MEN AS PARTNERS LAUNCH (MAP)
US Consul General, Steve Coffman Talking Points
January 16 , 2008

• Working with the South African government to address the issue of gender violence has long been one of the top priorities of the US Embassy here in South Africa.  A couple of examples of our efforts:

• Through USAID we have assisted the South African government to set up Thuthuzela (be comforted) care centers throughout the country, providing rape survivors with a full suite of legal and medical care;

• With the National Prosecuting Authority, we have carried out an extensive anti-sexual violence program in public schools;

• We have also provided funding for the training of prosecutors to gain convictions in sexual abuse cases;
• Today here we are in an exhibit developed in partnership with the Johannesburg Art Gallery, an exhibit focusing on the problem of violence against women, but featuring the work of men artists.
• Today we are pleased to be here with out partners from Engender Health as part of a new initiative in the fight against gender violence.