About

A wide and diverse array of student leaders, UVa faculty, and community members gathered on the afternoon of May 10, 2010 to discuss intimate partner violence (IPV) at the University and develop a unified response to a series of incidents regarding violence against women. These incidents have inspired many students to take action and speak out against violence within our University community. During our initial discussion, we identified three priorities: an act of solidarity at Final Exercises, funding for overtaxed support resources such as the UVa Women’s Center, and mandatory bystander education for University students. A coalition is being assembled to tackle the latter two priorities, but we immediately mobilized to implement a white ribbon campaign for Final Exercises. Take a look at this page for photos and more information.

Some of the members of the team that initiated the White Ribbon Campaign at UVa
in the Spring of 2010
(l to r) Liz Walsh, Stephanie Seymour, Denise Walsh, Caitlin Donaghy,
Holly Grant and Yasminca Wilson

The White Ribbon Campaign at UVa symbolizes our solidarity with those who have been affected by gender-based violence, as well as our pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women. Furthermore, it demonstrates our lasting commitment to making the University a safe academic space for all.

History of the White Ribbon Campaign

(From the webite of the White Ribbon Campaign in Canada, the group that launched the concept in 1991.)

What is the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC)?
The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women (VAW). In over fifty-five countries, campaigns are led by both men and women, even though the focus is on educating men and boys. In some countries it is a general public education effort focused on ending violence against women.

How did the WRC get started?
In 1991, a handful of men in Canada decided they had a responsibility to urge men to speak out about violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon would be a symbol of men's opposition to violence against women. With only six weeks of preparation, 100,000 men across Canada wore a white ribbon, while many others were drawn into discussion and debate.

What does it mean to wear a white ribbon?
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Wearing a white ribbon is a way of saying, “Our future has no violence against women.”

What is the goal of WRC? How is this accomplished?
The main goal of WRC is ending violence against women in all its forms. We accomplish this in five ways:

Challenging everyone to speak out, and think about their own beliefs, language and actions.
Educating young people, especially young men and boys, on the issue through the educational resources we produce.
Raising public awareness of the issue.
Working in partnership with women’s organizations, the corporate sector, the media and other partners to create a future with no violence against women.
Supporting White Ribbon Campaigns around with our experience, resources and networks.

When is the focus of WRC?
WRC in Canada runs its campaign from from November 25 (the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women) until December 6, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Other countries support 16 Days of Action from November 25th until December 10th but campaigns can occur at any time of the year.

What forms of violence against women (VAW) concern you?
The most widespread problems are physical violence against spouses and girlfriends (from hitting right up to murder) and sexual violence (usually committed by a boyfriend, husband, trusted adult, or family member.) There is also emotional abuse - sexual harassment at work or on the street, stalking, jokes that demean women, and controlling behavior. In some countries violence occurs in the form of genital mutilation of girls and trafficking of girls and young women into prostitution.

What about other forms of violence?
Although ending men’s violence against women is our focus, we are concerned about all forms of violence. We are deeply concerned about violence against children. We are concerned about violence among boys on the playground, in the sports arena, in relationships, and in war. And we are concerned by acts of violence by women against women or against men, although these are not as extensive nor as frequently lethal as men’s violence against women.

Unlike violence by some women against men, violence committed by some men against women has long been socially acceptable and is deeply rooted in beliefs of men’s superiority and of men’s right to control the lives of “their” women.

Does this mean you think that men are bad?
We do not think that men are naturally violent and we don't think that men are bad, however we do think all men have roles and responsibilities in ending violence against women. The majority of men are not physically violent. Researchers tell us many past cultures had little or no violence.

At the same time, we do think that some men have learned to express their anger or insecurity through violence. Far too many men have come to believe that violence against a woman, child or another man is an acceptable way to control another person, especially an intimate partner.

By remaining silent about these things, we allow other men to poison our work, schools and homes.

The good news is that more and more men and boys want to make a difference. Caring men are tired of the sexism that hurts the women around them. Caring men are also concerned with the impact of this violence on the lives of men and boys.