Sexual Violence Response

Men's Peer Education Program

Mission and Purpose

Mission
The Men’s Peer Education Program is part of Sexual Violence Response and Columbia Health. The Program seeks to promote individual and community accountability to challenge beliefs and behaviors that encourage sexual and relationship violence.

The Men’s Peer Education Program works with men to strengthen attitudes that prevent and interrupt sexual and relationship violence. We offer educational events, prevention strategies, and workshops to engage men to end sexual and relationship violence.

The Program examines notions of masculinity and manhood, and their relationship to violence toward men and women. Through awareness-to-action education and campus organizing, we engage men as allies in an effort to transform cultures that support sexual violence.

Purpose

• Invite men to become allies in ending sexual and relationship violence and supporting survivors.
• Educate men about their power as bystanders to interrupt sexual and relationship violence in everyday ways.
• Raise awareness of social and cultural factors that support sexual and relationship violence.
• Make clear connections between sexual and relationship violence and larger forms of oppression.
• Challenge common myths about traditional gender roles and how they contribute to sexual and relationship violence.

Get Involved

What about men? Men can be survivors of sexual violence and harassment as children and as adults. They may also be friends, relatives, and partners of survivors. Male survivors and co-survivors are encouraged to use any of the services available through the center. The Men’s Peer Education Program provides opportunities for men on campus to be involved in ways to address sexual and relationship violence.

Every student on this campus can be a part of the work to end sexual violence. Consider volunteering as a Peer Counselor/Peer Advocate or Peer Educator with the Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center, or a Peer Educator for the Men’s Peer Education Program. Students can also join a student group that works on these issues, or attend workshops and other events to learn about them. All students can challenge attitudes and behaviors that make assault more likely. Apply now!

There are many additional opportunities to engage in anti-violence work on campus. Interested students may sponsor workshops and discussions for their school, student group, or department, and can participate in campaigns and special events.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us. Join our mailing list to receive information about new events, programs, and services.

Join the movement to end sexual violence.