Do you want to combat sexual assault? These easy and fun ideas are great for men (and everyone else.)
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What do a few photos, a flip phone, and a Sharpie all have in common? They can combat sexual assault and domestic violence. For real. If you’re between the ages of 13 and 25, here are easy (even fun!) ways to take a stand today.
1. Host a photo shoot.
One in five women will be sexually assaulted during college, which means most people know a survivor without even realizing it. Sexual assault resources help survivors start the healing process, so spread the word on a college campus. Host an impromptu photo shoot at various locations, and ask each “model” to pose with a sign featuring info on supporting services, along with a handwritten message.
2. Donate a crappy cell phone.
One in every four women will experience domestic violence, and a lack of alternative housing often leads women to stay in or return to violent relationships. The obvious solution: Ditch your old cell phone. Programs like Safe Horizon collect old phones, recycle them, and cell them to benefit domestic violence programs. Your old Razr is just gathering dust anyway.
3. Hijack a magazine.
Chances are, the next magazine you read will feature ads that objectify and/or sexualize women. Sex may sell, but it shouldn’t have to. Sign up to spoof an ad that objectifies women and leave it in a public place to disrupt the cycle of consumption.
By Ben Kassoy and Meg Kirby
Ben Kassoy is the Managing Editor of DoSomething.org and the coauthor of eight books. He’s also written for Glamour.com, Details.com,
Meaghan Kirby is a content intern for DoSomething.org and a student at Fairfield University. She’s previously written for Community Solutions and Real Teen Mag. She loves social change often tweets about it @meaghankirby.
Want more ways to make the world suck less? Visit www.dosomething.org or text JOIN to 38383.
Photo: divinenephron/Flickr
Editors next time you desire to post a article like this….please dont.
Why can’t any details about #3 be obtained without giving away personal information first?
Probably because if you are over 25, DoSomething.org pretty much says they don’t want your help unless you want to give them money. I guess I don’t get it because I’m one of the “old people,” but it seems to me like more people doing something = better.
Thanks, OirishM. To answer your question, to sign up for a DoSomething.org campaign, you have to become a member by providing your name and email and/or cell number.
As to Rebecca’s point, right: DoSomething.org is an organization for young people, and we love our “old people” as well (that’s anyone over 26). If you’re looking to get involved, here’s our old people page:
https://www.dosomething.org/about/old-people
Or you can email me at [email protected] and I’m happy to answer questions.
I’m coming to the sad realization that because abuse toward men by women has been so minimized if not ignored, there is little that can be written for men or on behalf of men. We can publish countless articles reflecting this abuse but in so far as assistance for men, not so much. A prime example are battered men shelters which are virtually non existent.
PursuitAce: Regarding Sweden – it’s most likely a result of a wider definition of rape combined with an increase in reporting rates. This article from the BBC dwelves a bit more into the high rates from Sweden and why comparing rape statistics across countries are difficult. Official rape numbers for Mongolia and Hong Kong for instance show zero cases. The Editors: As editors you should know that language matters. The language used in the headline and this article in effect erase male victims of sexual abuse as well as female offenders. Consider re-titling the article to “3 Ways People Can… Read more »
PursuitAce: Sorry, I forgot the link to the BBC article. Here it is: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-19592372
Personally I do it by being involved as a volunteer and board member with the local rape crisis service. Unlike GMP, however, that service actually acknowledges, accepts and respects male victims and victims of female perpetrators. They don’t tell victims that they should turn the other cheek and coddle their abusers in return. They treat them like human beings.
Just as a side note, what’s going on in Sweden? I thought that was one of the most feminist countries in the world. How are they getting it wrong?
My response to this article is noted, but I’d rather put the limited resources I have into organizations and shelters that serve male victims.
“About the Editors
We’re all in this together.”
So GMP IS a conspiracy then. And a feminist one at that!
Like we didn’t know already.
You know, after pulling your infamous “When Girls Attack” article as a result of the justifiable backlash you reaped, I thought for a second that you had learned a lesson.
Unfortunately, I was wrong.
I blame myself for having a tiny bit of faith.