Men have a responsibility to take a stand against male violence. With the recent #MeToo movement, more and more women are coming forward to share their stories of abuse and harassment. While this is a powerful statement that should be applauded, it’s also important to note that the majority of sexual assault perpetrators are men. It’s time for men to accept responsibility for ending male violence and take action to prevent it from happening in the first place.
The first step in taking responsibility for ending male violence is recognizing that it exists. Too often, men deny or minimize the prevalence of male violence, which only serves to perpetuate the problem. We must stop making excuses for perpetrators and instead stand up against gender-based violence whenever we see it. This includes calling out sexist jokes or comments, standing up for victims when they come forward with their stories, and supporting organizations that are working to end gender-based violence.
The second step is teaching our sons (and daughters) about healthy relationships and consent at an early age. Research shows that children as young as 5 years old can learn about respect and boundaries when interacting with others. Parents should ensure their children understand what constitutes appropriate behavior so they can recognize when someone is violating those boundaries or making them feel uncomfortable. We must also continue teaching our sons about consent throughout their teenage years so they understand what it means to ask for permission before engaging in any physical contact with someone else.
The third step is actively participating in conversations about male violence in our communities and workplaces. Too often, these conversations are dominated by women’s voices—which is understandable given the prevalence of gender-based violence—but we must make sure our voices are heard too so we can work together on solutions that are effective at preventing male violence from occurring in the first place. This could include setting up support groups for those who have experienced male violence, creating campaigns or initiatives aimed at raising awareness about healthy relationships, or organizing community events focused on educating people on how they can help end gender-based violence in their community.
Finally, we must hold each other accountable if we witness any form of gender-based violence occurring around us or if someone shares their story of abuse with us. This means speaking out against perpetrators whenever possible and ensuring victims have access to resources like counseling or legal support if needed. It also means challenging outdated beliefs or attitudes that promote gender-based discrimination or sexism within our own social circles and communities so everyone feels safe regardless of their gender identity or expression.
It’s clear that men must accept responsibility for ending male violence by recognizing its existence, teaching our sons (and daughters) about healthy relationships and consent at an early age, actively participating in conversations about male violence in our communities and workplaces, and holding each other accountable if we witness any form of gender-based violence occurring around us or if someone shares their story of abuse with us. By taking these steps together as a society, we can create an environment where everyone feels safe regardless of their gender identity or expression—and hopefully put an end to male violence once and for all.