PLU Men Against Violence
The name really could be PLU Men Against Other Men’s Violence Against the Women We Care About, but that would be way too long! The
main focus of the MAV program is to engage men in a topic that is
generally is seen as a women’s issue—until it becomes very personal for
us through those we care about. The reality is that a VERY small
percentage of men create an extraordinary amount of pain in the lives
of women that the rest of us care deeply for. That small group of men account for 99% of
the stalking, domestic and sexual violence and resulting trauma
perpetrated against women and boys. Until men
are visible and vocal in condemning the actions of a few, these horrible acts
are seen as acceptable enough not to warrant reaction by perpetrators and men generally are to blame for not having done something... Statistically, 1 of 4 women in this country—our sisters, mothers, girlfriends, wives, daughters… — will be sexually assaulted or raped, with especially high frequency between the ages of 16-24. Men Against Violence simply asks men to call other men on sexist or abusive statements or actions by other men. As most men are not used to hearing this, it can have a great impact and allow for explanation of the objection and concern. As part of the Women's Center's overall effort to promote gender equity, Men Against Violence is also committed to promoting the idea that men can and should be just as much a part of this work as women. Men have a great stake in women being seen as equals MAV is a perfect venue for men to take their place beside women as allies for equality. If you would like to learn more please email us at mav@plu.edu.
To learn more about the statistics, click on Rosie to see the Ms Magazine Study  |
Things men can do1. If a brother, friend, classmate, or teammate is abusing his female partner -- or is disrespectful or abusive to girls and women in general -- don't look the other way. If you feel comfortable doing so, try to talk to him about it. Urge him to seek help. Or if you don't know what to do, consult a friend, a parent, a professor, or a counselor. DON'T REMAIN SILENT. 2. Have the courage to look inward. Question your own attitudes. Don't be defensive when something you do or say ends up hurting someone else. Try hard to understand how your own attitudes and actions might inadvertently perpetuate sexism and violence, and work toward changing them. 3. Be an ally to women who are working to end all forms of gender violence. Support the work of the women's center. Attend "Take Back the Night" rallies and other public events. Raise money for community-based rape crisis centers and battered women's shelters. If you belong to a team or another student group, organize a fundraiser. 4. Don't fund sexism. Refuse to purchase any magazine, rent any video, subscribe to any Web site, or buy any music that portrays girls or women in a sexually degrading or abusive manner. Protest sexism in the media. 5. Mentor
and teach young boys about how to be men in ways that don't involve
degrading or abusing girls and women. Volunteer to work with gender
violence prevention programs, including MAV type programs. Lead by
example! *Adapted from Jackson Katz's 10 Things Men can do For more things men can do check out Resources!Check us out on Facebook! |