Suggested Action Steps for Men

• Think about relationship abuse as a major social problem that touches the lives of women of all social, economic and racial backgrounds. Focus on the ways in which you, as an empowered bystander, can support at-risk women and girls and confront abusive men.

• Approach relationship abuse as a men's issue involving men of all social, economic and racial backgrounds. Recognize men not only as perpetrators or potential offenders, but as bystanders who can confront abusive males, as well as potential victims.

• If you are a father, coach, teacher, uncle, older brother or mentor, you can play a crucial role in guiding the boys in your life into manhood and into positive relationships as they grow older—by teaching them about respect, showing them how to deal with conflict, and setting an example of how to build healthy relationships. By starting a conversation about relationship abuse, your actions demonstrate that this is an issue that can be discussed thoughtfully and openly.

• If you have a son, brother, friend, co-worker or neighbor who is abusing his partner, don't look the other way! Urge him to seek help or, if you don't know what to do, consult a friend, family member, community leader or the police.

• SPEAK OUT! If you suspect that a woman you know is being abused, gently ask if you can help.

• While most victims of relationship abuse are female, boys can be emotionally or physically abused as well. Boys can be abused by their girlfriends, and they can also be abused by another boy if they are in a same-sex relationship. Either way, let them know that the abuse is not their fault, and that they have nothing to feel ashamed of. Encourage them to seek help.

• Be an ally to women who are working to end all forms of relationship violence.

• Support women's organizations. If you belong to a community group, organize a fundraiser to benefit a local service organization (i.e. a battered women's shelter or rape crisis center).