Men in Movement

A journey shared is a journey halved. Survivors of sexual violence need their brothers to help in the fight against sexual violence. Remaining silent is just as bad as lending a hand to those people that choose to perpetrate sexual violence. Here are some tips from one of our male volunteers on how you can help:

• Listen to survivors: Do YOU know how many men and women in your life have experienced some form of sexual violence? Ask them about their experiences. You may be surprised about what you learn.
• Challenge other men:  Sometimes, without even realizing it, men make jokes about sexualized violence, women as objects or people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or queer. This atmosphere of discrimination in our society lends itself to sexual violence being seen as the norm. Sexual violence is not the norm and not something men or women should accept. Saying nothing condones the behavior.
• Speak proudly about the all the people you love: Brag about your partner, children, siblings, parents, or friends. The more other men hear men promote positive things about those they love, the less likely they will be to accept sexual violence.
• Raise money: Still, in our community, men have the most access to financial resources. Help raise money to support the Rape Crisis Center and its many programs.
• Volunteer:  In spite of what you may think, survivors need healthy, male role models. Since the majority of sexual violence perpetrators are male, those we serve need to re-learn that most men will not hurt them. We will give you all the training you need!

Sexual violence is a major public health concern as 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will experience some form of sexual violence in their life (rainn.org). Women and men are out in the world raising their voices for breast cancer research and other health issues. Now, more than ever, we need united voices speaking up against sexual violence. Rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse will not stop until men lend their voices to this fight. Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can change until it is faced.