The Male Voice
Sexual Violence is not a woman’s issue. It is a human rights issue.
More often, individuals are standing up publicly against sexual abuse and sexual assault. Though challenging, it sends a strong message about what we as a community are willing to tolerate.
Address attitudes and behaviours that are degrading and promote a culture of violence including jokes that minimize sexual abuse and assault.
- Address situations that look or feel inappropriate.
- Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to offend. Far too often, we hear ‘I didn’t want to accuse that person of anything, because it could ruin their lives’. Less than 10% of all sexual abuse and sexual assault allegations are false. That mean 90% of allegations are true. Let’s stand up for those 90%.
Men must be involved in the solution of ending sexual assault and sexual abuse. Men must be partners with women in addressing sexual abuse and assault. Develop the capacity and confidence of boys and young men to speak up and intervene against violence when they are not involved as perpetrator or victim with the goal of changing the social climate in which violence occurs (WHO, 2007).
A number of studies have shown that many young men in high school and universities over estimate the adherence of their peers to rape myths and underestimate the discomfort of their peers with remarks or actions demeaning to women, the importance they give to seeking consent in sexual relations, and their willingness to intervene to prevent sexual assault. Misperceptions such as these may facilitate men’s violence against women, and may reduce men’s willingness to intervene as bystanders. (WHO,2007).
We are all exposed to attitudes and behaviours that are degrading and promote a culture of violence.
Use your voice when you hear jokes and stereotypes that blame survivors or minimize the experience of sexual violence. People are powerfully affected by peer attitudes towards sexual aggression, so contribute to a societal voice that does not tolerate sexual violence.
Men… Speak out! Advocate for Change.
Having ownership and control over one’s body is fundamental human right. We all deserve that right!
