Teal Ribbon

Background

The project arose out of discussions between the Manukau City Council Safer Communities Co-ordinator, Police and Members of the SAFVPN Network. There was a   collective desire for a community –led collaborative campaign   in South Auckland to inform the wider public of:
  • What Family Violence is.
  • Where people can get support.
  • And   to encourage everyone to make a personal commitment to live Violence Free.

 The key message is "Choose 2b Violence Free"

Wearing The Teal Ribbon is a mark of support for the message, so agreeing:

  that violence in any   form is unacceptable and realistic alternatives are possible.    
  and the    commitment to this begins with me.
  The colour Teal   was chosen as a neutral colour that allowed everyone, no matter how far along the continuum,   to be a part of change.      Halfway between the darkness of despair and the light of   perfection…….we're on our way of change –   but not there yet!
The most significant change in a person's life is a change of attitude.
Right attitudes produce right actions
William J. Johnson
  The first   week in November was chosen because it is a good time, shortly before the busy and stressful season of Christmas, when FV incidents increase ,.to inform the public of what support is available
 2005: First Launch at the Salvation Army in Manukau. – a small beginning   with about   50 people present.
 2006: The second year it grew to a
  • Community March around the Manukau Shopping Centre followed by a concert in Civic Square.
  • TV2 mobile bus that visited 12 suburbs from Otahuhu to Franklin.
  • Local schools stood for a minute silence at the beginning of the March, for those affected by Family Violence.
  • 10,000 ribbons were distributed.
2007 : The third year the theme continued “Working together we can prevent violence in the home, schools, workplace, community,   that   encouraged all of community participation.
2008 : The fourth year   Teal Ribbon joined up with the message of the national   Its Not OK” campaign.
 This a community collaboration ! Correction Services   make   the   25,000 ribbons we distribute each year, local Councils have provided funding,   staff of Social Service Agencies 'man' the stalls at each location along with local Police, there is   great local media support with publicity, school have art competitions…..
Teal Ribbon Campaign is followed at the end of November by the nation-wide Government supported White Ribbon Campaign which focuses on ending violence by men against women.