Primarily treated as a woman’s issue, domestic violence has now found a substantial number of male volunteers worldwide. Reports WomensLaw.org(http://womenslawreports.blogspot.com/2008/11/men-working-to-end-domestic-violence.html), ” A Call To Men(http://www.acalltomen.com/page.php?id=50) a wonderful organization dedicated to galvanizing a movement of men to end all forms of violence against women, sates that ending violence against women is primarily the responsibility of men. Although historically it has been almost entirely women who have been at the forefront addressing this issue, we think it is essential that men play a primary role in the solution to end it.”

The stereotypes associated with men like them being the stronger and the more powerful sex, etc. more often than not, are found to lead to domestic violence. In order to show their power over the women and not appear as ‘sissy’s, men abuse the very woman they love. A Call To Men strives to defy these stereotypes and create an entirely new definition of manhood. Their aim is “to shift social norms that define manhood in our culture, and produce a national movement of men committed to ending violence against women. A Call To Men is unique in its ability to be affirming and respectful to the experiences of women while expressing genuine care and hope for men. Through seminars, workshops and other educational vehicles, A Call To Men challenges men to reconsider their long held beliefs about women, in an effort to create a more just society.”

The organization is co-founded by Tony Porter and Ted Bunch, both well-known advocates for women’s rights, who have been working since years as activists to end violence against women. Bryan Hurt(http://www.bhurt.com/), the visionary filmmaker who is also known for his immense contribution towards eradication gender-based violence is a part of A Call To Men.

A Call To Men believes that the protection of his woman is the primary responsibility of a man. Domestic violence is an international issue and everyone is aware of it by now. Often, men who are willing to work towards eradicating domestic violence don’t know where to start though. A Call To Men therefore, provides a number of educational tools through which men can turn into activists against of domestic violence. Apart from holding regular training sessions(http://www.acalltomen.com/training_series.php) to educate men they also give out a number of VCDs and DVDs through which men can learn how they can help and protect women. They even provide a list of the ’10 Things Men Can Do To End Men’s Violence Against Women’(http://www.acalltomen.com/page.php?id=51) on their website itself.

One of those pointers for men is–”Remember that our silence is affirming. When we (men) choose not to speak out against men’s violence, we are supporting it.” It all depends upon you as a man as to whether you want to support it, or join the fight against domestic violence.

Visit the website of ‘A Call To Men’ for more information about their activities, upcoming training sessions and more.