Taking on Sexual Violence: A Must-Read for Teens and Parents
It's amazing how many people will watch a cute kitten or puppy video you post on social media, but try to post a short video on sexual violence and everyone shies away from it.
Public Service Announcement in Ontario, Canada
Recently this ONE MINUTE video popped up on my Twitter feed and I re-tweeted it and shared it on Facebook - THREE SEPARATE TIMES. A total of five people bothered to look at it despite the fact that I prefaced it with statements encouraging PARENTS to please watch it and discuss the content with their sons and daughters.
Boys need to know that doing nothing makes them an accomplice to such acts.
I guess I am frustrated because I am tired of these types of behaviors not only going unpunished, but actually being celebrated. Regardless of advances in women's rights, the topic of sexual assault still goes largely unrecognized by society. The attitudes of not wanting to get involved, boys will be boys, or, worse yet, she deserved it are archaic to say the least.
I don't care how she posed on her Instagram, that was not consent to touch her!
As a mother of two boys, it is obviously my responsibility to teach them to respect women - not an easy task in light of the media messages that surround them. Yet just as important, it is my job to teach them that ignoring such behavior by others is just as unacceptable if not criminal. Of course, parents want their children to do the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing. But, honestly, I am not afraid to pull the JAIL card on my sons if it means getting the message across.
So, please, parents, take a minute and watch this video and discuss its message with your children. Middle and high school students should watch it for themselves before you discuss it. Sexually active boys need to understand all the legal implications involved in engaging in sex without consent. Play it safe, if she is drunk or high she is unable to give legal consent - even if she is your girlfriend and the two of you have engaged in sexual relations in the past!
Know the legal age of consent in your area.
Unfortunately, even with consent there are laws your sons and daughters need to be aware of. I saw countless cases come across my desk when I worked for the prosecutor's office of young men being unjustly charged with raping their girlfriends because her parents didn't like him. Educate your children.
The message in the video says it all. "When you do nothing, you're helping him. But when you do something, you help her." Be a hero! DO SOMETHING.
For more information visit Ontario.ca/WhoWillYouHelp.
Hopefully, parents will take this seriously and talk to there children.
ReplyDeleteSure hope so. Thanks for reading!
DeleteThank you for sharing the video on FB and I am also saddened by the lack of response vs. a cute cat video. Both females and males need to get involved in these issues. These are "human issues" not just "women's issues" as you pointed out. We have to engage males in the conversation and raise awareness. The best speaker I have heard on that angle is Jackson Katz (in his TED talk) - http://www.ted.com/talks/jackson_katz_violence_against_women_it_s_a_men_s_issue?language=en
ReplyDeleteCheck it out - he makes a compelling case about these issues and domestic violence. When labeled as a "women's issue" males just tune it out when they are most often the perpetrator. Relabeling and reframing the issue as this video does to both sexes is exactly what is needed. Also, I think the message of not being a bystander is starting to come through. I know my girls got that messaging regarding bullying and this video helps carry that over into this incredibly prevalent issue. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!!
Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment. I will check out the link you included. You are so right - when labeled a women's issue, I see why many men would just tune it out. Such a shame.
DeleteThank you Nikki, this is very important!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Alisha!
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