Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence
Raising Gentle’men
A Program of Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence (GADV) ®, the overall goal of this eight-week curriculum is to promote gender equality and to end violence in society. The activities are based on a holistic approach towards learning that seeks to educate for change.
RaisingGentle’men will help boys replace stereotypical ideas of men as controlling, aggressive and gaining power through violence, with the idea that men can be gentle, compassionate and kind without risking their identities. Some of the ideas that are challenged include:
- aggressive, hyper masculine media images of men
- images of men as loners who are separate from society
- showing emotion or having compassion as a sign of weakness in a man
- verbal communication as a feminine trait
- male success defined by rugged individualism and isolation
Why does Collier County Need This Program?
85% of domestic violence incidents are due to a patriarchal attitude. In 2006-2007 School Year, Collier county schools had 699 incidents of school crime and violence. By December 1, 2008, each school district is required to adopt a policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution (Florida Anti-bullying bill).
Conversely, a child or young person experiencing domestic violence may become the bully at school as this may be the only environment in which they have control. (Davina James- Hanman)
The overall goal of the curriculum is to promote gender equality, increase self esteem, and end violence in society by challenging erroneous or limiting attitudes and beliefs.
The activities are based on a holistic approach towards learning with a methodology and content that seeks to educate for change and violence prevention by empowering students through the acquisition of knowledge (cognitive), the application of skills (behavioral) and a change in attitude (affective).
Learning Objectives:
- Increased ability to understand and empathize with others
- Improved social skills and competence
- Increased problem solving ability
- Developed sense of personal power and belonging
- Acceptance of less rigid gender roles
- Development of respect and tolerance for differences
- Ability to use critical thinking skills to make healthy lifestyle choices
- Stronger self awareness and self esteem
