7. Taking action
GBVF 101
Taking Action
Objective
Understand what you can do to make a difference to end GBVF, as a private citizen.
Ten ways you can help end GBVF
Listen to and believe survivors
Believe survivors. When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step to break the cycle of abuse. It’s on all of us to give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard. It’s important to remember that when discussing cases of sexual violence, a victim’s sobriety, clothes, and sexuality are irrelevant.
The perpetrator is the sole reason for the assault and must bear the responsibility alone. Call out victim-blaming and counter the idea that it’s on women to avoid situations that might be seen as “dangerous” by traditional standards. Survivors of violence are speaking out more than ever before, and everyone has a role to play to ensure they can have justice.
- Don’t say, “Why didn’t she leave?”
- Do say: “We hear you. We believe you. We stand with you.”
Teach the next generation and learn from them
The examples we set for the younger generation shape how they think about gender, respect and human rights. Start conversations about gender roles early on, and challenge the traditional features and characteristics assigned to men and women. Point out the stereotypes children constantly encounter, whether in the media, on the street or at school, and let them know that it’s OK to be different. Encourage a culture of acceptance.
Talk about consent, bodily autonomy and accountability to boys and girls, and also listen to what they have to say about their experience of the world. By empowering young advocates with information and educating them about women’s rights, we can build a better future for all.
Call for responses and services fit for purpose
Services for survivors are essential services. This means that shelters, hotlines, counselling and all support for survivors of gender-based violence must be available for those in need.
Call on the government to bridge funding gaps to address violence against women and girls to ensure essential services are provided and maintained.
Understand consent
Freely given, enthusiastic consent is mandatory, every time. Rather than listening for a “no,” make sure there is an active “yes,” from all involved. Adopt enthusiastic consent in your life and talk about it.
Phrases like “she was asking for it” or “boys will be boys” attempt to blur the lines around sexual consent, placing blame on victims and excusing perpetrators from the crimes they have committed. While those that use these lines may have fuzzy understandings of consent, the definition is crystal clear. When it comes to consent, there are no blurred lines.
Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help
There are many forms of abuse, and all of them can have serious physical and emotional effects. If you’re concerned about a friend who may be experiencing violence or feels unsafe around someone, review these signs and learn about the ways to help them find safety and support.
If you think someone is abusing you, help is available. You are not alone. If you’d like to talk with a trained person, see the list of resources in the next section.
Start a conversation
Speak out. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that’s been perpetuated for decades. It’s pervasive, but it’s not inevitable unless we stay silent.
Show your solidarity with survivors and where you stand in the fight for women’s rights by participating in initiatives and speaking up on social media and other platforms. Spread the word and encourage your community to do the same.
Stand against rape culture
Rape culture is the social environment that allows sexual violence to be normalised and justified, fueled by persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality. Naming it is the first step to dismantling rape culture.
Every day we have the opportunity to examine our behaviours and beliefs for biases that permit rape culture to continue. Think about how you define masculinity and femininity and how your own biases and stereotypes influence you. From the attitudes we have about gender identities to the policies we support in our communities, we can all take action to stand against rape culture.
Hold each other accountable
Violence can take many forms, including sexual harassment in the workplace and in public spaces. Take a stand by calling it out when you see it: catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments, and sexist jokes are never okay.
Create a safer environment for everyone by challenging your peers to reflect on their own behaviour and speaking up when someone crosses the line or by enlisting the help of others if you don’t feel safe.
Know the data and demand more of it
To end gender-based violence effectively, we need to understand the issue. Relevant data collection is key to implementing successful prevention measures and providing survivors with the right support. Demand relevant data and contribute data if you work in the sector.
Support organisations and initiatives
Donate time or resources to local organisations that empower women, amplify their voices, support survivors, and promote acceptance of all gender identities and sexualities.
Extracted from an article published by UN Women – Originally published on Medium.com/@UN_Women
