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More than half of men think it is very likely that, at some point in their lives, they will know a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, and most are willing to take action to raise awareness, help victims, and promote healthy, violence-free relationships, according to a poll conducted for the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) and released in June.
According to the poll, 56 percent of men—and 60 percent of those ages 18 to 34—have reason to believe a member of their families, a close friend, or an acquaintance has been in a domestic violence or sexual assault situation. More than half (57 percent) think they can personally make some difference in preventing violence, and 73 percent think they can make some difference in promoting healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships.
And, it finds, men are taking action. Two in three fathers (68 percent) have talked to their sons about the importance of healthy, violence-free relationships, and 63 percent have talked to their daughters. Fifty-five percent of the men surveyed have talked to other boys who are not their sons.
"There has been a significant change in men's attitudes toward domestic, dating, and sexual violence and especially in their willingness to take action to stop it," FVPF President Esta Soler says. "That's one reason domestic violence has been declining in this country. But it’s still a tremendous problem. We need many more individuals and institutions to get involved. It is within our reach to dramatically reduce violence against women, but we all need to be part of the solution. That so many men say they are willing to act gives us real hope."
For more information
For more information on the poll, visit www.endabuse.org/07menspoll.
If you or someone you know needs help, call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY for the Deaf)
or visit www.ndvh.org
Help is available in English, Spanish and many other languages. All contact with the hotline is free and confidential.
If you want to join other men in helping to stop violence against women and children, visit the Family Violence Prevention Fund web site at www.endabuse.org. |