For Immediate Release : 1.15.07

Naples, FL – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is pleased to announce the development of the ‘Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence program (GMADV), an initiative developed in conjunction with a group of concerned men from the Naples area in an effort to break the cycle of domestic violence by reaching out to boys and young men.According to the Shelter’s Children’s Supervisor Frank Sodano, “Through community support we have been able to develop a program specifically targeting boys and young men in order to stop violence against girls and women. Through a variety of methods, this program will help boys realize that violence never equals strength.”GMADV seeks to educate young men to:

• Develop a better understanding of self, the world around them and its impact on them (societal influences, gender roles, ‘acceptable’ behaviors and the influence of media); Find positive ways to change the negative environments they may encounterAppreciate and interact positively with women of all agesRealize the importance of never imposing their power and control over another
• Identify the traits of a ‘gentle’man that allow them to regain power and control over themselves, their emotions and behaviors

This innovative program features trained Advocate/Counselors working with young men to reshape their views of what it means to be a ‘man’ through dynamic presentations, group interaction, role playing, sharing of ideas and modeling new behaviors.“Domestic violence is not a man’s issue or a woman’s issue – it’s a universal issue,” concludes Sodano. “We need to realize that we each play a part in ending the cycle of abuse in our homes, communities and nations. That’s why one of the vital components of this program is having the young boys share what they’ve learned with their peers – so that more boys learn that strong men are ‘gentle’men.”The ‘Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence program will be offered throughout Collier County to groups of boys and young men. For more information on this new initiative, please call the Shelter for Abused Women & Children at 239-775-3862.To learn more about the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, the nonprofit organization’s programs and services, please call 239-775-3862, or visit www.naplesshelter.org

Love isn’t black & blue. If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 239-775-1101.

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The Shelter for Abused Women & Children helps adult and child victims and survivors of domestic violence through safety, intervention and support; educates the public about domestic violence; and advocates for social change against domestic violence. For more information, please contact us at 239-775-3862, or visit us online at: www.naplesshelter.org

Media Contact: Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211