Men take pledge against rising domestic violence in Hawaii «

 

Men take pledge against rising domestic violence in Hawaii «

 

battered women, domestic violence, sexual assault | Tags: men against violence |

A rally at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral brings religious and political leaders together
By Bali Fergusson

Dozens of men rallied yesterday against Hawaii’s tide of domestic violence, which has already claimed the lives of eight women in the past 12 months.

The men, wearing the white ribbon of men against men’s violence toward women, and bearing placards with anti-domestic violence slogans, recited a pledge:

“I pledge to seek equality and respect in all my relationships with women. I commit to lead by example and be a role model to other men and a mentor to our young generation in ways that create a future free of violence for women and children.”

The rally included more than 20 community leaders, including legislators, clergy and prosecutors, at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral downtown.

“In the last 12 months, nine people have died (in domestic violence); eight were women,” said Joe Bloom, of Catholic Charities Hawaii.

“Women have been doing the work for too long; now it’s time for men to say, ‘I don’t believe in violence either,’” said rally participant the Rev. Al Miles, of Pacific Health Ministries. “We need everyone to join together.” Source