2008 Woodie Awards
A ribbon against violence
Ben Travers - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Metro
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As soon as the first ribbon was handed out early Monday morning, Iowa City became the newest home for an international campaign designed to end violence against women.
The UI Rape Victim Advocacy Program is handing out ribbons, purchased from the White Ribbon Campaign, to be worn by men from Dec. 3-14 who want to show their support for sexual-assault survivors in Iowa City.
This is the first year the RVAP has distributed white ribbons in Iowa City, said Alondra Canizal, RVAP prevention education coordinator. The high number of sex attacks on the UI campus over the past year was the deciding factor in moving ahead with the campaign, she said.
"People are looking for a way to show support for women and come out against violence in the community," Canizal siad.
She sees the campaign as an opportunity for the majority of men to show their true feelings, she said.
( DITV video feature )
"Often times, when we look at these crimes, we think it's a lot of men [who commit sexual assaults]," Canizal said. "In reality, it's a very small percentage of men. This campaign gives men a chance to show that."
Clay Jones, the office manager of the White Ribbon Campaign, said the ribbons were ordered online from the not-for-profit organization based in Toronto. Formed in 1991 to help end violence against women, the organization asks men to wear its white ribbons during specific campaigns throughout the year. By wearing the ribbon, men make a personal pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women, according to the White Ribbon Campaign's website.
Teal ribbons, a national symbol for the elimination of sexual assault, are available for women who want to participate in the campaign, Canizal said. Both ribbons are available at the RVAP office, located at 320 S. Linn St., and at the IMU front desk, free of charge.
The UI Rape Victim Advocacy Program is handing out ribbons, purchased from the White Ribbon Campaign, to be worn by men from Dec. 3-14 who want to show their support for sexual-assault survivors in Iowa City.
This is the first year the RVAP has distributed white ribbons in Iowa City, said Alondra Canizal, RVAP prevention education coordinator. The high number of sex attacks on the UI campus over the past year was the deciding factor in moving ahead with the campaign, she said.
"People are looking for a way to show support for women and come out against violence in the community," Canizal siad.
She sees the campaign as an opportunity for the majority of men to show their true feelings, she said.
( DITV video feature )
Video in QuickTime format, click here for free player download
"Often times, when we look at these crimes, we think it's a lot of men [who commit sexual assaults]," Canizal said. "In reality, it's a very small percentage of men. This campaign gives men a chance to show that."
Clay Jones, the office manager of the White Ribbon Campaign, said the ribbons were ordered online from the not-for-profit organization based in Toronto. Formed in 1991 to help end violence against women, the organization asks men to wear its white ribbons during specific campaigns throughout the year. By wearing the ribbon, men make a personal pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women, according to the White Ribbon Campaign's website.
Teal ribbons, a national symbol for the elimination of sexual assault, are available for women who want to participate in the campaign, Canizal said. Both ribbons are available at the RVAP office, located at 320 S. Linn St., and at the IMU front desk, free of charge.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
HD
posted 12/04/07 @ 8:16 AM CST
For every cause there is a ribbon.
What about men who are victims of domestic violence and abuse?
Rick Derrig
posted 12/04/07 @ 11:16 AM CST
Why differing colors for men and women? Wouldn't it be far better to wear the same color ribbons to display unity? Different colors splinters and obscures the message. (Continued…)
Teresa
posted 12/04/07 @ 12:15 PM CST
To my knowledge the color of the ribbon doesn't necessarily mean its for women. It represents all victims of sexual assault. Statistically, the vast majority of violent crime is perpetrated by males against women AND other men. (Continued…)
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