In The News

Daily Tribune
December 6, 2007

Men Make Pledge to End Domestic Abuse

Kim Wexler

One Massachusetts women's group says the responsibility of ending domestic violence and sexual assault against women in the state falls squarely on the broad shoulders of men.

As part of the international "White Ribbon Campaign," an effort to engage men in ending violence against women, Jane Doe Inc. launched a statewide men's initiative to combat domestic violence and sexual abuse yesterday at the State House.

"Today is a powerful day for me, but also an odd one because instead of talking to a group of powerful women about sexual assault, I find myself addressing a group of powerful men," said Rep. Peter Koutoujian (D-Newton).

The many men who showed up echoed the group's pledge by vowing "never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women, sexual assault and domestic violence."

JDI spokeswoman Toni Troop blamed this year's rise in sexual assaults in Massachusetts as a result of a 15 percent decrease in state and federal funding for domestic violence programs, a trend other speakers labeled disturbing.

"Sometimes I get frustrated because it seems like we are making progress, and then we have a year like this year and, 'Why is this happening in our state?'" said former Gov. Paul Cellucci.

JDI Executive Director Mary Lauby said increased male activism is vital to stopping violence.

"If only women work to prevent violence against women, nothing will get done," Lauby said.

The White Ribbon Campaign was founded on Dec. 6, 1989 after a gunman shot and killed 14 women at the University of Montreal. Men in the country responsively organized to commemorate the loss and support movements against violence.

Today, the group has 5 million members in 47 countries.

"People should know that their voice matters," said Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance legislative affairs coordinator Rebecca O'Connor. "Engage yourself and be aware."

JDI plans to launch the first annual Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign on Valentine's Day and has already received support from communities, said Men's Initiative for JDI coordinator Craig Norberg-Bohm.

Groups of men from both Chesterfield and Gloucester built WRC awareness floats for their July 4th parades, while Harvard University plans to dedicate a week this month to promote White Ribbon Campaign activities, speakers and films, Norberg-Bohm said.