I know this is a women’s lifestyle blog, but when it comes to topics like rape and sexual assault, it’s important to realize and acknowledge that men play a role in prevention, too. And while statistics show that most men never rape, it’s important for men to do what they can in making sure that others don’t have to experience anything like sexual assault.
Here are some things men can do to stop rape:
- Be aware of language. We live in a society in which words often put down and degrade women. Avoid words like bitch, whore/ho, freak, broad, etc. Those words send a message that females are less than human, and seeing them this way makes it easier to treat them without respect or to ignore their well being.
- Communicate. Sexual violence goes hand in hand with poor sexual communication. The discomfort in speaking about sexual issues dramatically raises the risk of rape. By learning effective means of sexual communication– stating your desires clearly and by listening to your partner, men make sex safer for themselves and others.
- Speak up. You may never see a rape in progress, but you will hear jokes and language that’s inappropriate and degrades women. When a friend tells a joke about rape, let him know it’s not funny. Support women who bring charges against violent men. Do anything by remain silent.
- Support rape survivors. Rape won’t be taken seriously until everyone understands how common it is. In the U.S. alone, hundreds of thousands of women are raped each year. By learning to sensitively support survivors in their lives, men can help both women and men feel more comfortable about coming forward and talking about what has happened to them.
- Contribute Your Time and Money. Join or donate to an organization working to prevent violence against women. You can find organizations on the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) website.
For five more tips, see 10 things men can do to stop rape.
And please share this with your male friends!
Photo from: newlonestargal.blogspot.com
