Tough Talk

What boys need to know about relationship abuse "Be strong." "Act tough." "Be a Man." Boys see and hear countless messages all around them telling them how to "be a man" in a relationship. But without strong male role models to reinforce positive relationship behavior, are these messages sending the wrong signal? Whether a father, coach, teacher, uncle, older brother or mentor, men play a crucial role in teaching boys about respect, showing them how to deal with conflict, and setting examples of how to build healthy relationships. Now, a new free booklet, "Tough Talk—What Boys Need to Know About Relationship Abuse," is available to help men start a conversation with the boys in their lives about developing and maintaining positive relationships. Developed by Liz Claiborne Inc., the content-rich handbook includes a clear definition of relationship abuse, as well as practical guidelines and suggested questions for men to use when starting a conversation with the boys in their lives about the subject of abuse. Resources for additional information and support are also provided, including Web site addresses and phone numbers for national domestic violence prevention organizations.

Click here to download the "Tough Talk—What Boys Need to Know About Relationship Abuse" in Adobe Acrobat format. Click here to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader. To order the handbook, please click here.