Bedford Police Department Partnering with Jane Doe Inc. for 8th Annual White Ribbon Day #REIMAGINEMANHOOD

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

Bedford Police Department Partnering with Jane Doe Inc. for 8th Annual White Ribbon Day

#REIMAGINEMANHOOD

BEDFORD — Police Chief Robert Bongiorno announces that the Bedford Police Department is partnering with Jane Doe Inc. to raise awareness for the 8th Annual White Ribbon Day Campaign in Massachusetts, a memorial event, which encourages men to take a leading role in the prevention of domestic violence.

“The members of Bedford Police Department are proud ambassadors for White Ribbon Day.  We have seen the devastating impacts of sexual assault and domestic violence,” Chief Bongiorno said. “As role models for our community, any efforts we can make to raise awareness for this worthwhile cause will make a difference in the fight to end violence against women.”

The Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign is connected with an international campaign, designed especially with men in mind.  It was originally created by a group of Canadian men in 1991 on the second anniversary of the murders of 14 women in Montreal.  Since launching the campaign in Massachusetts in 2008, Jane Doe Inc. has recruited over 575 White Ribbon Day Ambassadors, 86 White Ribbon Day Affiliates and tens of thousands of men and boys have signed a pledge to end domestic violence.

The campaign theme of #REIMAGINEMANHOOD promotes positive masculinity. It also addresses how sexual and domestic violence are human rights violations and how abuse is an obstacle to gender equality, safety and justice.

Members of the Bedford Police Department will be in attendance at this year’s Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Proclamation Event, which will take place at the State House on Thursday, March 5 at 1 p.m.  In the weeks before and after the event, Jane Doe and its affiliates will partner with schools, colleges, sports teams, businesses, civic groups, and cities and towns across the Commonwealth to hold White Ribbon Day events aimed at engaging boys and men of all ages.

Bedford Police will continue to raise awareness for the #REIMAGINEMANHOOD campaign all year. The department will also partner with the school department for the third year in a row on Bedford Day this year, which celebrates the town’s incorporation.

This year, Bedford High School varsity sports team captains will continue the tradition of marching in the parade and carry a banner supporting the cause.  Residents of Bedford can sign the banner or take the white ribbon pledge at Bedford Police’s table during Bedford Day this fall.

The Bedford Police Department also has a strong working partnership with Domestic Violence Services Network, which provides resources and support for victims of domestic violence.

Bedford police officers will also wear white ribbons on their uniforms until March 5.

“One of the most effective ways to address domestic violence is for men – especially those in positions of authority – to not only model positive behavior, but also to engage younger men and boys about what it means to be a man,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, an Honorary Committeeman for this year’s White Ribbon Day Campaign.  “As a father and a fellow member of the law enforcement community, we are uniquely positioned to help stop violence against women.”

For more information, visit whiteribbonday.janedoe.org.

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