So, what’s unique about them? It’s made up of mostly all male VCU students and alumni.
MAV is dedicated to the prevention of sexual and domestic violence, coercion, sexual harassment, and other forms of violent behavior. Members of the group educate the community about the causes and effects of violence, and how to prevent it. MAV’s mission is to promote a change of attitude so that violence is looked at as everyone’s problem, not just women’s problem. Members do so not by accusing all men of being perpetrators, but rather trying to unite men, and teach them what they can do to create a positive change in society.
“We try to challenge the notion that men are violent and try to promote ways in which men can change their behaviors,” said David Shafer, MAV’s president
Using men as crusaders for stopping violence against women can be effective in bringing together men and women for the same cause, rather than furthering the division between the two. Their message has traveled to VCU students through pamphlets and flyers throughout campus.
Mary Caitlin Barrett, a VCU senior, saw a MAV flier in the bathrooms on campus.
“I’ve had a violent situation with a man in the past, and it’s made me fearful of them, Barrett said, things can happen everyday day behinds closed doors, but it’s not until someone opens the door and lets you know that it’s wrong, that change can occur. I think that this organization is doing just that, opening the door.”
MAV was established in the spring of 2007. Currently, it receives funding from the Department of Justice. MAV works hand in hand with Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Education by Students or SAVES, a similar student organization. MAV also participates in many of SAVES campus activities, and view themselves as the “male wing” of the group. Currently the group has about 10 active members, but new members are always encouraged to join. They encourage both female and male students of all ages to look into the group.
“I had never heard about MAV, but it sounds like a great organization, said Phil Myers, a VCU junior. I think what their doing is helpful for men and women. I would consider joining.”
MAV focuses on empowering both men and women by asking them to stand up against all forms of violence, rather than turn a blind eye. The white ribbon campaign, which will be held in late November, supports this notion.
“Wearing the ribbon is like making a pledge, that men will never commit, condom, or remain silence about violence against women.” Shafer said
For more information, contact MAV at maviolence@gmail.com.
