Tuesday, November 28, 2017
VICKY Harlick carries a photo of her sister Marie Harlick who was murdered by her partner last year. Beside her is Elder Abuse Response Services co-ordinator Donna Kelly. Photo supplied
Sven Carlsson
ORGANISERS of this year’s White Ribbon March in Opotiki say the event had a bigger focus on family this year.
The event and march was held last Thursday, starting at 10am.
“While it had the same kaupapa, there was a lighter atmosphere this year,” Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust co-organiser Sylvia Rangiahua said.
Instead of being organised around the White Ribbon motorcycle riders, which tended to take away from the focus, the event was centred around family.
Whakatohea co-organiser John Williams said the family atmosphere had been achieved by sending out invitations to primary schools, pre-schools, kohanga reo, kaumatua groups, ukulele groups, guest groups and individual singers and speakers from Opotiki and Whakatane.
“They were all able to create a positive Whanau environment we had set out to achieve bearing in mind the sensitive nature of why we had gathered regarding family violence,” he said.
While the atmosphere was lighter, there was at the same time a movement of change that was now conveyed in a more respectful manner.
“Our main speaker of the day Melissa Wihongi, who is a survivor after 25 years of abuse, stated that some women had to take some ownership in some of the negative things that they did to their partner as well,” Mr Williams said.
“All-in-all this was a very successful day.”
During the opening ceremony, Te Pou Oranga o Whakatohea group manager Ian Linton said a richer life resulted from ending the violence.
“Life without violence is a great life,” he said.
“We will not allow violence within our whanau.”
SUNSHINE was an important factor for the day’s parade against domestic violence. OB4047-04