Over 460,000 victims (age 12 and older) are raped or sexually assaulted each year in the U.S. Most are women. There is clearly something wrong. And this doesn’t even include threats of violence, harassment, and other types of abuse.
We’re not indifferent to women’s safety, nor do we think all women or all posts on AWDTSG are the sorts featured on this site. We just don’t want decent men to be victimized in the name of protecting women from the truly abusive ones. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Part of the responsibility of Ending AWDTSG falls on male shoulders. Even if you would never hurt a woman, there are things you can do to ensure others don’t either. See below.
Do groups like AWDTSG have a place in this world to help women stay safe?
No, not in their current form. Not without giving men the opportunity to defend themselves. But that’s what the rest of the site is about. Now let’s focus on what CAN be done, and the role men have to play in it.
But what can MEN do?
- SPEAK UP. First and foremost, call out other men when they treat women badly, speak about them in abusive ways, or are just acting generally creepy. When a friend is harassing a woman and you stay silent, you become part of the problem. The same is true of women in AWDTSG groups (just sayin’).
- Protect women. Offer to walk someone to her car (if you know her) or ask if there is anything you can do to help if she appears distressed or afraid.
- Keep your distance. Leave a good amount of space when walking behind a woman at night. The closer you are, the more of a threat you appear. If you are jogging at night, never run up behind a woman. Always cross the road, or leave significant space when passing her.
- No cat-calling or commenting on a woman’s appearance if you don’t know her. I wish this didn’t even need to be said. Has this ever worked for anyone? Or is it about dominance and the power to make a woman feel uncomfortable?
- Be mindful of how new dates might feel. When you begin dating a woman suggest dates that are in the daytime in a public place. Don’t expect to pick her up. Driving separately is best.
- Get politically active. You don’t need to clear your schedule for protests, but if we wall demanded more efficient processing or rape kits (progress is being made), and better training of law enforcement it would go a long way in helping the hundreds-of-thousands of women who are victimized each year. Contact your local representatives.
- Donate to the causes. The non-profits below work on women’s safety issues. EndAWDTSG.com has donated to these, and we hope you will too.
Non-Profits for Women’s Safety
Futures Without Violence
With the goal of ending domestic and sexual violence, Futures Without Violence is involved in community-based programs, developing educational materials, and in public policy work.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, which operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) and carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
NCADV provides support for survivors of domestic violence 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Hotline is staffed by highly-trained, advocates offering free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention, and referral services.
End Violence Against Women International
EVAWI was founded by Sergeant Joanne Archambault. During her work with victims, Sergeant Archambault saw a critical need to train law enforcement in how to investigate sexual assault and domestic violence. Criminal justice needs training and support to conduct thorough investigations.
Restored Wings (formerly Rejuvenating Women)
Restored Wings’ mission is to provide hope and restoration for victims and survivors of human trafficking and exploitation by empowering them to lead healthy and independent lives.
Battered Women’s Justice Project
This organization works to address the many facets of gender-based violence, such as complex family dynamics, the importance of protection orders, the risk of firearms, and how to prevent the violence in the first place.
Our funds are limited, but every donation counts…
End Violence Against Women International
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
The Battered Women’s Justice Project
Restored Wings
End AWDTSG 