Options
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services will host a launch party at Defiance Brewery in Hays for their first ever 100 Men Campaign.
The campaign launch party will take place at 5 p.m. The free event will include a tour of the brewery, a beer sampling, and plenty of food. Men who sign up and join the campaign will receive a free pint glass, pin and other goodies.
Options' goal is to have 100 men across northwestern Kansas join the campaign by Dec. 31. The event is open to the public and invite men of all ages and walks of life to join the fun and learn about the campaign. RSVP by calling 785-625-4202. Those who can't attend the launch party can still sign up to join the campaign.
The 100 Men Campaign was born out of the belief that men have a crucial role to play in the movement to end violence against women and girls.
The campaign aims to develop male leaders who are willing to stand up and oppose violence; and create a ripple effect–encouraging more men to get involved, ultimately creating a safer community for our families, our friends, and our neighbors.
It's about creating space for men to come together, in whatever roles they hold, to take action, while connecting with other men who have the same passion for building a safer community for everyone. Men who join the campaign are asked to
- Be a vocal advocate and take a stand to end violence against women and girls
- Recruit other likeminded men to join the campaign
- Donate $10 a month for 12 months
"Through community awareness about this issue, more and more men are becoming part of the solution to ending one of the most critical social issues of our time," said Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director. "National campaigns like #MeToo and Time's Up have done wonderful things to raise awareness, but there is still so much work to be done. We can do more as a community."
1 in 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. According to the most recent data from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations, the average domestic violence victim is a woman and the average offender is a white man, most often the spouse or intimate partner of the victim.
In Kansas, a domestic violence incident occurs every 21 minutes and a domestic violence murder occurs every nine days. In fact, almost 25 percent of all murders in Kansas are due to domestic violence.
"The 100 Men Campaign is important to me because it allows me to make a change in the male community. By joining this cause, I feel I am able to raise awareness, provide a service, and lead by example for the male gender. By doing this, I believe we can have a serious impact in lessening the occurrences of domestic and sexual violence," said Campaign Chair Kameron Schmidt, a student at Fort Hays State University.
"Domestic and sexual violence is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human issue. We need good men to stand with Options and help us take action," Hecker said. "Our campaign cannot thrive without their support."
To learn more about the 100 Men Campaign or to make a $10 per month tax-deductible donation, call the Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services main office at 785-625-4202 or visit their Facebook page at OptionsHays.
If you or someone you know needs help because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, call Options free Helpline at 1-800-794-4624 for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Options is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing options for help, hope and healing to victims of violence and abuse. Options provides services to 18 counties in northwest Kansas. Services are always provided free of charge, and with complete confidentiality.