Men & Boys

The work to create a healthy, thriving, violence-free world depends on teaching generation after generation to build healthy relationships rooted in respect. We need to support boys and men to be our allies in making our homes and communities safer, and to act with courage by challenging bullying, harassment and abuse.

Our vision is that more men can be allies in making our homes and communities safer. We aren’t there yet, and some trends are alarming:

• A 2023 Equimundo study finds that more than two-out-of-three young men between 18-23 year olds said “No one really knows me well.” 
• The CDC reports high rates of helplessness, bullying, and other violence among youth, with boys less likely than girls to seek help.
• Research indicates that men want to help end violence against women but may be uncertain as to how to get involved. They are also more likely to act if they believe that other men are willing.

At Futures Without Violence, we pioneered the work to invite – rather than indict – men by helping them become agents of change. Our Coaching Boys into Men program inspires athletic coaches to teach their young athletes that violence never equals strength and that violence against women and girls is wrong. It’s been proven effective in a rigorous study, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is being used in countries worldwide.

Our Team: Changing Minds initiative has reached a million young people through a national mental health response network we created with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with founding investor Harry’s. We’ve trained more than 80,000 trusted peers and adults who are active in the pastimes young people love (such as sports and video games) to recognize when mental health help is needed and put it a click or call away.

We’re partnering with Equimundo on LinkUp Lab: Improving Young Men’s Lives Online, which helps redirect young men away from harmful content, reinforces healthy connections for them, and builds the community many crave. And through our CATAPULT program, we’re partnering with colleges and universities to build a movement of educators, advocates, community partners, and others to support healthy manhood and identify the most effective engagement strategies for men on campuses.

You can help enlist men and boys in the vitally important work to stop violence and abuse. Read about these programs and share the tips and tools they offer. Be part of the solution!