◦City of Springfield to Raise White Ribbon Flag and Invite Men in the Community to be a Part of the Solution in Ending Violence Against Women and All Gender-Based Violence

Springfield, MA – As a local affiliate of the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the City of Springfield will be hosting a flag raising today at 2:15 p.m. on the City Hall steps.

“By participating in the Raise a Flag to Raise Awareness initiative, our City of Springfield will show they do not tolerate or condone men’s violence towards women, men or children,” stated Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.

The tenth annual White Ribbon Day is a statewide campaign sponsored by Jane Doe, Inc. Throughout the month, men across the state will show their support by encouraging others in their organizations, families and workplaces to wear a white ribbon, place a poster up at their workplaces, spread the word about the campaign and its aims, organize local events to speak out against violence towards women and all gender-based violence, and challenge the attitudes and behaviors which condone or tolerate violence. The campaign takes its cue from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that speaks to how violence against women is a human rights violation and how these abuses around the world are obstacles to efforts for peace and gender equality in all societies.

Police Commissioner John Barbieri stated, “Domestic violence is a pervasive, serious problem.  The men and women of the Springfield Police Department fully support this initiative to raise awareness and hopefully someday end the domestic abuse of women, men and children.”   

“The White Ribbon Campaign pledge isn't just about awareness for Men and Boys. It's about commitment – where men and boys can take a stand to end violence against women, an everyday stance. It’s a pledge that can be passed on to the next generation and to proudly wear the white ribbon as an ambassador to end violence against women. This is a commitment to stand united with other males to speak out against violence against women. So to all my male counterparts, come one, come all sign on the dotted line and come get your white ribbon,” added Milta Vargas, Domestic Violence Coordinator for the Springfield Police Department.

Elizabeth Dineen, Executive Director of the YWCA, stated, "The YWCA of Western Massachusetts is honored to participate in this crucial societal initiative to encourage men to be part of the solution in ending all gender-based violence.”

With support from this year’s Presenting Sponsor Bank of America, Jane Doe Inc. is distributing 100 WRD flags to participating municipalities and schools.

For further information please visit: http://whiteribbonday.janedoe.org/.