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Throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is embracing its theme of “Engaging New Voices”—including members of Greek life, coaches, parents, and faith leaders—around ways to prevent sexual violence by promoting safety, respect, and equality in their communities.
As regular readers of The Good Men Project, many of you are well-informed about the serious and widespread issue of sexual assault and the ways our culture can harm survivors and inflict shame, fear, humiliation and, ultimately, silence among victims.
Now it’s time for you to use your powerful voice to engage others in awareness and prevention of sexual assault.
New NSVRC research reveals a gap in perceptions of sexual violence across populations that are essential for prevention. The research shows that 18-34-year-olds are less likely than older adults and men are less likely than women to view an action as sexual assault. For instance, 56 percent of men vs. 72 percent of women say “watching someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission” is assault, while 67 percent of men vs. 79 percent of women say “sexual intercourse where one of the partners is pressured to give their consent” is assault. This data reveals why we must engage a broader group of voices in becoming bystanders who can intervene and help create a safer environment.
How can you get more involved? Start by joining our Twitter chat on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 9 p.m. Eastern time, using the hashtags #SAAMChat and #GMPSocial.
Experts from NSVRC and The Good Men Project will answer questions, share tips, and discuss strategies for working in your local community to ensure everyone knows the role they can and must play in sexual violence prevention. We’re strongest when we raise our voices together, and that’s why we’re committed to bringing new groups into the movement.
Prevention is possible and it’s happening. But we can’t do it alone. So join us! The conversation will start online, but it won’t end there. The attention to sexual assault prevention in April provides an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts that continue throughout the year. Join NSVRC in our mission to rally communities and the broader public to create safe and equitable communities where every person is treated with respect.
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More on Sexual Assault from Laura Palumbo:
What Constitutes Sexual Assault? April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kicks Off
Broadening the conversation on sexual violence helps to build a culture of respect, foster healthy relationships, support survivors, and prevent sexual violence in every community.
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Photo credit: NSVRC