MCSR

When MCSR (formerly Men Can Stop Rape) emerged as an innovator in the field of gender-based violence prevention, the potential of boys and men as catalysts for positive change was wholly unrecognized and untapped – and the intersections of race, gender, socio-economic status, oppression, and violence largely unexamined in the field.

In 1997, the founders of Men Can Stop Rape shifted the paradigm addressing the epidemic of violence against women. Though the majority of violent acts against women are committed by men, the vast majority of prevention efforts were historically risk-reduction and self-defense tactics directed at women. MCSR’s work reimagined prevention, recasting responsibility and engaging men as allies by promoting healthy, nonviolent masculinity. Guided by an upstream approach that considers root causes of gender-based violence and enlists a public health theory of change, Men Can Stop Rape pioneered a comprehensive proactive strategy for prevention that engages boys and men – inspiring them to feel motivated and capable of ending men’s violence against women and creating cultures free from harm.

MCSR launched our first signature program, the Men of Strength (MOST) Club in 2000, at Ballou High School in the historic Washington, DC community of Anacostia. MOST Club integrates the concept of “counter stories” with intergenerational and near-peer mentoring strategies, a 22-week U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-evaluated curriculum, and service learning activities to achieve primary prevention and positive youth development goals. Unique to the field – in both process and purpose – MOST Club quickly became known as an innovative and promising practice. Now serving all eight Wards of Washington, DC, MOST Club is a replicated model program across the country. In 2010, our youth serving work expanded to include a signature program for girls and young women, the Women Inspiring Strength and Empowerment (WISE) Club.

Applying a holistic methodology that also includes spearheading the landmark Healthy Masculinity Action Project; leading impactful trainings and technical assistance for professionals and service providers; creating award-winning public education campaigns; developing the cutting-edge ASK (Assault. Services. Knowledge.) technology platform; coordinating community resources through our stewardship of the DC Coalition to End Sexual Violence; and cultivating groundbreaking partnerships that include all branches of the U.S. armed services, Fortune 500 companies, and all major professional sports leagues, MCSR’s global reach exceeds 500 million people.

While the current landscape reflects the outcomes of our steadfast work – national leaders taking bold action; men organizing as allies in their own communities; bystanders evolving to advocates and activists; expertly trained professionals amplifying our reach and impact around the world; and young people energized and empowered to lead and make a difference – MCSR’s work is not done. Our dedicated team, upholding our cornerstone values of meeting people where they are and serving where needs exist, continues to build on success, seek new challenges, and break new ground in creating cultures that celebrate empathy, equity, respect, and love.