St. Paul summit aims to curb domestic violence

Men from around the state are gathering in St. Paul on Thursday for a summit focused on preventing domestic violence.

It's the first-ever domestic violence "camp" for men only, sponsored by the Sheila Wellstone Institute. The two-day event teaches men and grassroots organizers from around the state how to change behavior and actions that lead to the violence, exploitation and abuse of women and girls.

Organizer Lonna Hunter said educating men can help stop the violence.

"We call them out and we ask them to recognize their power and that if they are complicit and they are silent on this issue, even if they are not a batterer, then they are okay with the violence," she said.

The workshop's keynote speaker says male violence against their female partners is the leading cause of injury for women. The Department of Justice estimates approximately 1.3 million women are assaulted by a partner every year.