MEN who serve on the Northern community’s front line will unite on Wednesday to condemn violence against women.

Representatives of Tasmania Police, the Tasmania Fire Service and the Launceston City Council will mark White Ribbon Day with three events in Launceston: a Brunch in the Bays at the Paterson Street fire station, a public event in the Brisbane Street Mall from midday, and a forum at the Launceston City Council.

Northern Commander Brett Smith said the message from police was that domestic violence was being taken ‘‘very seriously’’.

‘‘We actually see first-hand what occurs in the community, particularly around violent behaviour, and more particularly violence towards women in family violence circumstances,’’ he said.

Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said men needed to realise they could take action by not staying silent.

‘‘Often you can be in a discussion or even having a drink at a pub and people start making derogatory comments about women, and we’ve got to say that’s no good, stop,’’ he said.

Tasmania Fire Service Northern regional chief Jeff Harper said as a male-dominated organisation it was important for the service to do what they could to mitigate violence against women.