1. Fathers’ Day Poll 2007 Family Violence Prevention Fund HART RESEARCH
P e t e r D A S O T E C I
Fathers’ Day Poll 2007
Key findings from a nationwide survey among 1,020 men conducted April 23 – May 3, 2007 for
Family Violence Prevention Fund, with support from Verizon Wireless Margin of error +3.1%
Family Violence
Prevention Fund

2. Purpose of Survey
The Family Violence Prevention Fund and Verizon Wireless commissioned Hart Research to conduct this survey to measure:
Men’s awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence/sexual assault;
Men’s recognition of the role they can play in addressing this problem;
Their willingness to get involved in efforts to address this problem; and
Their impressions of efforts by institutions to address domestic violence/sexual assault

3. Key Findings
Men recognize the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault. Two-thirds of men (67%) think that domestic violence and sexual assault are very (34%) or fairly (33%) common in the United States; less than one in three believe that it is just somewhat common (25%) or pretty rare (6%). (See #5)
More than half of men (56%) think it is very or fairly likely that, at some point in their lives, a woman or girl they know will be a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault. (See #6)
The majority of men (56%) have had reason to believe that a member of their immediate or extended family, a close friend, or an acquaintance has been in a domestic violence or sexual assault situation. (See #7)
The majority of men think they can personally make a difference in addressing the problem of violence against women (See #8, #9):
57% believe that they personally can make at least some difference in preventing domestic violence/sexual assault
73% percent think they can make at least some difference in promoting healthy, respectful, non-violent relationships among young people.

4. Key Findings
Most men are willing to take time to get involved in efforts to address the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault and promote healthy, violence-free relationships. (See #10, #11)
70% are willing to make time to talk to children about healthy, violence-free relationships (up from 55% in 2000)
70% are willing to make time to donate their old wireless telephone to assist victims and prevent DV/SA
66% would sign a pledge to promote respect for women/girls
65% would sign a petition or contact elected officials to urge them to strengthen laws against domestic violence
Many men are already getting involved by talking to children (their own and others) about healthy, violence-free relationships. (See #12)
Men were asked whether they think 12 different institutions or groups are doing enough to raise awareness and address the problem of domestic violence/sexual assault or if each group should be doing more. In no case do a majority of men think that an institution is doing enough. (See #13, #14)
Men express broad support for employer-based efforts to assist victims and prevent domestic violence/sexual assault. (See #15)

5. Men Recognize Prevalence Of Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
How common are domestic violence and sexual assault in the United States?
All men
Pretty rare
Not sure
Very/fairly common
Very common
Age 18 to 34 Age 35 to 49 Age 50 to 64 Age 65/over
69% 65% 73% 58%
Just somewhat common
67%
Fairly common

6. More Than Half Think A Woman They Know Will Be A Victim
How likely is it that at some point in your life a woman or girl you know will be a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault?
All men
Very/fairly likely
Not at all likely
Not sure
Age 18 to 34 Age 35 to 49 Age 50 to 64 Age 65/over
64% 59% 52% 41%
Very likely
Only somewhat likely
56%
Fairly likely

7. Many Believe They Know Someone Already Involved
Have you ever had reason to believe a member of your family, a close friend, or an acquaintance was involved in a domestic violence or sexual assault situation?
56%
Believe family member, close friend, acquaintance involved in domestic violence/sexual assault situation
Acquaintance
Age 18 to 34 Age 35 to 49 Age 50 to 64 Age 65/over
Have children under 18 No children under 18
60% 67% 56% 32%
64% 51%
(Multiple responses
possible)
Close friend
Family member
All men

8. Many Men Believe They Can Make A Difference
How much difference do you think you can make in these areas?
Preventing domestic violence and sexual assault
Promoting healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships among young people
73%
A lot of difference
Some difference
A little difference
Not much/ no difference
57%
22%
19%
13%
12%

9. Many Men Believe They Can Make A Difference
How much difference do you think you can make in these areas?
Preventing domestic violence and sexual assault
Promoting healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships among young people
Age 18 to 34 Age 35 to 49 Age 50 to 64 Age 65/over
A lot/some difference
65% 58% 59% 39%
Have children under 18
No children under 18
64%
53%
Age 18 to 34 Age 35 to 49 Age 50 to 64 Age 65/over
A lot/some difference
78% 81% 71% 52%
Have children under 18
No children under 18
83%
67%

10. Men Are Willing To Get Involved
Would be willing to do and would make time for
70% 82% 63%
70%
66%
65%
51%
Would be willing to do but may not have time
18% 13% 21%
14%
18%
22%
25%
Talk with children about importance of healthy, violence-free relationships Men with children under Men with no children under 18
Donate old wireless phone to programs that assist victims/prevent violence
Sign pledge to promote respect for women/girls and end violence
Sign petition or contact elected officials to urge strengthening laws
Purchase small item or product that raises awareness and funds

11. Men Are Willing To Get Involved
Would be willing to do and would make time for
50%
46%
43%
34%
Would be willing to do but may not have time
16%
36%
29%
41%
Make $1.00 donation on any bill, such as credit card or utility bill, to group working to prevent
Participate in programs at work, including events, donation programs, cell phone drives to raise awareness & help prevent (employed men)
Contribute money to group working to prevent domestic violence
Participate in or attend an event, such as a dinner, concert, or walk to raise awareness and funds

12. Many Have Talked To Children About Violence-Free Relationships
Have you ever talked to your son/daughter, boys/girls not your children about the importance of healthy, violence-free relationships?
Fathers who have talked to their sons
Fathers who have talked to their daughters
Men who have talked to boys who are not their children
Men who have talked to girls who are not their children

13. No Institutions Get High Marks For Doing Enough
Is this group doing enough to raise awareness and address the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault?
Entertainment industry
Government leaders/ elected officials
Sports industry
Schools
Colleges/universities
News media
Businesses and employers

14. No Institutions Get High Marks For Doing Enough
Is this group doing enough to raise awareness and address the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault?
Community groups or organizations
Churches, synagogues, places of worship
Police or law enforcement
Retail stores
Health care providers, doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics

15. Broad Support For Employer-Based Efforts
Provide information for victims about how to get help
Policies to assist victims in getting help, including job security if they take leave to get help
Provide training for supervisors/managers on supporting victims
Information/resources with guidance on talking to kids about violence- free relationships