10 Things Men Can Do To
Prevent Gender Violence
1. Approach gender violence as a man's issue involving men of all socioeconomic
and biracial backgrounds. View men not only as perpetrators or political offenders,
but also as empowered bystanders who can confront abusive peers.
2. If a brother, a friend, a classmate, or a teammate is abusing his female partner
- or is abusive to females in general - don't look the other way. Urge him to seek
help, or if you don't know what to do, consult a friend, a parent, a teacher or a
counselor. Don't remain silent.
3. Have the courage to look inward. Understand how your own attitudes and actions
may perpetuate sexism and violence, and work to change them.
4. If you suspect that a woman close to you is being abused or has been sexually
assaulted, gently ask them if you can help.
5. If you are emotionally, psychologically, or physically abusive to women, or
have been in the past, seek professional help now.
6. Be an ally to women who are working to end all forms of gender violence.
7. Recognize and speak out against homophobia and gay bashing. Discrimination
and violence against lesbians and gays are wrong in and of themselves. This abuse
also has direct links to sexism [for instance men who speak out against sexism are
often subject to homophobic abuse and is one reason so few men do so].
8. Attend programs, take courses, and read articles and books about masculinity,
gender inequality, and the root causes of gender violence. Educate yourself and others
about how larger social forces affect the conflicts between men and women.
9. Don't fund sexism. Refuse to purchase any magazine, rent any video, of buy
any music that portrays women in a sexually degrading or violent manner. Protest
sexism in the media.
10. Mentor and teach young boys about how to be men in ways that don't involve
degrading or abusing girls and women. Lead by example.
Information Provided by
the Women's Center.
Source: MVP Strategies Inc.