TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Men Against Violence group will hold its first meeting of the fall 2005 semester on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in 301 Ferguson Center.

“After an overwhelming response to MAV at Get on Board Day, I know there are many men on this campus who feel strongly about ending violence,” said Matthew Rombach, UA MAV prevention coordinator. “Now it is time for those men to translate their feelings into action,” he added.

Men Against Violence seeks UA men to join a growing national movement of men working alongside women in the struggle against violence.

“National statistics indicate that 99 percent of relationship violence, sexual assault and stalking is committed by men. When we as men stand up and say, ‘This is our issue too, and we must stand up and join our sisters in ending this kind of violence,’ we have a real opportunity to make a difference,” said MAV member Adam Miller.

The group is open to UA students, faculty and staff who wish to become active in increasing awareness about and working to end dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The group also provides a support network of anti-violence men and offers opportunities for leadership and personal development.

“We have a full slate of events and activities for our members this fall,” said Rombach. “In addition to participating in large awareness events such as the White Ribbon Campaign and Get Carded Day, our members will participate in our first-ever men’s retreat at Camp Sumatonga, located near Ashville.

To get involved, prospective members are encouraged to attend the MAV meeting on Sept 13.

For more information, contact the UA Women’s Resource Center at 205/348-5040 or http://wrc.ua.edu.