News Release

Washington, DC - An effort to get more people involved in preventing domestic violence against women and families is the centerpiece of a North Idaho anti-violence campaign which will be announced Saturday in Sandpoint by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Bonner County Prosecutor Phil Robinson and Sue Fellen, the executive director for the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. A number of area law enforcement, judicial, state and civic leaders will also attend the announcement.

The group will discuss forming a new advisory group with the goal of stopping domestic violence in the Idaho Panhandle by encouraging men to step up and act as role models against violence. The "Men Today, Men Tomorrow" model was established in Idaho under a federal grant through the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare and operated by the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (ICASD). Jeff Matsushita of ICASD and Natalie Bodine of Idaho Health and Welfare will discuss details of the program.

The "Men Today, Men Tomorrow" (MT2) effort promotes the prevention of violence against women by promoting positive male behaviors and challenging beliefs that continue violence. MT2 plans statewide outreach efforts to provide research and mentoring further the concept that men can effect change regarding domestic violence. Regional steering committees are planned around the state and Saturday's event will mark the beginning of that effort in North Idaho.

"Men who are not victims of domestic violence have a particularly important role to play in combating this terrible crime," Crapo said. "As responsible and moral partners, we must step up to the plate and set an example in our homes and our communities, by not tolerating destructive behavior and confronting those who persist in this behavior."

Crapo, local leaders announce anti-violence effort for North Idaho: Saturday, March 3 2:30 p.m. Sandpoint Community Hall (Log Cabin) 204 South First Avenue

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