Men Against Violence is a personal development program for young men. It examines masculinity, non-violence and relationships, using conflict resolution models. The program is a practical guide to provide young men with support and options as they search for their own understanding of masculinity.

Boys will be boys is the fundamental reason given to a range of male behaviours that can eventuate in bullying, family violence, sexual assault and

violence to others and suicide, substance abuse and harm to themselves.

Values associated with maleness continue to encourage many men to minimise responsibility for their actions.

Evidence of violence by males in society is commonplace. Men are the major perpetrators of domestic/family violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment of women. They are the major perpetrators of child abuse and of violence to other men. Young men are more likely than young women to die from self-destructive behaviours involving road accidents, suicide, drug dependence and other injuries. When men identify with traditional practices of masculinity as their preferred choice they assume dominant power and status over women and children. In this process they deny and desensitise some of their emotional experience. This often results in violence and disrespect towards the women and children they live with and feel close to. It may also cause harm to themselves and other men.

This program encourages young men to avoid ways of being a man that can hurt themselves and disrespect the rights of others. I hope to encourage young men to examine a social perspective of behaviour and take responsibility for ending their participation in violence to women, children and other men. This includes violence related to prejudice about sexuality, nationality, racial and ethnic heritage, family structure, age, religious affiliation, ability, physical appearance and socio-economic status.

The plan of activity is to work with young men in the area of Aston in local youth clubs, then to take the program into local schools and to create a consultative program which addresses the issue of violence and men at all levels.

Aims

• To enhance the health and well being of young men
• To develop young men's awareness of the alternatives to violence
• To encourage young men to have social goals, skills and motivation