According to MVP Strategies, a gender violence prevention, education and training organization, men can be “empowered bystanders who can confront abusive peers.” Men are an integral part in the fight against gender violence: men can help fight the stereotype that men must subjugate women, and can also stop fellow men from perpetrating violence.
Do Not Remain Silent
Just like the motto for public transportation, if a man “sees something, say something.” If a man sees someone abusing a woman, like a friend or a family member, he should speak up. Speaking out is incredibly important if the abuser is someone the man knows closely—by confronting the abuse, he can help stop it before it escalates.
Reach Out to Victims
If a man recognizes abuse happening to a woman close to him, he should reach out to her. However, MVP Strategies points out that this should be done gently: if the woman is being abused by a man, she may be hesitant to reach out to another man. A man can reach out to victims in multiple ways: he can help her report the violence to the police, take her to a safe haven like a women's shelter, or help her get help from a sexual assault crisis service.
Seek Help
MVP Strategies recommends that men take time to look into their attitudes regarding sexism and violence. Many times, sexual, emotional and physical abuse is based on the misconception that men must be the dominant partner, and that violence is acceptable. If a man finds that he is emotionally, psychologically, physically, or sexually abusive towards women, he should seek psychological help. In addition, according to the New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Service's Counselor Advocate Training Manual, some male victims of childhood abuse lash out against women during adulthood. If this has happened, the man should not be afraid to seek counseling.
Become Involved
Men can be an important part of organizations that work to end violence against women. This includes getting trained as a sexual assault crisis counselor, volunteering at his local women's shelter or rape center, and joining organizations like the Rape, Incest and National Network that works to stop violence against women.
Do Not Fund Sexism
Multiple products use advertising that promotes the idea that gender violence is acceptable. If a man sees an offensive advertisement or product, he should not buy it. Ms. Magazine has a “No Comment” section where readers can send in advertisements that glorifies violence against women.
Mentor Other Men
Men can prevent sexist attitudes in the younger generation of men. Mentoring programs are set up by sexual assault crisis programs that teach boys that violence and rape are not acceptable. Men can become involved in these programs and act as mentors.
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