Most males don't sexually assault  -- we need to start with that fact! But the reality is that 98% of perpetrators are male (Statistics Canada, 1999) and men can help change that.

Gender violence is present in our community.  More than one third of Canadian women report having had at least one experience of sexual assault since the age of 16 (Ontario Women's Directorate, 2006). Every minute of every day a woman or child in Canada is sexually assaulted (CRIAW, 2002). It is happening in Waterloo Region.

 So, what can guys do to break the cycle? Can we make gender violence as repugnant as smoking? Can we "grab the keys" as we are increasingly doing when a friend is over the limit and wants to get behind the wheel?

Take a look at  "10 things a man can do to prevent gender violence"  http://www.jacksonkatz.com/wmcd.html.  The author, Jackson Katz, is an educator, author and filmmaker who has long been recognized as one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists. He talks so clearly about taking a stand and speaking up.  He's also written a great read  "The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How All Men Can Help" (Sourcebooks,  2006).

Our local community agencies are working hard to support this greater awareness. The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region is hosting a free one day workshop for men in our community who wish to be allies in the fight to end sexual violence. Saturday, March 28th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Heritage Room at Terrace on the Square, Waterloo.)  For more information or to register  go to www.sascwr.org/maasv.htm or email/call Joan Tuchlinsky, Public Education Coordinator ( PubEd@sascwr.org or 519.571.0121 ext. 32).