Middlesex Sheriff Honorary Committeeman for Annual White Ribbon Day

Jane Doe’s Annual Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign is an initiative to engage men and boys in an effort to end domestic violence. Now in its eighth year, this year’s honorary committeeman is Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.

“One of the most effective ways to address domestic violence is for men – especially those in positions of authority – to not only model positive behavior, but also to engage younger men and boys about what it means to be a man,” said Sheriff Koutoujian in a press release. “As a father and a fellow member of the law enforcement community, we are uniquely positioned to help stop violence against women.”

Sheriff Koutoujian has worked on behalf of domestic violence victims throughout his career, and raises awareness on issues such as stalking and sexual assault. When he was a state representative, he authored and enacted laws to increase protection for victims. He also fought to maintain a state-run nursing program that works with victims of sexual assault.

The sheriff serves as an advisory board member of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence.

Sheriff Koutoujian joins leaders from across the Commonwealth – including Campaign Chairpersons Northwest District Attorney David E. Sullivan and Northeastern University Director of Athletics and Recreation Peter Roby – for a State House ceremony on March 5.

The campaign theme for this year’s Massachusetts White Ribbon Day is #REIMAGINEMANHOOD, with a focus on promoting positive masculinity. The Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign is part of an international effort to urge men to speak out against violence against women.

Read more about this campaign.