ribbon Day Campaign. The 2009 Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Pledge is: “From this day forward, I promise to be part of the solution in ending domestic violence against women.” I think it is important for both women and men to be advocates against domestic violence and sexual abuse. According to statistics that I read from the Jane Doe, Inc. website - www.janedoe.org, physical violence is a social problem that is persistent in the United States. For example, each day, at least three women are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands. Furthermore, according to a 1999 report from the Commonwealth Fund, approximately one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a boyfriend or husband at some point in their lives. From reading some statistics from the Jane Doe, Inc. website, domestic violence is clearly a legitimate concern in the state of Massachusetts, as well. In the fiscal year of 2003 (July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003) the number of domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts increased almost 50%. During that time period a total of 21 men, women, and children were murdered. This year, as I did last year, I have signed up to be a White Ribbon Campaign Ambassador. If you would like more information about the Campaign or would like to become an Ambassador visit: http://www.janedoe.org/whiteribbonday2009/
February 14 is a very special day for people who have a Valentine. Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away, but February 14 is also a special day for another reason. As part of an international day of community action, Jane Doe, Inc. is sponsoring the 2nd Annual White Ribbon Day Campaign in Massachusetts. Jane Doe, Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence is an organization that seeks to educate residents of the state of Massachusetts about domestic violence prevention. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the 1st Annual Campaign held in Massachusetts. On February 14, 2008, I attended an event held at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. The primary goal of White Ribbon Day is to encourage men of all ages to be advocates opposed to domestic violence against women, men, and children. At last year’s event held in the Great Hall of the State House, there were speeches given by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and Boston Celtics basketball player Leon Powe. The event was well attended and part of the day included members of the audience taking a pledge against domestic violence. This year, there will not be a statewide program held at the State House. However, the Men’s Initiative Project of Jane Doe, Inc. is encouraging White Ribbon Ambassador’s to participate in local events. In 1991 a group of Canadian men founded the White Ribbon Campaign. Their idea was to commemorate the lives of 14 female students who were killed by one gunman in 1989. This tragedy was known as the Montreal Massacre. Since the early 1990s, the Campaign has grown and today 55 countries around the world participate in the White Ribbon Day Campaign. The 2009 Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Pledge is: “From this day forward, I promise to be part of the solution in ending domestic violence against women.” I think it is important for both women and men to be advocates against domestic violence and sexual abuse. According to statistics that I read from the Jane Doe, Inc. website - www.janedoe.org, physical violence is a social problem that is persistent in the United States. For example, each day, at least three women are murdered by their boyfriends or husbands. Furthermore, according to a 1999 report from the Commonwealth Fund, approximately one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a boyfriend or husband at some point in their lives. From reading some statistics from the Jane Doe, Inc. website, domestic violence is clearly a legitimate concern in the state of Massachusetts, as well. In the fiscal year of 2003 (July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003) the number of domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts increased almost 50%. During that time period a total of 21 men, women, and children were murdered. This year, as I did last year, I have signed up to be a White Ribbon Campaign Ambassador. If you would like more information about the Campaign or would like to become an Ambassador visit: http://www.janedoe.org/whiteribbonday2009/
Great article Steven, and that image above can surely grab a reader's attention! I hope that this White Ribbon Day can be successful with more and more ambassadors to support the campaigns as the years go on!
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