FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Donna Giberti,
Director of Development and Marketing
Independence House, Inc.
508-771-6507 x221, Fax 508-778-0143 donnag@indhouse.net
Independence House brings traveling display promoting healthy masculinity to Cape Cod for inaugural exhibit
June 13, 2016, Hyannis, MA —From June 13th through July 24th, Cape Codder’s and area visitors will have an opportunity to see “Displays of Character: Men Reimagining Manhood.” The traveling display was recently created by Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Independence House is sponsoring its inaugural debut on Cape Cod with an exhibit from June 13 through July 17 at the Wilkens Library on the campus of Cape Cod Community College, followed by an exhibit at the Barnstable County Fair from July 18-24.
The display features 13 men from all walks of life who have been active as White Ribbon day Ambassadors in Massachusetts. These men come from different backgrounds, professions and parts of Massachusetts; they range in age, are straight and gay, and have myriad hobbies. ALL of the men have one thing in common: each has made a commitment to promote healthy masculinity as a positive means to support peaceful and healthy communities and encourage each of us to play our own role in ending gender based violence and men’s violence against women.
The purpose of the display is to inspire men and boys to take the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day pledge, wear the white ribbon and make a difference in promoting and creating safe relationships and communities.
Craig Norberg-Bohm, JDI’s Men’s Initiative Coordinator, said, “This display is a true celebration of who we are as men: we are ready to be part of the solution to gender-based violence. Jane Doe Inc. is delighted that the traveling exhibit has started on Cape Cod this summer. What could be more perfect!”
Jane Doe Inc. established the statewide White Ribbon Day Campaign in Massachusetts in 2008. Independence House has been actively encouraging men to take the lead and take a stand against violence towards women and with the collaboration of the Yarmouth Police Department and the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, Independence House sponsors the White Ribbon Day Campaign on Cape Cod each March. Additionally, with the collaboration of the ManKind Project, the Men’s March took place for a 2nd year this May.
“This impactful display is a direct connection to both our prevention work around ending domestic and sexual violence and specifically to our men’s action program at Independence House,” says Lysetta Hurge Putnam, Executive Director of Independence House. “This display is one of many rungs on the ladder to achieving our ultimate vision of ending domestic and sexual violence. Independence House is completely committed and fully engaged in efforts to challenge societal norms which support and condone gender based violence. We recognize our male allies and partners on Cape Cod who support victims/survivors, Independence House, Inc., and those who have taken the White Ribbon Day Pledge each year. We hope that this display provides a message of support and a promise for a different future for the many survivors who have already been impacted by domestic and sexual violence. “
The mission of Independence House is to help all domestic violence and sexual assault victims, survivors and their children by creating opportunities to find safety and become empowered through crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, referral, outreach, prevention, education and inspiring change in our community.
To learn more about Independence House and its programs and services, please visit www.independencehouse.org
To learn more about the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign, please visit www.janedoe.org/whiteribbonday
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