Dunedin Collaboration Against Family Violence co-ordinator Michaela Corcoran said the white ribbon movement originated in Canada with a group of men saying they did not condone violence towards women and children, and now had spread throughout the world, including New Zealand.
"As a movement here today, we are saying, ‘hey, we don’t condone violence at all in any of our communities, and we want to see a community free from violence entirely’.
"So that’s why we support White Ribbon Day every year and every day in our mahi."
The event was before White Ribbon Day this Saturday, Ms Corcoran said.
She encouraged people to wear a white ribbon on the day to show support.
"Because family violence is very prevalent in our community and in our country and in our world.
Among people attending the event were staff from Isaac Construction.
Staff member Chris Moore said taking part in White Ribbon Day was about standing up for and having respect for women.
"It is about doing something to stop that violence against women."
It was important for men to acknowledge violence in the community, because it often started with men, he said.
"So at the end of the day, it’s up to us to stop it."
