Letter to the Editor: Domestic Violence Is Everyone’s Business

From Chuck Hamby, public relations manager at Verizon Wireless of Florida.

Domestic violence is often treated as a “women’s issue.” This view is inaccurate and ineffective in solving an acute, yet broad societal problem.

Abuse in the home has a devastating effect on entire families and communities, so we all need to be aware and engaged. This point should particularly apply for men, who are the abusers in a vast majority of cases but are largely absent from the dialogue and effort to end the pain.

It’s critical men discuss their very intimate role in the issue of partner violence, and their responsibilities in helping victims. That is why Verizon Wireless is proudly supporting the on Saturday, April 29, at in downtown Tampa.

In its third year, this public event will highlight the vital efforts men need to assume in raising awareness and working against domestic violence.

This year’s event will include an interactive panel that will cover many aspects of the problem and what men, young men and boys need to know about ending the cycle of abuse. For example, men should be aware that witnessing violence between one’s parents is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. A related statistic shows that boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

Intelligent, fact-based conversations like these are of great help in developing awareness, understanding and a willingness to solve the problem.

In addition, Take Back the Night will feature a special activity called the Men’s Pledge. All men in attendance, young and old, will be encouraged to speak out with one voice against violence. For every man who participates in this public pledge, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will receive $5 from a generous local donor.

Verizon has been working to stop domestic violence for more than a decade through its HopeLine program and other initiatives and is honored to support front-line organizations such as the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, who are relentlessly dedicated to empowering, supporting and caring for victims and their families.

We urge our corporate partners and the entire community to join us at Take Back the Night, as domestic violence is a pain we all suffer, and a problem for each of us - women and men - to solve. 

Send your letter to the editor to alessandra.dapra@patch.com.