White Ribbon Campaign strives to end violence against women

White Ribbon Campaign strives to end violence against womenMarch 26, 2004Michele Barrettmibarret@syr.edu

Syracuse University is playing an important role in the 2004 Annual White Ribbon Campaign, which takes place March 26-April 4, by making the symbolic white ribbon pins available for students, faculty and staff. Ten years ago, Vera House brought the White Ribbon Campaign to the greater Syracuse community to rally support from men in putting an end to violence against women. In wearing a white ribbon pin visible to others, men and women can make a statement against supporting, committing, or remaining silent about abuse.

Members of the SU community can support the campaign by purchasing pins to wear themselves. All monies raised will support Alternatives, a Vera House-sponsored program for young people that focuses on relationship violence and ways to create healthy relationships. The grant money that has historically supported the program is not available this year, so the White Ribbon Campaign is especially critical.

The campaign coincides with Sexual Assault Awareness Month; April has become widely recognized as a time to make a concerted effort to raise awareness of sexual assault through special events such as “Take Back the Night,” an annual event intended to raise awareness about sexual violence in the community. This year’s “Take Back the Night” event will take place on April 14, and it will include a rally, march and speak-out.

“We hope that the University community will join the expected 40,000 Central New York supporters of the campaign to end domestic violence,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “We can work together to show our support to create a violence-free community.”

The pins will be available in the Schine Student Center Atrium March 30-April 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information or to order pins, call 443-4357.