Men Lead Change as Domestic Violence Awareness Advocates and Allies
By Office of the President | Oct 16, 2024
Downstate remains a committed advocate for domestic violence awareness, particularly its impact on seniors, ethnic minorities, and marginalized groups. Recently, we hosted Men Leading Change: A Call to Action Against Domestic Violence, a robust panel discussion that explored the vital and increasing role men play in ending domestic violence, aiming to inspire leadership, advocacy, and support for survivors.
Although women have traditionally led domestic violence advocacy, the panelists highlighted the importance and emerging role of male engagement in changing the narrative. The panel featured notable experts, including Quentin Walcott, Executive Director of CONNECT-NYC; Marlon Walker, Co-Director of Programs at CONNECT-NYC; Nathaniel Tolbert, LCSW, Clinical Director of the Transformative Justice Collective at the Urban Resource Institute NYC; and Sam J. Young, LMSW, Social Worker in Downstate’s Care Management Department. Together, they emphasized the growing role of men in challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting healthy relationships, and fostering accountability.
Moderated by Allen Lewis, Ph.D., CRC, Dean of the School of Health Professions, the event began with a comprehensive overview
of domestic violence. Dr. Lewis defined it as a pattern of abusive behaviors—whether
physical, emotional, psychological, or financial—used to gain power and control over
another person. He shared stark statistics, noting that one in four women and one
in seven men in the U.S. experience domestic violence, with many cases likely underreported.
He also discussed the social and economic toll, including the lasting effects on children
who witness abuse.
The conversation discussed the impact of domestic violence, which disproportionately affects women, communities of color, and underserved populations, and origins, a lot of which are rooted in male behaviors from early ages, a variety of challenges in the home, cultural “norms” and “acceptances,” and the impact of generational domestic abuse. The panelists called for consistent engagement from men, stressing the need for safe spaces where men can address harmful behaviors and model healthy ones. The panelist emphasized the critical role men are increasingly playing as leaders–and alongside women to create lasting change.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to begin these crucial conversations. Domestic and Gender-Based Violence are behaviors used to gain or maintain control over others, and they thrive in silence. By raising awareness in October, we work to break that silence, show support for survivors, and remind them they are not alone.
As part of Downstate’s commitment to providing support and information, we have implemented a Gender-Based Violence and Workplace Policy to address these issues. Several optional training opportunities offer valuable, up-to-date information. You can register for Domestic Violence 101, provided weekly throughout the month, or the LGBTQI+ Webinar Series, offered every Thursday during the month. Click the links to register for each program separately.
These training sessions are optional and provide valuable, up-to-date information. Whether you attend a training, please familiarize yourself with our policy, or wear purple to show support, let’s stand in solidarity with survivors and affirm our commitment to ending domestic and gender-based violence.
For more information on New York State’s initiatives, visit the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (ny.gov) or contact our Domestic Violence Agency Liaison, Nicole Sharpe, at ext. 3025 or nicole.sharpe@downstate.edu.
Thank you to our panelists, Dr. Lewis, and the participants for supporting this critical cause.
Tags: EAP, Campus Events