There is hope in the world
"Next month in Alberta, Canada, the Edmonton Police Force and Sexual Assault Voice of Edmonton will launch a sexual assault awareness campaign called 'Don’t Be That Guy.' From their website:
'Typically, sexual assault awareness campaigns target potential victims by urging women to restrict their behavior. Research is telling us that targeting the behavior of victims is not only ineffective, but also contributes to how much they blame themselves after the assault. That’s why our campaign is targeting potential offenders - they are the ones responsible for the assault and responsible for stopping it. By addressing alcohol-facilitated sexual assault without victim-blaming, we intend to mark Edmonton on the map as a model for other cities.'"
Oh my gods, yes. The answer is not those damn "protect yourself!" email forwards, but talking to MEN.
Also-
There is no wrong way to have a body. -Glenn Marla, but quoted so beautifully on Hanne Blank's blog that I'm linking her brief essay here. Go and read, it's amazing and lovely and not even a page long.
'Typically, sexual assault awareness campaigns target potential victims by urging women to restrict their behavior. Research is telling us that targeting the behavior of victims is not only ineffective, but also contributes to how much they blame themselves after the assault. That’s why our campaign is targeting potential offenders - they are the ones responsible for the assault and responsible for stopping it. By addressing alcohol-facilitated sexual assault without victim-blaming, we intend to mark Edmonton on the map as a model for other cities.'"
Oh my gods, yes. The answer is not those damn "protect yourself!" email forwards, but talking to MEN.
Also-
There is no wrong way to have a body. -Glenn Marla, but quoted so beautifully on Hanne Blank's blog that I'm linking her brief essay here. Go and read, it's amazing and lovely and not even a page long.