Allies, Adversaries, or Distractions? Exploring the Promise and Peril of Working with Men to End Sexual Assault

September 1, 2010 |
David Lee

During the 2010 National Sexual Assault Conference, which took place in Hollywood Sept. 1-3, 2010 there were more than 80 workshops. The largest track was the Prevention Track sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Workshop Title: Allies, Adversaries, or Distractions? Exploring the Promise and Peril of Working with Men to End Sexual Assault
Presenters: Kelly Anderson, Dane County Rape Crisis Center, and Patrick Lemmon, consultant
Description: As funders increasingly focus on primary prevention, men’s work in the field of sexual assault prevention has increased exponentially. Not surprisingly, this has led to tension and uncertainty about men?s role in the movement, particularly in leadership and paid positions. In a movement founded and led by women to address violence committed primarily by men, there is no clear history of successful partnerships for organizations to follow in incorporating men in the work. Men?s involvement necessarily will change the context and culture of the work, in ways good and bad, expected and unexpected. This workshop will examine the potential benefits and challenges of engaging men in this work, investigate the complex and varied motivations for men?s involvement, and discuss steps that organizations can take in considering whether and how to involve men in working to end sexual violence.
Materials:

To view a complete list of workshops, speakers and information related to the 2010 National Sexual Assault Conference, click here.