Men's Initiative for Jane Doe Inc.

Joining together
Raising our voices
Celebrating new strength

The goal is to mobilize men from all walks of life who agree with the simple statement:

"Violence and abusiveness is wrong. Sexual assault, sexual harassment, date rape, domestic battering and abuse are all forms of abuse that must stop."

*See references on the resources page for definitions of violence.

Many men, the majority we know, agree with this. Here then is the purpose of our campaign. To create an opportunity for men to show their agreement and have something good and useful to do about it.

Please join us.

Imagine what we can do:

Violence is a frightening part of our everyday life. Women, children and men suffer frequently and daily at the hands of men.

Good news is that a new effort is awakening among men in our communities.   In growing numbers, men can be found seriously working with one another, speaking to one another and taking action to change the conditions in men's lives that support and allow the violence to continue.

The Men's Initiative for Jane Doe Inc. offers support and encouragement for these efforts to grow. We offer a clear and present response for men of conscience to declare an end to men's violence in the world.

Imagine with us where this can lead.

Imagine men proudly and vigorously engaging their friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers in helpful ways to be respectful and cooperative.

Imagine men meeting to discover ways to help their friends to be accountable, and to end abuse in their lives.

Imagine men forming groups to engage in useful volunteer efforts such as emergency moving, home repair and childcare.

Imagine that every shelter for battered women and every rape crisis center has a community men's group conducting ongoing fundraising and community support activities.

Imagine groups of men distributing safety plan brochures to their local laundries, groceries and corner spas.

Imagine a new brochure to men about practical advice to ending violence, heeding warning signs and offering resources. "Caring About Men, Leaving Violence Behind"

Imagine that there is an advertising campaign operating on a regular basis which encourages men to participate in a campaign to end men's violence.

Imagine that literature and reminder items addressed to men about ending violence is widely available where men congregate, from store counters to bars and gyms, to grocery stores, barber shops, to hardware stores and sporting goods stores.

Imagine neighborhood cable television education spots sponsored by the local business clubs.

Imagine during sports season a competition among bars on how many "stop the violence, strong and proud" raffle tickets they can sell.

Imagine men in religious groups forming support systems for men in their congregations struggling to change their behavior and attitudes.

Imagine every man in the congregation carrying a "ten tips to ending violence" card and a logo key ring.

Imagine neighborhood hospitals organizing drop-in locations created for men to go to cool down and form responsible selfcare plans during time-out interventions.

Imagine the Ad Club of Boston choosing this campaign for its annual social contribution, coordinating a competition among several agencies to create the summer ad campaign. Campaigns are designed to run during traditionally high violence times (nights, weekends, holidays.)

Imagine a clearinghouse operation where men interested in volunteering can be directed to ongoing efforts where they can make a contribution.

Imagine that, in Massachusetts, these efforts are brought together for the benefit of the Member Organizations of Jane Doe Inc, the Massachusetts coalition against sexual assault and domestic violence!

Now Imagine Your Place in this work...