When it comes to violence, both men and women can be victims. Still, violence against women, frequently at the hands of males, is a distinct category that relies on the historical and contemporary unequal balance of power between men and women, boys and girls.
Women’s abuse is a critical factor in consolidating men’s authority and control over their female counterparts. Gender-based discrimination, social norms, and gender stereotypes are all factors that contribute to violence against women and girls. Because of the devastation caused by violence against women, efforts have been placed mostly on reaction and providing resources to survivors of abuse.
Here are some suggestions on dealing with crimes against women that you may find useful.
Know the indications of abuse and how you can assist those suffering.
There are many different types of abuse and it can be confusing such as sexual battery vs sexual assault. However, each one has the potential to cause serious bodily and emotional harm. If you have concerns about a friend who may be suffering violence or who feels unsafe around someone, study the warning signs and learn about the resources available to assist them in finding safety and assistance.
If you think you are being violated, there is assistance available. You are not alone in your feelings. If you’d like to speak with a skilled advocate over the phone, we’ve gathered a list of options worldwide.
Teach the next generation and annotate their experiences.
The examples we set for the younger generation significantly impact how they perceive gender, respect, and human rights. Start having dialogues about gender roles early on, and challenge the typical features and attributes that have been attributed to men and women in the past.
Highlight the stereotypes children are exposed to regularly, whether in the media, on the street, or at school, and assure them that it is OK to be different from their peers. Encourage the development of an accepting culture.
Talk to boys and girls about consent, physical autonomy, and accountability. Listen to what they have to say about their perceptions of the world and how they feel about themselves. We can create a better future if we arm young champions with information and educate them on women’s rights.
Allow people to comprehend the concept of consent.
Consent must be freely provided and enthusiastically expressed on every occasion; instead of merely waiting for a “no,” make sure there is a resounding “yes” from everyone concerned. Adopt a positive attitude toward consent and talk about it with others.
When used in conjunction with phrases such as “she asked for it” or “boys will be boys,” these expressions aim to muddy the lines between sexual consent and consent refusal, blaming the victims and absolving perpetrators of the crimes they have committed done.
Prevention
The best way to eradicate violence against women and girls is to address the underlying causes and structural elements that contribute to it. To encourage respectful interactions and gender equality, education and partnership with young boys and girls should begin as early as feasible.
Engaging young people is the “best chance” for preventing and ending gender-based violence. This vital era of life, often ignored by public policies and campaigns, is when gender equality ideals and norms are formed.
These may seem like insignificant measures to combat crime against women, but they can make a significant difference in the prevention of abuse against women. If you follow these measures, I am confident that you will be able to deal with crimes against women, but you will also be able to contribute to their prevention.
