Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2009

MEN'S ACTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
DA Leone and Jane Doe Inc. pair up to invite men to speak out

In recognition of International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2009, Jane Doe Inc. launched the 3rd Annual Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign 2010 and announced that Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone will serve as one of this year’s Campaign Chairs.

Mary R. Lauby, Executive Director of Jane Doe Inc. (JDI), explained how the MA White Ribbon Day Campaign would draw on this international effort, “The intrinsic link between violence against women and human rights is fundamental to our movement to create a world free of violence and abuse. The basic rights that most men enjoy – safety in their homes and relationships, ability to go out at night, a job free of harassment – are a source of fear and suffering for women in much of the world. From sexual assault and domestic violence to human trafficking and prostitution, these are violations of our most basic human rights.”

The Massachusetts White Ribbon Day (WRD) Campaign focuses on the unique and critical role that men play in promoting equality and respect as an anti-dote to men’s violence against women.

“This campaign is not only about preventing individual acts of violence but also fostering a broader framework that confronts unhealthy behaviors and promotes positive masculinity,” said Craig Norberg-Bohm, Coordinator of the Men’s Initiative for JDI.

District Attorney Leone called upon men and boys around Massachusetts to get involved with the White Ribbon Day Campaign and be part of the solution to ending violence against women. Leone made clear that every man has a role to play, “By making this commitment, men exhibit leadership and serve as an example for our children and other men to emulate.”

In the past two years, over 300 men have joined the campaign as White Ribbon Day Ambassadors and over 50 local affiliates have coordinated local activities in conjunction with the campaign.

Plans are underway for a statewide event on March 2, 2010 for the 3rd Annual MA White Ribbon Day campaign. Men and boys are encouraged to sign up today as a WRD Ambassador and learn more about how they can help promote the campaign to their peers.

Details available at http://www.janedoe.org/whiteribbonday.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Toni Troop, JDI’s Director of Communications, at (617) 557-1807 or ttroop@janedoe.org.