Recognizing that most social problems are interconnected and share • Identified (and continues to invite) diverse community partners the same root causes, Delaware MEN actualizes the CDC “Connecting who are committed to working in collaboration towards a the Dots” framework, bringing together partners from multi-sectors to unified goal: ending violence against women and creating spaces engage in prevention across the social-ecology (individual, relationship, for boys and men to live safe, healthy, authentic lives. community and society). This allows for greater impact due to the What Can I do? development and implementation of strategic initiatives that mitigate While the focus of Delaware MEN is to engage boys and men risk factors and promote protective factors for, not only domestic and as agents of change working towards ending domestic and sexual sexual violence, but many other public health issues too (Wilkins, et violence, DCADV recognizes that every person, regardless of their al., 2014). gender identity, has an important role to play. Those who wish to join By developing this safe space for dialogue, shared learning and Delaware MEN and DCADV on this journey of creating conditions networking, Delaware MEN partners have begun, or continue, to where all people can thrive can start by doing the following: sustain quality, effective, and comprehensive, community-driven • Visit www.dcadv.org to learn more about strategies that, not only engage men in violence joining DCADV as a Supporting Member prevention, but also address the trauma that A Change over Night (an individual committed to ending can result from boys and men being exposed During a community domestic violence in the State of Delaware); to traditional masculinity, as well as the trauma • Visit www.delawaremen.org to learn more that men from marginalized communities dinner at a Wilmington about the Network and the great work may experience from chronic adversities (i.e. charter school, a father Partners are doing in their communities; discrimination, poverty, racism and oppression). • Explore resources to better understand (who viewed The Mask In the last three years, Delaware MEN has: healthy masculinity, violence prevention and You Live In at a Delaware • Brought in national trainers, like Men Can healthy relationships. A good place to start Stop Rape, to build organizations capacity to is the “Resource” section on the Delaware MEN event the night employ violence prevention strategies geared MEN website: www.delawaremen.org; before), said “This towards Delaware boys and men; • Challenge harmful norms and behaviors knowledge doesn’t matter • Provided scholarships to Delaware that promote or normalize violence against MEN Partners to attend local, regional women and other marginalized groups; if we don’t do anything and national trainings to increase their • Support individuals and organizations in with it. So today, I individual capacity but also to bring their the State of Delaware that are committed to new knowledge and skills back to Delaware creating healthy, safe communities free from found myself stopping MEN partners, subsequently filtering into structural violence (things that harm people and thinking about their respective communities; by preventing them from meeting their basic • Developed pro-social, gender transformative human needs); how I interact with my public health media messaging / social • Align with social justice movements that are children. I’m trying to norms campaigns to promote healthy gender addressing the unfair conditions that keep put what I learned from norms and violence prevention; marginalized groups from living healthy, • Worked in collaboration to host statewide safe, fulfilling lives; because, when one the film into action.” screenings of The Mask You Live In, a film person hurts, we all hurt. that explores America’s narrow definition of For more information about Delaware masculinity and its subsequent impacts; MEN, contact DCADV’s Engaging Men Project Coordinator at • Promoted community connectedness, a known protective factor delawaremen@dcadv.org. (things that decrease the likelihood of violence), through events References like free community dinners and discussions; 1 Katz, J. (2012, November). Violence Against Women- It’s a men’s issue. [Video file]. Retrieved • Facilitated trainings across the state to assist others in increasing from https://www.ted.com/talks/jackson_katz_violence_against_women_it_s_a_men_s_ issue?language=en their gender analysis (the ability to identify, understand and 2 Porter, T. (2010, Decembet). A Call to Men. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/ explain gender differences and power dynamics); talks/tony_porter_a_call_to_men?language=en • Embarked on a journey to understand and apply anti3 Wilkins, N., Tsao, B., Hertz, M., Davis, R., Klevens, J. (2014). Connecting the Dots: An oppression / social justice frameworks to help ensure Delaware Overview of the Links Among Multiple Forms of Violence. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oakland, CA: MEN prevention efforts are inclusive, culturally relevant and Prevention Institute. community specific;
20 Delaware Journal of Public Health OCTOBER 2016