White Ribbon Week aims to reduce violence against women

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  White Ribbon Week will be recognized by Altus AFB during the week of Oct. 24-28. 

White Ribbon Week was created by a handful of Canadian men in 1991 on the second anniversary of one man's massacre of 14 women in Montreal. They began the White Ribbon Campaign to urge men to speak out against men's violence against women.

"White Ribbon week is important because it represents men joining with women to prevent assaults from occurring," said Cheryl Jones, 97th Air Mobility Wing sexual assault and response coordinator. "Taking part in the White Ribbon campaign is a way to partner with [SAPR] and enforce the message to everyone."

People may show their support by wearing a white ribbon during this week. It has been approved for active duty members to wear the white ribbon pin in uniform. It must be worn a half inch above the name tape.

"The white ribbon has many meanings, but for this campaign it symbolizes the philosophy that violence against women is unacceptable," Jones said. "The people who choose to wear the ribbon are making the statement that 'I will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Our future has no violence against women.'"

The victim advocate for each squadron will have white ribbon pins to provide to each member.

"If your squadron does not have a victim advocate or you do not know who your victim advocate is, please contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office and we will bring you white ribbons," Jones said.

Physical abuse is not the only assault people should be looking out for.

"Everyone is encouraged to remember that bystanders intervene in situations before they develop into something worse," Jones said. "As we enter into the holiday season, which begins with Halloween and runs through the New Year, remember to be proactive in gatherings and situations where people are drinking. Alcohol is the number one date rape drug. Predators are always ready to take advantage of situations and the holiday season can be a perfect opportunity for them. With bystanders who will step up and intervene we can prevent an assault from occurring."

For more information, contact the SAPR office at 481-7428.