Utah Men Against Sexual Violence (UMASV) Program

UMASV engages men in the anti-sexual violence movement.

For too long, sexual violence has been considered almost exclusively a women's issue. Rape is not only about women. It is about boys and men. Men must have the courage to stand up and speak out against sexual violence. Men must convey a united voice and dare to speak the truth about sexual violence. Rape and sexual assault can devastate families and change lives forever. It impacts everyone - men, women and children of all ages, races, beliefs, abilities, and income levels. Sexual violence has become a silent epidemic with enormous impact in our communities and our society.

We, as a civilization, are raising boys in a culture that in many ways glorifies sexually aggressive behavior. We mistakenly believe and accept it as masculinity. The philosophy that "boys will be boys" must be changed. The challenge, as men, is to face the fact that we must become involved. Not silently stand by and allow sexual violence to endure. Pledge to take a commanding role in discouraging other men from behaviors that are sexual harassing or sexually violating.

UMASV History
Utah Men Against Sexual Violence was founded by a group of dedicated men and women in Salt Lake City in 2001. Working directly with the local Rape Recovery Center, the Utah Department of Health and a handful of community and student activists brought positive energy to the men's responsibility to end rape. An initial press conference in October 2001, with Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, received media and community attention. The success of this event broadened the initial project scope and vision for UMASV from that of one local education program to a statewide program that could respond to the undeniable gap between campus services, local rape crisis/recovery programs, and victims of rape.

Through a series of meetings, student activists, community members, and staff from the Rape Recovery Center, the Utah Department of Health, and UCASA, UMASV found a permanent home at UCASA. In 2003, through assistance from the Rape Education and Prevention Grant (RPEG) at the Utah Department of Health, UMASV is enabled to work directly with college and university campuses and the rape recovery/crisis centers in each county to improve services to victims and participation of men in the anti-sexual violence movement.