Men Against Violence (MAV) began as a peer education organization combating senseless violence at Louisiana State University in 1995. Motivated by concern about the violence on campus, a group of 15 charter members representing a cross-section of students came together and formulated the idea for a service organization dedicated to combating harassment, fights, vandalism, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Supported by an advisory board of Louisiana State University (LSU) staff, these charter members founded Men Against Violence in Spring 1995.
Men Against Violence received official recognition as a student organization on April 26, 1995. The group was the first of its kind and scope in the Southeastern Conference. While membership was open to both male and female students, Men Against Violence emphasized the unique responsibility that men have in identifying and eradicating violence on campuses and in surrounding communities.
Since its inception, MAV has expanded to “brother” chapters at colleges and universities across the nation, including the University of Wyoming at Laramie, University of Florida at Gainesville, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Columbia University, Texas State University- San Marcos, Tufts University, the University of North Texas, Rochester Institute of Technology, and others.
MAV seeks to break the link which exists between traditional norms of masculinity-the ways men are taught to behave-and violence. It challenges young men to redefine male and female relationships in an equitable manner; to resolve conflicts effectively; to develop meaningful friendships with other men; and to appropriately manage anger and fear.
The primary purpose of Men Against Violence is to reduce the frequency and severity of violent acts among students, faculty, and staff at colleges and universities across the
country. In keeping with its purpose, Men Against Violence is proactively engaged in four areas:
1. Promoting awareness through media campaigns about the prevalence and causes of violence on campus. 2. Engaging in community action to reduce violence on campus through policy revision and cultural change. 3. Conducting education on how to prevent violence. 4. Providing information and support for survivors of violence.
