The Men’s Initiative
While men can and are victims of sexual assault and relationship violence, men are even more likely to know a female who is a victim: Friend, girlfriend, mother, sister, daughter, classmate, co-worker...
Across the United States, a men’s movement to confront male violence against women is growing. Groups such as Men Can Stop Rape– with it’s “My strength is not for hurting” slogan, or Northeastern University’s Mentors in Violence Prevention, in which male athletes and other male role models conduct gender education to male youth, are taking a stand to assert a strong and healthy definition of masculinity that MOST men live every day.
Our version of this movement at the Women’s Center is The Men’s Initiative. YOU can be an agent of change, informally or formally:
- At whatever level that is safe for you, confront male and female stereotypes. Use humor, walk away from it, or argue your case
- Confront abuse and behavior that devalues women
- Role model the healthy male norm
- Call the Women’s Center and learn about more formal ways you can get involved as an educator, counselor, or activist.
