I decided to go to New York City recently, to join in the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Joyful Heart Foundation. I am so glad I did.

Peace Over Violence and Joyful Heart have been partnering since Joyful Heart's founding by Mariska Hargitay in 2004. I have been privileged to watch the growth of the organization as it tackled and impacted serious issues. Mariska’s passion and commitment to these issues inspires so many, and I count myself among them. 

The first nationally successful impact by Joyful Heart was the innovative programming on vicarious trauma that JHF brought to the practioners in the violence-against-women’s movement: the “Heal the Healers Project.” Next was the advocacy brought to the national rape kit backlog crisis. Following that was the championing of the NO MORE campaign. Next was the partnership between 1in6 and Joyful Heart on the issue of engaging men and male survivors. 

The Joyful Revolution Gala on May 29^th, which had the title of “Are We There Yet?” set the tone of how far we have come in dealing with the issues of  sexual and domestic violence over the past 40 years. The dining room at Cipriani 42^nd Street was decorated with banners marking the milestones that have been accomplished, such as the first shelter for battered women and the passage of the Violence Against Women Act—among many other amazing advances. In 10 short years, the Joyful Heart Foundation—under the able leadership of Maile Zambutto, Mariska’s vision and passionate advocacy, an obviously skillful staff and dedicated board—has brought added value to this ever-winding roadmap to bring trauma healing to survivors and strength to the movement. The main course at the Gala was inspiration and energy to keep on going—to stay the course and keep the vision of love and healing in view as we travel the road together. The roadmap metaphor reminded me that by coming together and collaborating, we can one day put these violences in the rear view mirror! 

If inspiration and celebration was the main course of the evening, the dessert was the showing of the NO MORE campaign with new spots debunking the myths that it can’t happen to men and boys. 1in6 was inspirational to the production of these spots focusing on men. You can check out the print campaign here.

Clearly, the time has come for men who have experienced abuse to receive compassion, respect and help. Clearly, the  time has come for the stigma to be de-stigmatized, for the myths to be debunked and for the truth to be told. The road is ahead of us—not easy, but doable.  

The answer to “are we there yet?” is, “not quite yet, but we are on our way.” 

With the support, partnership and leadership of Joyful Heart Foundation on this issue and as leaders in the movement to end intentional violence, we will get there!

- By Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans

Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans is the Executive Director of Peace Over Violence. Peace Over Violence is dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. She is also the Vice-President of the Board of Directors for 1in6.

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives.

1in6′s mission also includes serving family members, friends and partners by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.

Joyful Heart and 1in6 invite you to visit 1in6.org for info, options and hope, and to learn more about our partnership and Engaging Men initiative here.

The views expressed above are not necessarily those of the Joyful Heart Foundation or 1in6.