Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 1-27-17

Make 2017 The Year We Take A Stand Against Domestic Violence
Pro sports teams, presti- gious universities and even high schools have dominated recent headlines in a surpris- ing way --- not for academics or athletic achievements, but instead for stories about vio- lence perpetrated against women and girls.
Current national studies report that 24 to 33 percent of women will experience domes- tic violence at some point in their lives. Take a look around you. This means that one out of every three or four women near you will experience vio- lence by a current or former partner.
How do we stop this? How do we work to create safe, healthy and equal relation- ships? Men, it starts with rec- ognizing our own behaviors. Once we acknowledge our be- haviors, then we can teach our children how to treat everyone equally and with respect.
Domestic violence will not stop until we all recognize it, acknowledge it, hold abusers accountable for it, and work together to end it. I challenge all men to join me as we stand together to do just that – to end violence against women and girls in Florida. The time is
now. That is why All Pro Dad is
partnering with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic (FCADV) in an effort to take a stand against this injustice af- fecting millions of women and girls throughout our state.
All Pro Dad and FCADV have created resources to guide men through conversa- tions with their children. Find “5 Tips for Teaching Your Kids About Boundaries” and “5 Things Dads Must Teach Their Sons About How to Treat Girls” at AllProDad.com/- Boundaries.
The AllProDad.com and the FCADV website, fcadv.org, also feature articles, newslet-
ters, videos and statistics on domestic violence in Florida, as well as additional resources to help families build strong and healthy relationships.
As my friend and CBS Broadcaster James Brown eloquently said: “Domestic vi- olence is a serious problem and as men we must step up. We must understand what healthy, respectful relation- ships are and that starts with how we view women.”
Join me in stepping up for women and girls in Florida. Set the example in 2017 by starting open and honest conversations with your children on the im- portance of treating women and girls equally and with re- spect. These conversations will influence your children and others for the rest of their lives.
If you are experiencing or know of someone who is living through domestic violence, please call the 24-hour Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.
Tony Dungy is a New York Times best-selling author and is the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl. Tony also serves as the national spokesman for All Pro Dad.
BY TONY DUNGY Super Bowl-Winning Head Coach & National Spokesman For All Pro Dad
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PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017