Press Release  Probation Staff Take the White Ribbon Pledge to Help End Violence Against Women

Massachusetts — The White Ribbon Pledge: “From this day forward, I promise to be part of the solution in ending violence against women.” 

A contingent of male Probation Officers across the state are taking the White Ribbon Pledge—signing a pledge and donning a white ribbon on their lapels—this month to symbolize their commitment to helping end violence against women.

Probation’s Victim Services Coordinator Corinn Nelson is extending an invitation to those interested in this campaign to join her and her Probation colleagues at the Annual Massachusetts Statewide White Ribbon Day Proclamation event at the Statehouse on Thursday, March 3rd, at 1 p.m.

The White Ribbon Campaign was created by a group of Canadian men in 1991 on the second anniversary of a massacre of 14 women. They began the White Ribbon Campaign to urge men to speak out against violence against women.

“I would like to invite Probation staff to attend the Statehouse event as well as ask my male colleagues to wear a White Ribbon to show our dedication to ending violence against women,” said Nelson.

White ribbons will be available at the Statehouse event on March 3rd. There will also be white ribbons at the Central Office of the Massachusetts Probation Service and that the Massachusetts Probation Service Training Academy in Clinton for anyone who wants to participate in this annual campaign observed during the month of March. To sign the pledge, go to http://whiteribbonday.janedoe.org. 

Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan believes the White Ribbon Pledge is a cause that is important to the Massachusetts Probation Service and the victims and survivors the agency serves.

“As Probation employees, we see the devastating effects of violence against women everyday. It is crucial that we support these victims and survivors,” Commissioner Dolan said.

A group of male Worcester Superior Court Probation Officers have taken the pledge and plan to wear their white ribbons throughout the month at the courthouse.

“"I believe the White Ribbon Pledge to be a worthy cause. It helps draw attention to this issue that permeates our society. It is a problem that we see in the courthouses throughout the state," said Assistant Chief Probation Officer Raymond K. Loughlin Jr. of Worcester Superior Court.

The Statehouse event, one of many throughout the Commonwealth this month, is sponsored by Jane Doe, Inc, the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Employers Against Domestic Violence ( EADV) in conjunction with the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, Jane Doe Inc. and the Celtics will honor White Ribbon Day on March 9th. A Public Service Announcement (PSA) acknowledging the day will be shown on the Jumbotron.

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