North County Men Launch Anti-Domestic Violence Group

In March, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition dedicated its monthly forum to sparking discussion about — and action to address — domestic violence.

The Berkshire Eagle reports on Friday, the coalition again dedicated its monthly forum to the topic, this time circling back to see what progress has been made locally and what still needs to be done to confront the ongoing problem.

That the forum occurred in October — Domestic Violence Awareness Month — was no coincidence.

At the March forum, community members highlighted the need for men to become involved in addressing domestic violence, including by being a role model.

So following the meeting, a number of volunteers formed MIC INC — Men Initiating Change In North County.

The group has met monthly to determine its objectives, largely modeling itself on similar groups elsewhere.

So far, the group has participated in events like the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event to benefit the Elizabeth Freeman Center, raising $500. From 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, the group will hold a standout in front of North Adams City Hall.

About 75 people gathered at the First Baptist Church on Friday to participate in the conversation, which featured four working groups that sought to address relational violence from different perspectives.