June 8, 2007

Coaching boys into men

In this country, one in four women will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. These and other statistics — some frightening, some hopeful — were part of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) May 17 Work/Life Seminar, "Coaching Boys into Men." Presented by the national nonprofit organization Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), the event was hosted by MGH Men Against Abuse and MGH Sports Medicine. The program offered tips for men talking to boys about treating girls and women with respect. Presenter Juan Carlos Areán, program manager for FVPF, explained, "Men are in a unique position to prevent domestic violence by promoting positive attitudes among other men and by teaching the next generation."

"It was exciting to have Juan Carlos Areán, a national expert, speak on this important topic," says Leonard DeBenedictis, LICSW, CEAP, EAP consultant. "This effort helps MGH Men Against Abuse spread information on how men can work together to end domestic violence."

For more information, visit www2.massgeneral.org/menagainstabuse.