Men’s Steering Committee

Why is sexual violence also a men’s issue?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified harmful norms around both masculinity and femininity as risk factors for many problematic behavioral issues, including teen dating violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence.  Some things to consider

• While most men do not commit sexual violence, most of it is perpetrated by men
• Men know and care about women who are survivors of sexual violence
• Men are also survivors of sexual violence
• Men have the most influence over other men.

The goal of the Men’s Steering Committee

Through education and meaningful conversation, the goal is to engage men in our community in the prevention of sexual violence by educating the members on critical issues:

• Challenge the harmful social norms around masculinity (toxic masculinity)
• Identify the differences between toxic masculinity and healthy masculinity
• Recognize the pervasiveness of “rape culture” in our society
• Understand how oppression is both a cause and an effect of sexual violence
• Establish ways men can positively influence other men

The committee will meet every month or 12 times a year.  Each meeting will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the covered topic.  Additionally, a closed Facebook Group will be where relevant information will be shared for further conversations.

Member Commitments

• Make a 12-month commitment to the committee
• Attend at least 8 of the meetings
• Be respectful and supportive of all the other members of the committee
• To actively engage in meetings and conversations
• Help PCASA engage in the community with prevention efforts
• Help promote PCASA events and messaging as able.
• Make recommendations for new members as able