Answer:
Educate yourself on violence against women; learn the facts and the prevalence
Believe survivors
Contact your local legislators and political leaders and advocate for tougher laws against perpetrators of violence against women
Know that dating violence & sexual assault affects 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys by the time they are 18
Contact your local school board and ask them to address sexual harassment in schools
Speak out against all forms of violence
Question gender roles and assumptions
Respect and embrace diversity
Respect a person’s-even a child’s- right to say no
Respect your partner’s right to disagree or have their own opinion
Don’t blame victims, and reinforce that rape is never the victim’s fault
Strive for equality for everyone
Understand that putting boys and men down by calling them “ladies” and “girls” hurts everyone
Speak out against the media’s portrayal of violence
Learn how racism, sexism and homophobia are connected
Acknowledge that it does happen in your own community
Learn about power and control tactics
Attend Take Back the Night events
Ask permission before pursuing physical or sexual contact with someone
Realize that sexual violence is about power and control, not sex
Teach kids that respect is the minimum in a relationship, and lead by example
Advocate for victim’s rights
Ask your priest, rabbi, pastor, cleric, or spiritual leader to hold a special service to raise awareness and promote safety for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
Avoid engaging in, supporting or encouraging sexual harassment by speaking up when you see or hear it
Teach kids that violence will not solve problems
Know that most sex offenders aren’t strangers · 86% are known to their victim
Avoid making threats or using coercion and pressure to get sex
Be courageous; don’t be afraid to speak up for those who have lost their voice or dignity
Praise women and girls for something other than the way they look
Speak out against racist, sexist or homophobic jokes
Advocate for more youth violence prevention programs
Get others to speak out against sexual violence
Stop your sexual advances if the other person says no and encourage others to do the same
Avoid buying music that glorifies sexual violence and the objectification of women and girls
Urge your local radio stations to stop playing music that contains violent lyrics
Applaud others who speak out against violence and oppression
Invite a speaker from HAVEN to share with your class, work or community group
Pledge to never commit or condone acts of violence
Stop yourself or others from taking advantage of someone who is intoxicated
Make a decision to become an active bystander by speaking up and calling for help when necessary
Respect the choices victims and survivors make to survive
Encourage your local college and universities to offer prevention education to students
Empathize
Work toward eliminating oppression of all kinds
Think globally and act locally
Hold perpetrators accountable for disrespecting their partners when you see it or hear it
Engage others in discussions about violence against women
Learn about healthy boundaries and don’t be afraid to voice your feelings in your relationship
Notice when someone invades your boundaries
Report it if you witness sexual harassment in your school or workplace
Post awareness materials in restrooms and break rooms for easy & confidential accessibility
Celebrate all aspects of masculinity, including compassion and sensitivity
