What is Strength Without Violence?
12 things men can do to stop violence against women
White Ribbon Campaign
If Someone You Know Has Experienced Sexual Violence

 

WHAT IS STRENGTH WITHOUT VIOLENCE?

There is a national movement for men to partner with women in stopping sexual violence. In the past, it has been the responsibility of women to avoid sexual violence and to be aware of sexual violence.

Now, men are being asked to:
"Speak Up. Decide to end sexual violence."

Men are asked to recognize that:
"Your voice matters. It is never to late to get help."

Men are encouraged to shift their role from men-as-bystanders to men taking responsibility to end sexual violence by:

• examining their own attitudes and beliefs about sexual violence

• becoming aware of the societal values regarding women and sexual violence

• learning more about sexual violence and how to prevent it

• working alongside women in a leadership role to prevent and respond to sexual violence

• speaking up when they see or hear sexual violence happening

Knowing that strength can come without violence is not enough, choose to get involved in RCST's Strength Without Violence. For information call RCST toll free hotline/access number or send an email to info@rcst.org

Sexual Violence is Every Man's Issue!

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12 THINGS MEN CAN DO TO STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

1.  RECOGNIZE
     that violence is every man's responsibility
2.  SPEAK UP!
     don't be a silent bystander
3.  CHALLENGE
     others who use sexist language and make
    degrading jokes about women
4.  LISTEN
     to and learn from women's experience
5.  THINK
    about how our own attitudes contribute to violence
    against women
6.  CALL 911
     violence isn't a private matter, it's a crime
7.  RECOGNIZE
     that degrading images of women in the media are linked
    to violence against women
8.  BOYCOTT
     magazines, video or music, etc. that promote
     violence against women
9.  TALK
    to and teach boys and young men about
    healthy relationships
10. SEEK HELP
      if you have a problem with being emotionally
     or physically abusive
11. VOLUNTEER
     to help victims of sexual violence  by calling
     toll free 1-888-810-0093
12. SUPPORT RCST FINANCIALLY
     Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties
     Rape Crisis Program

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WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN

One of the largest efforts in the world of men working to end men’s violence against women, the White Ribbon Campaign started as a response to violence against women in Canada in the early 1990s.  This registered charitable organization has inspired men in other countries to get involved in working to end violence against women.

Why involve men?  Although most men do not rape and commit violence against women, it is documented that the majority of violence against women is committed by men.  Therefore, there is a grass roots effort by men to speak up, to not be bystanders and to take action in ending violence against women.  The “White Ribbon Campaign” is one effort that can involve all men and boys in supporting the movement to end violence against women.

Rape Crisis of the Southern Tier urges men and boys to wear a white ribbon for one month, ending on November 6, the International Day for Eradication of Violence Against Women. 

 Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone, nor remain silent about violence against women.

White ribbons are available at the “Walk a Peaceful Mile” event, go to EVENTS, or by contacting RCST at 1-888-810-0093 or by email at info@rcst.org

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IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS EXPERIENCED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

BELIEVE
When someone tells you they were sexual is assaulted, harassed, abused
False reports account for less than 2% of all reported rapes.
LISTEN
Let survivors share as much or as little about their experience as they like.
NEVER BLAME
No-one deserves to experience sexual violence.  No matter what they wore, if they were drinking, or if they were walking alone.
OFFER CHOICES
Don't "make" them do anything.  that is what the perpetrator did. Give the power back to the victim.
CALL Rape Crisis
We have trained counselors and advocates willing to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People often feel they are making progress and then have negative feelings come back all again.  Ask for the help and support you need from friends and loved ones.  You can also find support by calling our hotline at any hour of the day or night.

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