Southern police officers wore the white ribbons while on duty on Wednesday, the day recognised by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence towards Women.
Southern District Family Violence co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Kelvin Lloyd said the campaign against family violence needed a collaborative approach.
Southern District police were committed to working with agencies tasked with ensuring the safety of those subjected to family violence, and making offenders accountable for their behaviour, he said.
In the 2008-09 financial year, Southern District police attended 531 incidents of family violence in Rural Otago, 1487 in Dunedin and Clutha and 1480 in Southland.
"Overall, there's been an increase in the level of reporting of the number of family violence incidents in the district.
"We're also seeing an increase in the number of offenders being charged with serious assaults - this reflects a commitment to the principle of holding offenders accountable.
"While November 25 marks the importance of eliminating violence against women and children, the effects of violence within families are a daily reality for some.
"This means a proactive approach needs to be taken by everyone, 365 days a year," Sgt Lloyd said.
