SAY NO TO DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
Rotary District 9920 – New Zealand Project Brief
Rotary District 9920 is activating in New Zealand an initiative that has been successfully undertaken by Rotary in Australia — “Say No to Domestic and Family Violence”.
The initiative aims to create a strong, visible and united community message against domestic and family violence, while encouraging awareness, prevention, education and access to appropriate support.
As we bring the initiative to New Zealand, we want to learn from organisations already working in this field and ensure the campaign reflects the needs, expertise and experiences of New Zealand communities.
A Preventative Approach
At the heart of Say No to Domestic and Family Violence is a prevention-first approach.
The initiative is focused on changing the attitudes, behaviours and social norms that allow violence to occur.
Rotary is not a frontline service provider. Our role is to:
- Raise awareness and reduce stigma.
- Encourage respectful relationships and healthy communities.
- Bring people together around a common cause.
- Partner with organisations that provide specialist support.
- Demonstrate visible community leadership.
Our goal is to compliment—not duplicate—the work of existing agencies
Through awareness, education, positive conversations and visible community action, we aim to encourage individuals and communities to recognise unhealthy attitudes and behaviours, challenge the normalisation of violence and promote respectful relationships.
Our Vision
To create a united and visible community movement that sends a clear message:
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE IS NEVER ACCEPTABLE.
The initiative will bring together Rotary clubs, community organisations, businesses, schools, workplaces, sporting groups and the wider community.
Key Components
Purple Fridays
A key element of the initiative will be Purple Fridays.
Participants will be encouraged to wear Say No to Domestic and Family Violence purple T-shirts every Friday, creating a visible and consistent reminder across workplaces, community organisations, Rotary clubs and the wider community.
The aim is not simply to wear purple, but to use the visibility to start conversations, challenge attitudes and raise awareness around domestic and family violence and respectful relationships.
Community Awareness Walk – 28 November
A Say No to Domestic and Family Violence community walk is planned for 28 November 2026.
The walk will provide an opportunity for individuals, families, organisations, businesses and community groups to stand together, raise awareness and demonstrate a collective commitment to prevention and safer communities.
Community Awareness & Education
The initiative will use Rotary's extensive community network and communication channels to promote:
- Prevention and education.
- Healthy and respectful relationships.
- Awareness of behaviours and attitudes that can contribute to violence.
- Challenging the normalisation of violence.
- Appropriate support services and resources.
- Positive community action.
SAY NO TO DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
Prevent Violence Before It Begins
Purple Fridays | 28 November Walk | Prevention | Awareness | Collaboration
Rotary District 9920