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you can prevent gender-based violence when you:
talk about it
Have one-on-one conversations about which of our values contribute to sexual violence and which values prevent it.
We can talk about:
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Healthy relationships and sexuality with our youth, and have these conversations early on and often;
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Why phrases like "boys will be boys" and "you throw like a girl" are harmful;
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The impact of violence shown on television and video games with kids; and
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How sexual violence affects our community.
Anchor 5
Some people believe that sexual violence does not happen in their community, or that it only impacts the individuals involved. Sexual violence has been described as a silent epidemic; there is a disparity in the number of sexual assaults reported and the number of sexual assaults that occur leading people to believe sexual violence is not a problem in their community. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) determines that sexual violence is a widespread problem in our country and in our state.
Sexual violence impacts more than the survivor; it tears at the fabric of community well-being. With the knowledge that sexual violence oftentimes is not reported, consider that some of your neighbors, friends or family members may be coping with sexual violence at this moment. Think about how we can make our communities an accepting environment for survivors and a safe home that will not tolerate sexual violence is any way. Check out the NISVS 2014 Fact Sheet here.
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