11 Things You Can Do To End Violence

1

Approach gender violence as a MEN’S issue involving men of all ages and socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. View men not only as perpetrators or possible offenders, but as victims and as empowered bystanders who can confront abusive peers. Accept and own our responsibility that domestic and sexual violence will not end until men become part of the solution to end it.

2

Learn all you can about domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and other forms of interpersonal violence. Click here for information on our website, or visit our important links page for a list of other organizations working to prevent interpersonal violence.

3

If a brother, friend, classmate, teammate or work colleague is abusing his female partner – or is disrespectful or abusive to girls and women in general – don’t look the other way. If you feel comfortable doing so, try to talk to him about it. Urge him to seek help. Or if you don’t know what to do, consult a friend, parent, professor or counselor. Recognize that our silence is affirming. When we choose not to speak out against interpersonal violence, we are supporting it. Don’t remain silent.

4

If you suspect that someone close to you is being abused or has been sexually assaulted, gently ask if you can help.

5

Have the courage to look inward. Question your own attitudes. Don’t be defensive when something you do or say ends up hurting someone else. Try hard to understand how your own attitudes and actions might inadvertently perpetuate sexism and violence. If you are emotionally, psychologically, physically or sexually abusive to others, or have been in the past, seek help now.

6

Mentor and teach boys about how to be men in ways that don’t involve degrading or abusing others. Volunteer to work with violence prevention programs. Lead by example.

7

Sign the MAN pledge and show your commitment to building a violence-free society.

8

Be an ally to others who are working to end all forms of gender violence. Attend events, or raise money for rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters. If you belong to a team, fraternity or other student group, organize a fundraiser.

9

Contact your public officials about relevant legislation and policies. Let them know how important it is to have fair and consistent policies that both support victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

10

Get your company involved in the effort to end interpersonal violence. Your company can sponsor employee education activities, provide volunteers to an anti-violence event, or make a contribution to an organization working to prevent violence. They’ll be a good citizen, and probably get some positive publicity in return.

11

Help get a non-violence program into your school or after-school organization. The best time to teach about healthy relationships is when people are young. Support efforts to bring anti-violence messages and positive mentoring programs into public and private schools.