Preventing, but not Helping, Domestic Violence

The University of Massachusetts women's basketball game last weekend included an unusual half-time scene: over 50 males pledged to become more aware against stopping domestic violence against women.

Led by Leiutenant Governor Timothy Murray, the event was sponsored by the White Ribbon Campaign, a national program which promotes the end of men's violence towards women. This event came just one day before Valentine's Day, showing the importance of safety in dating, love, and other relationships.

While I take pride in the fact that this event was held on our own campus, showing that there is always room to take control of the violence that may occur within the college community, I wish that something else could be done to promote awareness of such a problem. Making a verbal pledge is important, and shows dedication from those men across campus.

However, I think it is likely that these are the men who have never been involved in domestic violence. While it is helpful to have events like this to keep violence from starting, is there anything being done at UMass for those who are already involved in violent relationships?