Sheriff Koutoujian Joins ‘White Ribbon’ Day Campaign to End Domestic Violence

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian joined statewide leaders at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, March 5, for Jane Doe Inc.’s 8th Annual Massachusetts White Ribbon Day ceremony. As Honorary Committeeman for the campaign, the Sheriff joined other dignitaries in taking a pledge to engage men and boys in efforts to end violence against women.

“One of the most effective ways to address violence against women is for men like myself to not only model positive behavior, but also to engage younger generations in a discussion about what it means to be a man,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “The significant number of well publicized incidents of violence against women involving high-profile men across the nation proves just how important this discussion is.”

Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) Secretary Daniel Bennett presented Governor Charlie Baker’s proclamation declaring today White Ribbon Day in Massachusetts. Others taking the pledge at the State House ceremony included Campaign Chairmen Northwest District Attorney David E. Sullivan and Northeastern University Director of Athletics and Recreation Peter Roby, as well as Honorary Committee members Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, Provider’s Council President/CEO Michael Weekes and Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance Director Liam Lowney.

Throughout his career, Sheriff Koutoujian has been committed to working on behalf of domestic violence victims and raising awareness on important issues including stalking, teen dating violence and sexual assault. As a state representative, the Sheriff authored and enacted laws to increase protections for victims of domestic violence and fought to maintain a state run nursing program (SANE) that works with victims of sexual assault.

Sheriff Koutoujian is also a former board member and current advisory board member of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence (www.reachma.org), a Waltham-based non-profit, serving residents of 27 local communities in Middlesex and Norfolk counties. REACH is dedicated to providing support services for victims of domestic violence, as well as prevention and education programs. In addition, REACH operates a 24-hour confidential helpline (1-800-899-4000).

The State House ceremony was one of several across the Commonwealth Thursday. Members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office also participated in a White Ribbon Day ceremony held at Lowell City Hall.

The Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign is part of an international effort to urge men to speak out against violence against women. Since launching the campaign in Massachusetts in 2008, Jane Doe Inc. has recruited over 594 White Ribbon Day Ambassadors, 86 White Ribbon Day Affiliates and tens of thousands of men and boys have signed a pledge to end violence against women.

For more information on this year’s campaign, please visit: http://whiteribbonday.janedoe.org.

– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office