Your Role in Ending DV

While most men are not abusive, 90% of perpetrators of gender-based violence are male. To end this violence, men and boys must be a part of finding solutions.

  • men in heels to raise awareness #WhyIWalkCFJ
  • men in heels to raise awareness #WhyIWalkCFJ
  • radio hosts smiling, raising awareness

Join the White Ribbon Campaign

The goal of the White Ribbon Campaign is to end violence against women by engaging men in the process of personal, relational and social change.

We encourage men to take a personal pledge and then try to incorporate seven behaviors identified by the International White Ribbon Campaign Committee to help end gender-based violence and promote gender equity, healthy relationships and positive ideals of masculinity:

1. Think about the kind of man you want to be. Be true to yourself.

2. Never use force, threats, or violence in your relationships with others.

3. Wear a white ribbon and speak out against violence against women.

4. Be a good role model and share with those around you the importance of respecting women and girls.

5. Learn about the impact of violence against women in our communities.

6. Challenge and speak out against hurtful language, sexist jokes and bullying.

7. Accept your role as a guy in helping end violence against women. It affects everyone.

History of the White Ribbon Campaign

On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women students at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada, were killed by gunman Marc Lepine who claimed he was “fighting feminism.” Because of the massacre, a handful of men in Canada formed the White Ribbon Campaign because they felt they had a responsibility to urge men to speak out about violence against women. Today, there are White Ribbon Campaigns in more than 55 countries.

Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. If more people are aware of the issue, offenders will be held accountable and more victims will find safety and support.

For more information on getting involved in White Ribbon events, contact Director of Education & Community Engagement Amanda Posila at APosila@CenterforFamilyJustice.org. or White Ribbon Committee Chairperson Gary MacNamara at macnamarag4@sacredheart.edu.

Upcoming events

walkers in a group at the Walk A Mile in her shoes event

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event

Each April, CFJ hosts Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, a one mile walk and awareness event that takes place in downtown Fairfield, CT.

The 12th Annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes was held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Fairfield Train Station. Stay tuned for details of our next walk, scheduled for April 2025.

For each of the last 11 years, our walk has been led by White Ribbon Committee Chair Gary MacNamara, Executive Director of Public Safety & Government Affairs at Sacred Heart University and former police chief in the town of Fairfield.

The event features a walk down the Post Road to Town Hall, where there are speakers and awards given in many categories, including most creative shoes, best signs and fun T-shirts.

It’s a great way to build awareness about the impact gender-based violence has on our communities, particularly as it takes places during Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Months.

teens gather around motivational speaker, inspired, hopeful

Speaking With Men

Our annual Speaking with Men breakfast is another way we highlight the importance of engaging men and boys in the efforts to end gender-based violence in our communities.

Previous speakers have included Jamal Stroud, a nationally-recognized activist and nonprofit leader committed to connecting boys with strong mentors, and Emeka Nnaka, former professional athlete, author and mental health therapist.

Our most recent Speaking with Men Keynote Speaker was Dr. Jay Taylor, LCSW, a social worker, activist, and teacher. Keep checking for updates about our next Speaking with Men event.