Published in the March 21, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Let’s end this.
The Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) will once again be promoting the statewide White Ribbon Campaign, an international movement led by men who pledge to be part of the solution in ending violence against women.
On Tuesday, March 26 from 7-8 p.m. at The Savings Bank Theatre, WAAV will host an event to honor victims and survivors, as well as communicating Wakefield’s commitment to ending gender-based violence.
The event will feature opening remarks from District Attorney Marian Ryan, local statistics to be read by the high school students active in the Mentors in Violence Prevention group, and a keynote address from Michael Kordosky who is responsible for managing RESPOND’s Residential Services including the Emergency Shelter Program, Safe Housing Program and Children’s Services Program.
Wakefield town leaders and elected officials including Town Administrator Steve Maio, Chief Rick Smith, Chief Michael Sullivan, Representative Paul Brodeur, and Representative Donald Wong will lead the audience in the White Ribbon pledge. In addition, vocalists from WMHS will perform. WAAV has set-up informational displays at the Library, Town Hall, WCAT, and the Public Safety building. White Ribbon pins will be available at the information displays for Wakefield men who are committed to being part of the solution in ending violence against women and girls and all gender-based violence.
So far in 2019, the Wakefield Police Department has had 49 domestic related calls for service, 10 of those calls resulted in an arrest. According to the 2017 Wakefield Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 7.3 percent of WMHS students reported that they had been hurt physically or sexually by a date or someone they were going out with and 8 percent of WMHS students reported that someone had sexual contact with them against their will.
The White Ribbon Campaign asks men to raise their voices and be proud to make a personal and public commitment to promote equality, respect and non-violence in their relationships and in all aspects of their lives. WAAV members invite you to join them for this important event. Visit our website at www.waavonline.org for more information and to sign the electronic pledge.
