Judge Boshier to chair White Ribbon campaign; 2012 White Ribbon report

The White Ribbon campaign has announced Judge Peter Boshier as its new chairperson. It has also released the White Ribbon campaign report for 2012.

Judge Boshier, a foundation member of the Family Violence Taskforce, White Ribbon Ambassador since 2011 and Principal Family Court Judge from 2004 - 2012, said he was excited by what oppportunities the campaign presents. "... [It] is an opportunity for men to lead the charge against men’s violence towards women. It isn’t about blame; it’s about accepting that as men we have a responsibility and an opportunity to talk to other men and role model non-violent behaviour".

2012 White Ribbon report

The report of White Ribbon's 2012 activities highlights the increasing number of communities and individuals participating in the campaign and increasing media coverage. An increase in the number of White Ribbon events around the country was assisted by social media providing a greater reach to people. 54 White Ribbon Ambassadors now publicly support the campaign.

The Families Commission is currently looking at a different way to manage the White Ribbon campaign. The campaign is now organised by the White Ribbon Foundation and new revenue streams have been introduced alongside selling White Ribbon merchandise and rebranding.

The 2012 campaign theme highlighted that abuse is not just physical, but emotional and psychological. White Ribbon says, "The overall success of the campaign requires the individual elements of the campaign (White Ribbon Ride, Ambassadors, Pledge Project and information distribution) to all work in parallel to reinforce the central theme of the campaign: being a man does not require violence."

The White Ribbon April newsletter is also now available.