Rahm Emanuel Announces Men's Alliance to Combat Domestic Violence, Calls on Males to Take Action.
Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel emphasized the need for men to confront domestic violence during a speech at the Union Club of Chicago, announcing plans to launch the Men's Alliance to End Domestic Violence through WINGS, Illinois' largest domestic violence assistance provider.
"This is not a women's issue; this is a family issue," Emanuel said, referencing his work in drafting the 1994 Violence Against Women Act with Joe Biden. "If you're a son, brother, cousin, or uncle, you can't just look the other way and think it won't affect you."
The Men's Alliance aims to educate men about recognizing harmful behaviors in relationships and supporting survivors of domestic violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women experience physical violence from their intimate partners at some point, while one in seven men do so.
Despite an increase in reported cases, with calls to the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline rising 26% in 2024 compared to the previous year, Emanuel noted that many incidents go unreported. "In their darkest moment, that young woman or old woman needs to know she's not alone," he said, emphasizing the importance of men taking action.
WINGS President and CEO Rebecca Darr added, "We need all of us together...for men to speak out and talk to other men about healthy relationships." Men can sign up for the program by emailing their name and city/state to [email protected].
Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel emphasized the need for men to confront domestic violence during a speech at the Union Club of Chicago, announcing plans to launch the Men's Alliance to End Domestic Violence through WINGS, Illinois' largest domestic violence assistance provider.
"This is not a women's issue; this is a family issue," Emanuel said, referencing his work in drafting the 1994 Violence Against Women Act with Joe Biden. "If you're a son, brother, cousin, or uncle, you can't just look the other way and think it won't affect you."
The Men's Alliance aims to educate men about recognizing harmful behaviors in relationships and supporting survivors of domestic violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women experience physical violence from their intimate partners at some point, while one in seven men do so.
Despite an increase in reported cases, with calls to the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline rising 26% in 2024 compared to the previous year, Emanuel noted that many incidents go unreported. "In their darkest moment, that young woman or old woman needs to know she's not alone," he said, emphasizing the importance of men taking action.
WINGS President and CEO Rebecca Darr added, "We need all of us together...for men to speak out and talk to other men about healthy relationships." Men can sign up for the program by emailing their name and city/state to [email protected].