MEN & BOYS STAND UP
It is time for all men - young and old - to take responsibility for preventing the sexual harassment, abuse and violence that we know is endemic in our society.
We are facing a national reckoning. We know that around 95% of all victims of violence, whether women or men, experience violence from a male perpetrator.
It is men who need to make the decision to challenge their own thinking and change their own behaviour. Men need to act in solidarity with the women who have led the push for structural and cultural change.
Men’s behaviour is at the heart of this problem – but it is essential that men are part of the solution.
We understand that sometimes it’s difficult for men and boys to know how to prevent violence. People fear saying or doing the wrong thing. People also fear the possible consequences of speaking up; it’s sometimes easier to keep quiet.
There are a few simple steps that men and boys can take today:
Believe women. Listen to the women in our lives and learn from their experiences.
Support women. Whether it be in your workplace, family or community organisation, back the women in your life.
Reflect on and challenge rigid adherence to gender stereotypes which we know are closely associated with the use of violence.
Call out disrespect, harassment and abuse whenever we see it happening – and be non-violent yourself.
If you are concerned about your behaviour and attitudes, take responsibility for your actions and reach out for support.
Many of us joined the Women’s March 4 Justice rallies last month; a visible expression of the visceral anger women in Australia feel about the ongoing pandemic of men’s sexual abuse, violence and the lack of men being held to account.
The courageous leadership of Brittany Higgins, Grace Tame and others, has been the catalyst for this public demand for change. This anger is not new – 85 per cent of women say they have experienced sexual harassment and one-third report experiencing sexual or physical violence from men. In reality, these numbers may well be higher.
Men must do the work to change the culture of inequality that allows violence and sexual harassment to thrive – in our lives, in our workplaces, social structures and laws.
It’s not enough that they’re simply aware that sexual harassment and violence is prevalent and wrong, they need to be personally and proactively involved in bringing about change.
Men, be real. We have seen, ignored, excused and even celebrated sexual harassment, disrespect and inequality. We have protected our privilege, we haven’t believed women as we should and today, we need to choose to change all of it; first in ourselves, then in society.
If you’re motivated to take the next step on the journey alongside us, we’re here to support you.
GET INVOLVED - White Ribbon Australia
Please join us as a Community Partner, or register your interest to start a Community Action Group to develop ongoing plans to prevent men’s violence and abuse in the places you live and work.
We also encourage you to visit ‘the men’s project’, an initiative of Jesuit Social Services, which aims to support boys and men to live respectful, accountable and fulfilling lives free from violence and other harmful behaviour.
Together, we really can eliminate men’s violence against women, community by community and workplace by workplace.
If you have experienced violence or abuse please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). For men who feel that sometimes they’re unsafe to be around, please call the Men’s Referral Service for support and advice on 1300 766 491.
By: Brad Chilcott - Executive Director, White Ribbon Australia