Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence - American College Health ...

10 Ways Young Men Can Prevent Sexual ViolenceMost guys don’t commit rape, but every guy can play a vital role in ending sexual and dating violence.Read the list below and learn what you and your friends can do every day. It can be something small orsomething large. Whatever you do, you’re making a difference. Don’t stand on the sidelines.Be Bold, Be Strong, Take Action!32145Define Your Own ManhoodConsider whether messages about manhood like“don’t take no for an answer” play a role in creatingunhealthy and unsafe relationship. Choose whatkind of man you want to be. Be a positive role model.Talk It OverBetter communication in sexual situations — listeningto the other person, stating desires clearly, and askingwhen a situation is unclear — will make relationshipssafer and healthier. Create a space to enthusiasticallysay yes.Understand the Ability to ConsentDrugs and alcohol can affect people’s ability todecide whether they want to be sexual with someone.If a person is “really out of it” and can’t give consent,wait until you both are ready to enthusiasticallysay yes.Get a Woman’s PerspectiveAsk women how the fear of rape affects their dailylives and whether they know someone who hasbeen raped. Listen and learn from them about theimpact of rape and how to stop it.Ask GuysAsk men how it would feel to be seen as a potentialrapist and how they would feel if a woman or girlin their life was sexually assaulted. Learn about theways sexual violence touches the lives of men.10 98 7 6Be Aware of Pop Culture’s MessagesWe are surrounded daily by TV shows, music, magazines,video games, and movies that communicatemessages about masculinity and relationships. Don’tlet images in popular culture dictate your behavior.Choose Words CarefullyWhen you use words to put women down, yousupport the belief that they are less than fullyhuman. It is easier to ignore women’s well-beingwhen they are seen as inferior. Choose languagethat respects women.Speak OutYou probably will never see a rape in progress,but you will hear attitudes and see behaviors thatdegrade women and promote a culture of violence.When your friend tells a joke about rape, say youdon’t find it funny. Use your voice.Get InvolvedJoin a student group working to prevent violenceagainst women. Or, if there isn’t a student group,start your own. Men’s anti-rape groups are becomingmore and more common on college campuses.Make a difference.Show Your StrengthDon’t ever have sex with anyone against their will.Make a pledge to be a man whose strength is usedfor respect, not for hurting.14© 2006 Men Can Stop RapeReprinted with permission.www.mencanstoprape.com