A few good men: domestic violence and accountability

Ok, everyone! It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Let’s get aware, shall we?

As we’ve already mentioned, intimate partner violence of all forms remains a big problem in the US and around the world. And just when we think we’re making some important strides, things happen that remind us how far we have yet to go.

I wanted to take a moment, however, to draw attention to the work that male-identified allies are doing in the fight against domestic and intimate partner violence. Just today, in Lebanon a coalition of groups including several NGO’s and the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs launched a nationwide media campaign entitled Be a Man. Real Men Take a Stand Against Violence. From AWID:

This media campaign begins the revolutionary journey towards using positive psychology to foster male allies in the world of women’s human rights.

They even have a cool TV post, targeting men. All with the hope of redefining “masculinity” to include being an advocate for women’s human rights.

In a time where men in the Middle East are often vilified, campaigns that seek to engage and and uplift the voices of men who are working against violence against women is important work. Add this one to the growing list of cool efforts working to engage men and boys in creating a world without violence. Rock on, fellas.

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