2023 Men’s Campaign

Together, We Can Help Break the Cycle

In our ongoing journey to address domestic abuse, it is crucial to recognize that it takes various forms beyond the stereotypical
image of physical violence. While that image represents a tragic reality for some, we must also acknowledge the quieter, more
subtle manifestations of abuse.

At its core, abuse revolves around power and control. This manipulation can manifest physically, sexually, verbally, emotionally,
or financially. Regardless of the specific form, the central theme remains the same: the perpetrator seeks dominion over the
victim, stripping them of autonomy and decision-making capabilities.

Domestic abuse permeates all types of intimate partner relationships, including same-sex partnerships. Disturbingly, statistics
reveal that 1 in every 4 women and 1 in every 9 men in the United States alone become victims of domestic abuse at some point in their lives. To confront this issue, we must firmly establish that abuse is unequivocally unacceptable. Bill Holmes aptly states, “If men begin by setting the expectation that we will not silently tolerate violence, we can strive to transform the systems that have enabled abuse to persist for far too long.”

The cycle of abuse will only be broken when we dismantle unhealthy masculine stereotypes and discourage their perpetuation. When men rise up to challenge these patterns of behavior, they send a resounding message to their peers that not only is it unacceptable to be abusive to their partners, but it is also unacceptable to display disrespect towards women or anyone based on their gender identity or expression.

We invite you to join the 2023 Co-Chair’s of the Men’s Campaign, Bill Holmes, Vice President of Chelsea Milling Company and retired American Airlines Pilot and John U. Bacon, author, radio personality, and coach in leveraging your voice and resources to expose injustices and support survivors. By doing so, we can collectively shift the culture and establish respect and equality as the
norm. “A fair measure of a healthy society is how much help we give to those who need help. One of the best answers to that question is SafeHouse, which provides crucial, even life-saving help to those who are subjected to domestic abuse in all its forms.”‘ John U. Bacon.

Together, men and women united, we possess the power to usher in the change that is desperately needed.

Sincerely,

Christine Watson

Executive Director

P.S. We are proud to recognize all donations of $100 or more in a full page ad in the October Ann Arbor Observer. We must receive your response by 9-5-23 to be included in the community support ad.

Your support is sincerely appreciated!