Stoneham Alliance Against Violence Promotes White Ribbon Campaign

Contributed by Danielle Nicholas, SAAV Vice Chair

Stoneham Alliance Against Violence (SAAV) is coming together with our community to speak out against violence toward women and all gender-based violence during White Ribbon Month. As an organization, our mission is to raise awareness about domestic, sexual and teen-dating violence as well as promote programs that foster healthy relationships between couples of all races, ages, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. Domestic violence does not discriminate and is prevalent world-wide, even in small towns like ours.

The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is an international human rights effort that extends an invitation to men and boys to join the crucial movement to end violence against women and take a stand against all gender-based violence. In historical context, the White Ribbon Campaign was established by a group of men following the misogynistic mass killing of 14 women on December 6, 1989 in Montreal. This later became known as the Montreal Massacre and sparked international
conversations about gender violence prevention. The early work of the group was focused on
mentoring young boys and educating them about violence against women and gender equality.
Today, it serves as a call to action to work in partnership toward ending gender-based violence.

SAAV has produced a PSA for White Ribbon Month featuring community members from various town groups including Stoneham Public Schools, Stoneham Police Department, Boys & Girls Clubs, Stoneham Coalition, Stoneham Health Department, Stoneham Fire Department, Stoneham Select Board as well as State Representative Michael Day. SAAV would like to thank all the participants who stepped up to take the pledge and speak out against domestic violence. You can look out for the PSA on Stoneham TV and
on the SAAV Facebook page (facebook.com/SAAVStoneham).

“SAAV is so proud to have so many Stoneham leaders stand up and speak out against violence in our PSA. Special thanks to Stoneham TV for your help in producing the message, which is very powerful and conveys the importance of positive role models in our community,” said Megan Samborski, Chair of SAAV.

Watch the PSA on Facebook here or You Tube here.

Take the Pledge:
“I pledge to never commit, excuse or stay silent about sexual harassment, sexual assault or domestic
violence against women and others.”
Take Action:
There are many ways to take action against domestic and other acts of violence. Here are some you can consider during White Ribbon Month and year round:
● Speak up and contact law enforcement during instances of violence, sexism, racism and
homophobia
● Take part in a White Ribbon event near you

● Promote positive masculinity and partnerships
● Become a White Ribbon ambassador for Jane Doe Inc.
● Follow SAAV's Facebook page for information on ways to get involved
● Donate to or volunteer for SAAV or another domestic violence organization. For more
information, email saav.stoneham@gmail.com