The network, including Jesuit Social Services (The Men’s Project), the Accountability Matters Project, Male Champions of Change, No To Violence and Stopping Family Violence yesterday restated their ongoing commitment to engaging men. This follows the collapse of White Ribbon Australia, an organisation that worked to end men’s violence against women.

For over 12 months, this network has been meeting to plan how to extend and intensify efforts to engage men in ending family and sexual violence and building gender equality.

Director of Strategy for No to Violence, Che Bishop, said that as the corrosive and deadly impact of domestic violence persists for individuals, families and communities, leaders must work together to address the issue.

“We are at such a critical point and ongoing, cross-sector engagement must continue – including partnering with men to end domestic and sexual violence,” Ms Bishop said.

Matt Tyler, executive director of The Men’s Project at Jesuit Social Services, also reflected on the importance of cross-sector engagement.

“There are many great services that work with women and children who are victims of, or impacted by, violence. Working with men is one component of ending violence against women. Women and children’s services must be adequately funded to ensure a rounded approach to this issue.

“In addition to adequately funding these services, we need to listen to the voices of women to guide further work that engages men and boys to address the attitudes and behaviours that underpin violence.”

“We are building a strong network that will work closely with women’s organisations to deliver a focused, co-ordinated and effective approach to end this dreadful scourge on our society.” Mr Tyler said.

FULL STORY

Engaging men in efforts to end violence against women remains critical (Jesuit Social Services)

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