WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsNational speaker uses humor to teach about domestic violence

National speaker uses humor to teach about domestic violence

by Colby Robertson

MARATHON COUNTY (WAOW) -- Nearly 2,400 area high school students get a first hand lesson about domestic violence and gender respect.

Nationally renowned speaker Ben Atherton-Zeman performed his play "Voices of Men" in front of students at D.C. Everest High School and Wausau East High School.

The play uses humor and male celebrity characters to bring the topic of domestic violence to the forefront.

Then, at the end he asks all male students to stand up and make a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence to women."

Atherton-Zeman says, "I think young people aren't just the leaders of tomorrow. They're quite clearly the leaders of today. These young men were willing to stand up, only a few at first and pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence about women."

Atherton-Zeman has performed the play for eight years and says it's the best way to get an important message across to teens.

Click on the extended video to watch a portion of his play "Voices of Men." You can also go to his website www.voicesofmen.org

Online Reporter: Colby Robertson