‘MEN Challenge’—More male involvement sought to end domestic violence

Domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault are often seen as “Women’s Issues“ but the Center for Victims is set up to advocates and assist male victims, and get more men involved in solving this problem.
The goal of the MEN Challenge is to invite men to become a part of the solution by engaging with the Center for Victims to speak out against violence towards women and girls.
While the majority of domestic violence victims are women, abuse of men happens far more often than most expect.
No matter the age, race, or gender you can overcome these challenges and escape the abuse. Center for Victims provides the help to overcome these day-to-day oppositions.
The MEN Challenge Event, Men Ending violence meeting held by the Center for Victims was held March 6, in the Drum Bar inside Rivers Casino. Where 65 people attended the event.
“This challenge has impacted the community in several ways. The commercial alone has drawn attention to our services and programs, elevated our profile, and reached out to individuals and families who may need our services. It is important that this Region knows exactly where to go if they are a victim,“ said the Center for Victims, Community Engagement Assistant Danielle Hanna.
The event was sponsored by The Pittsburgh Foundation. Other donations were made by: the Pittsburgh Pirates, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, The Priory Hotel, The Donnybrook: Ambassador’s Cup, and the Rivers Casino.
The keynote speaker for the evening was the Center for Victim’s board member and Men Challenge advisory board chair, David Atkins of VisitPittsburgh.
The winners of the Men Ending violeNce (MEN) Challenge award were: Pittsburgh Steelers, Art Rooney; RCJ Global Impact, Roberto Clemente Jr.; former Pittsburgh Steeler, Judge Dwayne Woodruff; Pittsburgh Perry High School, Thomas Graham; KERF Phone Case, Ben Saks; VisitPITTSBURGH, David Atkins; Kelevra Ideas, Marcus Miller; Pittsburgh Promise, Saleem Ghubril; and Actress/Activist; Keshia Knight Pulliam.
The event focused on bringing men together, celebrating the 300+ men who have signed onto the Pledge and to meet and network with one another. There were hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, prize giveaways, and raffles. The MEN Challenge video was shown and guests shared an understanding that working together, they can make a difference and end violence.
Numerous prizes were given away to guest during the celebration. For example; the Pirates Bag: included a baseball autographed by Neil Walker, promo items, and two ticket vouchers for 2015 home games (Monday-Thursday), while a Donnybrook Basket, Rivers Casino basket, and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa giveaways were distributed as well.
The Center for Victims founded the Men Ending violeNce (MEN) Challenge and Pledge. There are 305 people who committed to the pledge.
The Men Challenge launched in 2014, and those who have signed the pledge are sent a monthly e-newsletter that includes three sections of content Read, Watch, and Act. These resources are helpful tips on how to be a proactive bystander and speak out against violence against women and girls.
The Center for Victims has 40 years of experience in working with victims of all types of violence and crime including, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and homicide. There are two existing Center for Victims locations, one in Pittsburgh and the other in McKeesport. There are also satellite locations in Allegheny County Courthouses and Children’s Hospital.
Location Addresses:
5916 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
410 Ninth Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132
The motto of Center for Victims believes that men do want to be actively involved in violence prevention, but most just don’t know where to start or what to do. Center for Victims gives men the tools and resources to proactively end violence against women and girls by working with and supporting the Center for Victims’ programs, services, and outreach efforts. #TakeThePledge #MENchallenge #StartHere
(Visit www.menchallenge.org Connect, Donate, and Get Involved. )
 
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