Latino Men Launch Campaign Against Domestic Violence

With Father’s Day in mind, a Latino men’s group launched a campaign Wednesday to combat domestic violence and encourage fathers to spend more time reading with their children.

Members of the volunteer group, called the National Compadres Network, were at the downtown Los Angeles Public Library telling children stories, singing songs and honoring 10 men who have been good parents.

They said the problems they are focusing on apply to all ethnic groups but that they are targeting Latinos to dispel stereotypes, including the belief that Latino men consider it all right to hit women.

“We want people to know that’s one of the myths,” said group member Gil Contreras. “It’s a societal problem.”

The group, based in Hacienda Heights, grew from a 10-year-old effort by men throughout the Southwest to gather as a way to encourage an honorable lifestyle.