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Big-name men join fight against sexual assault
By Becky Pallack
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.13.2006

Some big-name men in Tucson have come together to speak out against sexual abuse and domestic violence.

The Men's Anti-Violence Partnership of Southern Arizona is a new program at the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, a nonprofit treatment and prevention organization.
"It's something that's been a long time coming," said Michael Mandel, a spokesman for the center. "Most sexual violence and domestic violence committed against women is committed by men, but most men are not violent."

That's why it's important for men who are not violent to help end abuse, he said. Among the 55 founding members are University of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson and football coach Mike Stoops. They will be featured in a media campaign with an anti-violence message.
Other founding members include local CEOs, such as Tucson's Newspapers President and CEO Mike Jameson, political representatives, and local celebrities such as the Daily Star's editorial cartoonist, David Fitzsimmons.

Other parts of the project include leadership training and a pilot mentoring program at the university, advocacy and fund raising for the center's other prevention efforts.
Anyone may join the anti-violence partnership. For more information, call 327-1171. For more information about the center, go to www.sacasa.org.

Contact reporter Becky Pallack at 629-9412 or at bpallack@azstarnet.com.

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Tucson men to combat violence against women
HEIDI ROWLEY
Tucson Citizen
Published: 04.13.2006

Sexual violence has been an issue generally fought by women, but 50 men in Tucson have come together to form a group to discuss their role in eliminating violence against women and girls.

The Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault is launching its Men's Anti-violence Partnership of Southern Arizona, whose founding members include University of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson, UA football coach Mike Stoops and Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup.

"Men commit the most violence, but most men aren't violent," said the center's communication director, Michael Mandel, citing the organization's philosophy. "Nobody wants the women and girls in their lives to be victims of violence," he said. The program will combat violence against women through four subgroups:

• Community awareness and communication, which will work with media and other organizations to spread awareness.
  
• Prevention and education, which is a mentor and leadership program for young men.
  
• Advocacy. The group will look at policies and laws to make sure they are supportive of victims.
  
• Fundraising. The group will work to raise funds specifically for prevention.

  Olson, who will participate in the community awareness program, said he didn't hesitate when asked to be one of the founding members. "I don't think to this point that the effort has been there to educate men as to the problems that exist," he said. "I think it's important that men in the community step out and make it known that we are involved and we will do whatever needs to be done to prevent the problem and educate the public as to the problems."

  Mandel said men in the community who want to participate can call Stephanie Sklar, the executive vice president of external relations for the center, at 327-1171
  

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