Family Peace Project promotes 'Be A Man' campaign

Athens Daily Review - 11/21/2017

Nov. 21--Athens Mayor Monte Montgomery, city firefighters and council member Ed McCain have taken the pledge to "Be A Man" and take a stand against domestic violence.

"The Family Peace Project wants to raise awareness and create social change by empowering men to speak out against domestic abuse," Louise Garrett said. "It's not enough to just be good. We've got to do good as well."

Texas Department of Public Safety data shows that more than 214,000 wives, husbands, girlfriends and others were injured or died in 2016 at the hands of family members. The statistics show that's an increase from about 193,000 in 2011.

"We continue to underestimate the reach and devastation of domestic violence," said Gloria Aguilera Terry, chief executive of the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Forty percent of women killed in 2016 had made attempts to end their relationships or were in the process of leaving when they were murdered.

"Domestic violence is not a woman's issue or a man's issue, Garrett said. "It's a community issue. We are asking the men of Henderson and Kaufman counties to take a stand against domestic violence."

This is the first year the Family Peace Project has promoted the "Be A Man" campaign.

"We're asking men from Henderson and Kaufman Counties to take a stand and just say no."

Garrett said Henderson County ranked fifth in the region for domestic abuse cases but ranked second for child abuse.

"We're asking the men of Henderson County to purchase a T-shirt and wear it on Nov. 28," Garrett said. "Let's show solidarity in the fight against domestic violence."

The Family Peace Project works to protect, educate, assist, care and employ victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Henderson and Kaufman counties.

"We will be taking pictures and videotaping those who participate in the 'Be A Man' campaign," Garrett said. "Or you can just take your own photo and tag us (Family Peace Project) on Facebook."

Shirts are available at familypeaceproject.org/be-a-man-campaign and at the Family Peace Project at 720 East Corsicana St. The cost is $10 for small, medium or large shirts. Larger sizes are $12.

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