Rick Smith, Chief of Police
1 Union St.
Wakefield, MA 01880
For Immediate Release
Monday, Feb. 15, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Wakefield Police and Alliance Against Violence Participate in White Ribbon Day Campaign
WAKEFIELD – Chief Rick Smith, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV), is pleased to announce that the organization will promote the 2016 Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign at a local level for the first time next month.
Held annually on the first Thursday in March, the Commonwealth will honor the White Ribbon Day Campaign at a proclamation event at the State House on March 3. The campaign asks men to raise their voices and concerns, and to be proud to make a personal and public commitment to promote respect, equality and non-violence, not only in their relationships, but in all aspects of their lives.
Leading up to the event, WAAV will place white ribbons on all the lampposts in the downtown area and will set up informational displays at the Library, Town Hall, Wakefield Community Access TV station and the Public Safety building. Men who are committed to being part of the solution to end violence against women are encouraged to pick up a pin to show their support, which will be available at the display locations.
In September 2015 alone, the Wakefield Police Department responded to 24 domestic disturbances, had 25 calls for service regarding domestic issues and concerns, and made three arrests for domestic assault and battery.
According to the 2014 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 6.1 percent of Wakefield High School students reported that they had been hurt physically or sexually by a date or someone they were going out with, and 8 percent of students reported that someone had sexual contact with them against their will.
“Our goal is to eradicate domestic violence by raising awareness on the issue through the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign,” Chief Smith said. “Working with WAAV, members of this department will pledge to keep the women of this community safe from violent situations at all times. We encourage the community to join us in this effort.”
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