An Unconventional Partnership

 

Construction Trade Unions were formed by those who wanted safer workplaces, fair wages and, in general, respect for the service the employees rendered for their communities.  Because of those efforts, many laws have been passed to protect the safety and well being of construction workers.  Locally the union contractors and members have begun to apply that energy to benefit the community.

 

The Fresno Area Construction Team (FACT), a collaborative team comprised of local mechanical, electrical, and plumbing union contractors and employees have taken the desire for safety beyond the workplace.  The FACT Board of Directors recognized that while the workplace has become safer our homes have not. More and more families are ripped apart by family violence in Fresno County each year. 

 

  • Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
  • In 2002 there were 7,961 calls to law enforcement regarding domestic violence in Fresno County. 
  • In 2003 there were 8,291 domestic violence related calls for assistance in Fresno County. That is 330 more families in crisis.
  • Fresno County ranked #1 in felony domestic violence arrests in California (per capita).
  • 26% of the homicides in Fresno are related to domestic violence – the 5th highest in California.
  • The high rates of domestic violence in Fresno County can be consistently linked to the economic and social structures that are part of the San Joaquin Valley dynamics.
  • One in three women are physically or sexually assaulted by a man sometime in her lifetime.
  • Every day in the United States, an average of three women are murdered by a partner or ex-partner.
  • Over half a million women are being stalked right now by a man.
  • In homes where partner abuse occurs, children are 1,500 times more likely to be abused.
  • Reliable data including police reports, witness statements, and emergency room reports indicate that men are the predominant aggressors in over 90% of reported battering cases.
  • Domestic violence is not limited to race, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religion or socioeconomic lines – it can affect anyone! 

 

These alarming figures have inspired a new and unique partnership between the Fresno Area Construction Team (FACT) and the Marjaree Mason Center.  Together we understand that we cannot rely on the criminal justice system to solve the problem of family violence. Violence in our families will only end when we all get involved, men and women together.

There is a general perception that the construction trades are part of a largely male oriented industry that often carries an image of tough, burley, macho men.  FACT’s unique partnership with the Marjaree Mason Center challenges those stereotypic impressions and supports the concept of men as strong advocates for women and children. FACT and Marjaree Mason Center want to find ways to encourage men to take action in making changes and choices that will have a positive effect in ending domestic violence. 

 

Members of FACT, while drawing on their professional expertise, are building awareness of the growing incidence of domestic violence and supporting efforts to prevent abuse against women and children.  In building the future of our community one brick at a time, this powerful and influential group of trade unions and contractors is working collaboratively with the Marjaree Mason Center to make our community a better, safer and healthier place to live. 

 

FACT has also put their money raising skills to use by recently hosting the first annual event aptly named, “Hard Hats & Hearts” for the Marjaree Mason Center.  The event not only raised $20,000 to support family violence prevention and intervention programs but also raised awareness about the alarming domestic violence statistics facing our region.

 

With FACT’s commitment, public opinion about violence against women will someday shift from being regarded as a women’s issue to becoming a community issue.   

 

Pamela Kallsen

Executive Director

Marjaree Mason Center