Mayor Mike Rawlings and others were concerned to see the rapid rise of domestic violence related homicides. In Dallas, they doubled from 2011 to 2012. As of last week, four women were murdered as a result of domestic violence in Dallas. To raise awareness a rally is scheduled for March 23.
However, the problem is not limited to Dallas and that is why last week Mayor Rawlings participated in the Ring the Bell (#RingTheBell) global kickoff in New York City. He was a speaker at the United Nations during the annual session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Mayor Rawlings called for men to get involved and, “Promise never to hit a woman; to speak out against hitting women.”
Prior to leaving the city, Mayor Rawlings indicated in an interview with KDFW Channel 4 that he has received a favorable response from local professional athletes, the faith community and non-profits such as the Boy Scouts.
Mayor Rawlings is calling for 10,000 men to join him at 10 a.m. March 23 at the Men Against Abuse Rally at Dallas City Hall Plaza, 1500 Marilla Street. This event was not originally a part of the Ring the Bell campaign, but after organizers learned of the efforts the mayor is spearheading he was invited to participate in Ring the Bell. The international event has a goal of one million men stepping up to sign a pledge to not commit acts of domestic violence.
Men throughout the community are invited to:
First – participate in the rally;
Second – contact 20 other men and encourage them to participate; and
Finally – pledge the following:
- I will never commit an act of violence against women.
- I will hold abusive men accountable for their heinous actions and help them seek counseling.
- I will speak out against domestic violence and promote domestic violence awareness.
- I will teach my daughters, nieces and granddaughters that they never have to accept violence in a relationship, and teach my sons, nephews and grandsons that violence is an unacceptable way to express anger or displeasure.
While the messaging is directed primarily to women, because they are a significant part of the problem, women are also invited to participate in the campaign. Women throughout the community are working closely with Mayor Rawlings, especially organizations that serve victims of domestic violence.
For more information visit www.dallasmenagainstabuse.com.
