12 May 2006

More Men Need to Get Involved

More men need to get involved in stopping and preventing domestic violence if we are to create safety for women, children and men.

This is the message from a men's hui on domestic violence held in Hamilton this week.

About 40 men attended the three day hui. Speakers included American domestic violence expert Paul Kivel who was on a speaking tour of New Zealand.

The theme of the hui was "social action/social change".

"We are looking at what men can do to stop the violence and how we can become allies for boys growing into men," hui organiser Nathan Taiapa said.

"Most perpetrators of domestic violence in New Zealand are men and most victims are women and children. Boys grow into men – we need to be thinking about what messages we are giving boys as they grow into men.

"As well, we aren't seeing enough support for women and children to find safety from family violence instead we are seeing more resources being put towards helping men fix themselves. I get annoyed and embarrassed by the men's right groups who use undesirable tactics of intimidation to promote their message – I wonder how that benefits our young boys watching on."

The men's hui was a first and attracted a number of men from around the country who are new to stopping violence services. More hui are planned.

"Men need to lead the way to stop men's violence and preparations for future events on November 25th, International White Ribbon Day, are already in motion.

"Paul Kivel spoke about building allies, about getting all men involved if we are to make our homes and families safe for all members.

"We have an epidemic of domestic violence in New Zealand. Women and children are dying. We are putting the call out to all men of all cultures to stop the violence."

ENDS

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