How can Myspace and Facebook help to end violence against women?

Violence against women is a serious issue. It affects every community
regardless of race, ethnic background, class, or religious belief. It is
an unfortunate truth that the overwhelming majority of this violence is
perpetrated by men, yet most men are not violent. Men can take an active
role in ending violence against women. It is time to start thinking
about violence against women as a men's issue and for men to be involved
in ending violence against women.

The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The goal of
this month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence (focusing on
sexual assault and rape) and to educate communities and individuals on how to
prevent sexual violence.

During the week of April 20th, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
is asking that men change their Myspace and/or Facebook profile pictures to the
White Ribbon Campaign image found here:
http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/sexualviolence/whiteribbon.htm Please
share this information with friends. Women can also participate in this event.

The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest multi-national effort to get
men involved in working to end violence against women, to raise
awareness of the problem, and to support organizations that deal with
the consequences of this violence. Men are asked to wear white ribbons
as a personal statement that they will never commit, condone, or remain silent
about violence against women. Men are asked not just to become "aware" of this
issue but are invited to actively participate in efforts to reduce violence
against women.

Participants are asked to keep the White Ribbon image as their profile
picture for at least one week. Participants are also asked to explain
the white ribbon should they be asked about it, and to encourage others
to change their profile picture as well. Visit the White Ribbon Campaign
website to learn about the campaign, men's violence against women, and
how they can help http://www.whiteribbon.ca The goal of this campaign is
to show your friends online that you have had enough and are taking a
stand against men's violence against women.


By participating in this campaign you are pledging that you will never
commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.

You can check out other resources at:

Virginia Department of Health Sexual Violence Prevention
http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/sexualviolence
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance
http://www.vsdvalliance.org/
Men Can Stop Rape http://www.mencanstoprape.org/
www.RAINN.org or 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
www.LoveIsRespect.org


Please contact Robert Franklin if you have questions or need more
information:


Robert L. Franklin, MS
Male Outreach Coordinator
Division of Injury and Violence Prevention
Virginia Department of Health
109 Governor Street, 8th Floor
Richmond VA 23219
Phone: (804) 864-7739
Fax: (804) 864-7748

email: Robert.Franklin@...

web: http://www.menendingviolence.com
web: http://www.varapelaws.org
web: http://www.paramihija.com
web: http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/sexualviolence/