DANBURY, CONN. — The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury has had a strong presence on the Western Connecticut State University campus over the past few years, assisting with students in crisis. Now the Center will bring a new program to campus that will focus on the male role in ending relationship violence starting in mid-March.

“One Man Up” will be offered to students as a weekly peer discussion group at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting March 10 through May 5 (except March 24 during Spring Break) in Higgins Hall A-105-C on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury.

“One Man Up” has been designed for students to openly discuss and learn about issues of sexuality, relationships and masculinity. The goal is to empower men on campus who do not condone violence, to speak up and be heard. The program engages students by learning to successfully challenge the norm of accepting relationship violence and give them an opportunity to take collective leadership.

“I think this is an exciting, new initiative,” said Sharon Guck, WCSU Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse Prevention Services. “Research shows that men on a college campus can play a pivotal role in changing the attitudes of other young men regarding violence in relationships. In my experience opening up a dialogue with these young men can be the first step in raising awareness, changing attitudes and ultimately their behaviors.”

Both men and women who are students are invited to participate. The 90-minute sessions focus on group discussion and activities. Students are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.

To register for the program, send an e-mail to mens.initiative@yahoo.com or contact Kyle Pinto, Men’s Initiative Coordinator at the Women’s Center, at (203) 837-3939.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.