Each year in Hawaiʻi, 50,000 women between the ages of 18 and 64 are harmed by domestic violence. In an effort to raise awareness of the crisis, University of Hawaiʻi students, faculty, staff, administrators, regents and coaches will participate in the 23rd Annual Men’s March Against Violence on Thursday, October 12.

The march begins at 11:45 a.m. at the State Capitol, for a Remembrance and then travels along Beretania Street to Bishop Street, and then up King Street to arrive at Skygate Park for a rally. While men are asked to march, the community at-large is urged to support and march alongside them.

“Domestic violence can no longer be treated as a womenʻs issue, so I am proud to march with many UH colleagues and friends to help build awareness that can lead to better solutions as a community,” said UH President and UH Mānoa Interim Chancellor David Lassner. “The university has the ability to touch so many lives, and we need to continue to do our part to create safer environments for everyone.”

The mission of the Men’s March Against Violence is to end domestic violence throughout Hawaiʻi and to address the complex and costly issue as it affects families, communities and the workplace. One in five employed adults is a victim of domestic violence.

This year Lassner will be honored with the Men’s March Against Violence Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. Under his leadership, the UH has partnered with the Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Domestic Violence Action Center to develop a systemwide campus response that creates a safe and supportive environment for student victims of abuse. The university has also implemented mandatory Title IX online training for all employees and updated its policies and protocols to address gender based violence.

Learn more at the Men’s March Against Domestic Violence Facebook.

Video from the 2016 Men’s March Against Violence