Letter from the President
For those of us who work to stop domestic and sexual violence, hope is an especially precious commodity. Gender-based violence is so pervasive, and its consequences so deep and lasting, that at times it can be difficult to remain optimistic. But a new approach to prevention is providing real hope for stopping violence before it ever begins.
That new approach is about inviting men and boys to be part of the solution. The smartest and most effective ways to do so are detailed in this first-of-its-kind toolkit, which provides a virtual roadmap for agencies and programs that want to do this work.
The Family Violence Prevention Fund began reaching out to boys and men several years ago, after commissioning research to help guide this work. The research taught us that most men want to help stop violence, but they either haven’t been asked or don’t know what to do. Through public education campaigns and grassroots organizing, we have been asking them to help and showing them ways to make a difference, in particular by teaching boys that violence is always wrong and by helping to change social norms.
In this toolkit, we share the lessons we have learned along the way and the experiences of many allies who are doing similar work. I hope you will fully explore it. In particular, I invite you to use the Discussion Board to share your experiences and learn from colleagues, and to visit the growing database that already offers some 300 resources. And come back often, as the Toolkit will continue to grow. Thank you for visiting this online toolkit and especially for doing this work!
Esta Soler, President
Family Violence Prevention Fund
Family Violence Prevention Fund
