The Men to Men Association (M2M), set up in December 2003 to provide support services to men involved in or affected by violence, is all set to introduce its activities and services to the public.

It will do this through a fund-raising seminar in Penang on May 28. Themed `Why Do Men Do It?', it is expected to attract about 100 participants.

The seminar aims to create awareness for men about various forms of violence, especially those involving gender.

It also hopes to encourage men to participate in ending all forms of violence and to help them recognise and confront their problems.

"Many people do not realise that most abusive men were abused during their childhood. And they tend to vent their frustrations on women and children when they become adults," said M2M founder president Dr Rohana Ariffin.

"So many organisations look into the problems of abused women and children. However, none are looking into problems faced by abusive and abused men."

Rohana said men face tremendous pressure to deliver both at home and at work. There are men who are neglected, abused, abhorred, ridiculed by their families, colleagues and communities.

"M2M aims to build a support system to educate abusive men on anger management and abused men to comprehend the myth and reality of gender roles and responsibilities," she added.

The association is the first NGO in Malaysia to provide a support centre to counsel men and provide phsychological treatment for self-control and self-development.

ATHI VEERANGGAN is malaysiakini's Penang-based stringer.