There are many different ways that you are able to help prevent sexual and relationship violence and create a culture that promotes respect, consent, and boundaries.
How I can help create a culture that promotes respect, consent, and boundaries?
- Make sure that you personally are getting consent, respecting boundaries and practicing healthy relationship qualities, such as open communication, respect, trust, independence and being supportive.
- If you are initiating a relationship or sexual interaction, make sure you have clear permission and affirmative consent for each step.
- Assess your relationships, both romantic and platonic, to make sure you are engaging in healthy relationship practices.
- Respect when someone declines an advance or sets a boundary. Rejection can be difficult, but it is important that you still respect someone’s decision, even if you do not agree with it or it is not the outcome that you were hoping for.
- Seek professional help now if you are emotionally, verbally, physically or sexually abusive to others, or have been in the past. The Barnes Center at the Arch, Counseling is available 24/7 at 315.443.8000.
Learn more about rape culture and societal attitudes and beliefs that normalize violence. Some examples of these attitudes and beliefs include sexism, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-Semitism, rape myths, victim blaming and objectification. The list of actions that can foster and support rape culture includes several actions which many may not realize can cause the harm they do.
Get involved and support the efforts of campus and community-based organizations:
How can I become an ally to and support those who are working to end all forms of sexual and relationship violence?
- Attend campus workshops, Take Back the Night and other public events to learn more about relationship violence, sexual violence, stalking and sexual harassment.
- Attend programs, take courses, watch films, read articles and books about gender roles and about violence. Attend workshops and programs aimed at reducing bias and hate crimes and increasing awareness of diversity issues on college campuses.
- Be an ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and (LGBTQ) communities by speaking out against bias and hate language. Support and involve yourself in LGBTQ organizations and causes. Connect with the LGBTQ Resource Center on campus at 315.443.3983.
- Raise money for rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other community organizations that work to end violence. If you belong to a team, a fraternity or sorority, or another student group, organize a fundraiser.