THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	11
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN THE WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.

     WHEREAS, according to the Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service, domestic violence is a problem of epidemic proportions; and

     WHEREAS, according to the Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse organization, also known as CORA, a woman is abused every nine seconds, 3,000,000 to 10,000,000 children witness domestic violence every year, and one in five high school females experience dating violence; and

     WHEREAS, a fact sheet prepared by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence states that in 1999 there were 8,013 reported cases of domestic violence in Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, the Honolulu Police Department estimates that up to one-half of work time is spent responding to "domestic" calls; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to the physical and psychological effects of domestic violence on the victim and the victim's family, there are job-related consequences; and

     WHEREAS, domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women, and CORA estimates that it costs the American economy $8,000,000,000 to $10,000,000,000 in absenteeism, medical costs, employee turnover, lost productivity, and other costs; and

     WHEREAS, CORA has established a White Ribbon Campaign to encourage the wearing of a white ribbon to symbolize men's opposition to violence against women, and the campaign is now led in over 55 countries by both men and women; and

     WHEREAS, the White Ribbon Campaign aims to accomplish the goal of ending violence against women in all its forms by:

     (1)  Challenging everyone to speak out, and think about their own beliefs, language, and actions;

     (2)  Educating young people, especially young men and boys, on the issue by providing educational resources;

     (3)  Raising public awareness of the issue;

     (4)  Working in partnership with women's organizations, the corporate sector, the media, and other partners to create a future with no violence against women; and

     (5)  Supporting White Ribbon Campaigns around the world;

and

     WHEREAS, wearing a white ribbon is a pledge to never commit, condone, nor remain silent about violence against women, and to foster a society free from domestic violence; and

     WHEREAS, wearing a white ribbon encourages reflection and discussion that will lead to personal and collective action among men to stop all forms of domestic violence; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that this body encourages participation in the White Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Human Services, Director of Health, and Executive Director of the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Violence Against Women; White Ribbon Campaign