As made clear by the material presented in your textbook, gendered violence is prevalent in the United States and around the world. What are some of the personal and social efforts we can engage in and/or support in an effort to lessen the prevalence of gendered violence?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANS: There are numerous things individuals can do to stand up against gendered violence. Most basically, of course, is not to engage in or tolerate gendered violence in one’s own personal relationships. Similarly, parents can teach children not to engage in violence, making them aware of the potential for violence in close relationships. Additionally, individuals can call out friends or colleagues when they hear people talk in ways that suggest violence is acceptable. If we see acts of violence occurring, we can try to take action.

There are numerous organizations that work to end gendered violence, including local battered women’s shelters, rape counseling centers, and men’s groups devoted to end violence. These organizations provide support for victims of gendered violence and advocate for changes in laws and customs that will lead to less gendered violence in their communities. There are also international groups that seek to end violence unique to other countries. For example, Southeast Asian women have formed Saheli, which fights to end “dowry deaths” and Eve Ensler, author of The Vagina Monologues, has founded VDay, an organization that works to stop all kinds of violence against women. Individuals can support these and other organizations by volunteering and/or making financial contributions.