Sheriff Koutoujian Serves as Co-Chair of 2016 Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign

BOSTON, MA - More than 300 people gathered at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, March 3, to take a stand against gender-based violence as part of the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign.

The White Ribbon Campaign – launched locally by Jane Doe, Inc. – is focused on shifting the understanding of what it means to be a man in today’s world and encouraging men to become positive role models.

“Having been involved in this effort since it’s inception nine years ago, I was honored to be asked to co-
chair this year’s White Ribbon Day Campaign,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “As a son, a brother, a husband and a father, I recognize my responsibility to model behavior which proves a man’s strength is shown through his character and moral judgment, never through the use of force or violence.”

Sheriff Koutoujian was joined by as co-chair of this year’s campaign by MassHousing Director of Community Service and HoodFit Founder Thaddeus Miles. Governor Charlie Baker served as the honorary chair.

The State House ceremony included remarks by Gov. Baker, Sheriff Koutoujian, Director Miles, Jane Doe Executive Director Debra Robbin and Jane Doe Men’s Initiative Coordinator Craig Norberg-Bohm, as well as New England Patriots Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett and Captain James “Brett” Millican, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Base Boston. The ceremony also featured performances by spoken word poet Charlie Lake and hip hot artist/ Lawrence community activist Andres “DraMatik” Gonzalvez.

Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Base Boston. The ceremony also featured performances by spoken word poet Charlie Lake and hip hot artist/ Lawrence community activist Andres “DraMatik” Gonzalvez.

In addition to today’s State House event, Sheriff Koutoujian this week also participated in White Ribbon Day proclamation ceremonies hosted by the City of Cambridge and by The Second Step in Newton. Middlesex Sheriff's officers and civilian staff also participated in a proclamation event hosted by the City of Lowell and Alternative House.

To learn more about the White Ribbon Day Campaign please visit http://whiteribbonday.janedoe.org/.