Motorbike rally to help make a point

[totalmotorcycle]

Motorbike rally to help make a point
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - By ANNA CHALMERS - Stuff New Zealand - stuff.co.nz



Cabinet minister Ruth Dyson is using her experience of domestic violence to rev up support for a motorcycle rally to mark White Ribbon Day, which aims to raise awareness of family violence.


Ms Dyson, a former motorbike rider, joined fellow Cabinet minister Rick Barker and ride organisers Gerard Dobson and Tony McQueen to practise for Saturday's ride around Wellington.

Ms Dyson said she was physically abused by a former partner when she was living on the West Coast more than 20 years ago.

"Because I'm in a (high-profile) position now I feel an obligation to speak out about it because it will hopefully give other women the confidence to get out of those relationships."

Ms Dyson, who also spoke of the abuse in her maiden speech to Parliament, said she had allowed it to go for far too long. "I always thought it would change, that it would stop. It's part of your dream of your life not being like that, but unless you do something about it, it won't change, it won't stop.

"That's the important thing - for women to realise they have to make the change."

The annual cost of family violence is estimated to be $1.2 billion. Figures show that 38,000 children were present during the 30,340 family violence incidents attended by police in the past year.

AdvertisementAdvertisementMr Dobson said bike enthusiasts - often perceived as big, tough men - liked the idea of standing up and saying "it's not okay to hit women".

The motorcycle ride, which is supported by the Wellington Motorcycle Club, will start from Wellington's Cenotaph at 1pm.