Press Release

Raising Nonviolent Males Topic of Major Forum in Boston on Oct. 3
Noted Experts Explore "From Boys to Men: Ending the Cycle of Male Violence" in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

BOSTON (Sept. 13, 2001) – From early childhood to the cusp of manhood, cultural forces are at play which contribute to males’ disproportionate engagement in violence. How families, schools and community organizations can break the cycle of male violence is the topic of a major forum at the Boston World Trade Center on Wed., Oct. 3. The roundtable discussion by national experts is sponsored by the Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work and Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc.

"From Boys to Men: Ending the Cycle of Violence," will explore forces shaping the contemporary definition of masculinity. The roundtable, which is free and open to the public, is from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the amphitheater of the Boston World Trade Center, 164 Northern Ave. Hosted by moderator Charles Ogletree of Harvard Law School, the panel discussion will be followed by questions and answers from the audience. Registration and a continental breakfast will be from 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Editor’s note: Reporters interested in covering the forum should call Diane Millikan at 617-521-2364 or Debra Robbin at 617-521-0133. The general public should rsvp at 617-521-0155.

The forum, held in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, features national academic experts, service providers, and community leaders who will address such issues as:

How do violent cultural messages affect male development and male relationships with their peers? Is gender a factor in instances such as recent school-based shootings?
How does witnessing domestic violence affect young men?
How do institutions play a role in shaping notions of masculinity?
Are there cultural, racial, and ethnic implications in defining masculinity?
How can society raise nonviolent, non-sexist males for the future?

Panelists include William Pollack, Ph.D., of McLean Hospital and Harvard University, author of the highly acclaimed book "Real Boys: Rescuing Our Sons from the Myths of Boyhood;" Judy Beals, executive director of Jane Doe, Inc., a statewide coalition for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs; pediatrician Eli Newberger, MD, a nationally recognized expert on child abuse and author of the book "The Men They Will Become;" and Nan Stein of the Wellesley Centers for Research on Women, who has done groundbreaking research on sexual harassment in schools.

Others include Monica Rotzner, director of clinical and community services at Casa Myrna Vazquez; Mary Gilfus, professor at the Simmons College Graduate School of Social work and expert on treatment for domestic violence; Robert Gittens, commissioner of the Mass. Dept. of Youth Services; and Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner.

The forum is designed for the public and for domestic violence workers, educators, researchers, public health officials, health care providers, and youth workers.

The Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work, founded in 1904, is a leading provider of graduate education in social work, and a frequent sponsor of public forums on important social service issues.

For 25 years Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc. has been in the forefront of developing comprehensive domestic violence programs with an emphasis on prevention, education, and advocacy. Last year, it opened its fifth residential program, MAS (Mothers and Sons), the only transitional living program in New England to work with battered women and their adolescent sons who are at risk for continuing the cycle of violence in their future relationships.

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