Beanpot teams campaign against domestic abuse

January 23, 2012

Boston.com Town Correspondent, Johanna Kaiser

College hockey coaches and captains are joining the state's fifth annual White Ribbon Day Campaign aimed at ending violence against women and children by discussing the importance of men in the movement.

Players, coaches, and athletic directors from the four hockey teams that compete in the annual Beanpot Tournament--Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University--joined state officials and local district attorneys at the State House on Monday to encourage men and boys speak out against sexual assault and domestic violence

"I know firsthand how effective it is to involve young men as part of our collective voice to address the very real problem of domestic and teen dating violence, and the White Ribbon Campaign works to help ensure that men are actively engaged in reinforcing a proactive approach to maintaining a positive climate of healthy relationships." Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone, a former chairman of the campaign, said in a statement.

The campaign, sponsored by Jane Doe Inc. is encouraging men to participate in the movement to serve as role models and help change attitudes of other men and boys.

"The competing teams join us in encouraging all of our peers and young men everywhere to take and adhere to the White Ribbon Pledge -- being part of the solution in ending violence against women," Steve Nazro, chairman of the Beanpot Tournament and vice president of events at TD Garden, said in a statement.

The City of Boston is set to proclaim Wednesday, March 9, White Ribbon Day at a noon City Council meeting.