For Immediate Release

Friday, Feb. 24, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Methuen Police to Participate in White Ribbon Day

METHUEN — Mayor Stephen N. Zanni and Chief Joseph E. Solomon are pleased to announce that the Methuen Police Department will participate in the tenth annual White Ribbon Day Campaign next month.

Held annually during the first week of March, White Ribbon Day is a statewide campaign sponsored by Jane Doe Inc. The prevention campaign asks men to raise their voices and be proud to make a personal and public commitment to promote respect, equality and non-violence, not only in their relationships but in every aspect of their life.

“This campaign is both about preventing individual acts of violence and fostering a broader framework that promotes healthy relationships and promotes positive masculinity,” said White Ribbon Day Co-Chair J. Keith Motley, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston.

This year, the White Ribbon Day Campaign introduced a new initiative called “Raise a Flag to Raise Awareness.” The first 100 municipalities and schools that sign up will receive a free White Ribbon Day flag.

On March 1 at 10 a.m., Methuen Police will host a White Ribbon Flag raising ceremony at the Methuen Police Headquarters, 90 Hampshire St., as a pledge to stand up against violence.

“We must re-imagine manhood if we are to be successful in our commitment to rooting out violence,” said White Ribbon Day Co-Chair Sheriff Peter Koutoujian of Middlesex County. “By standing up and taking the pledge, we are saying to the world that a man’s strength is shown though his character and moral judgment, and never through the use of force and violence.”

“We invite all men in our community to join us in becoming part of the fight to end gender-based violence and crimes against women,” Mayor Zanni said. “Through our participation and support for this worthwhile cause, we hope to continue to raise awareness about domestic violence.”

If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, or you are a victim yourself, immediately contact Methuen Police at 978-983-8698. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

Additionally, Lawrence YWCA domestic violence and sexual assault counselors are available at 978-682-3039.

“It is our mission to stop domestic violence and keep our community safe by raising awareness through the White Ribbon Day Campaign,” Chief Solomon said. “I am proud of our department for showing its support for such an important cause, and I hope the community will join us in this effort.”

For more information about Methuen’s White Ribbon Day Campaign, please contact Phil DeCologero, Office of the Mayor, at 978-983-8509.

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