Did you know that answering the call for a national walkout by anti- sexual harassment group #TimesUp on September 24, 2018 with faculty-led social action in support of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez catalyzed the friendship and ongoing professional collaboration of two of our co-founders, Danielle Mužina and Dr. Diane Sabenacio Nititham?
Here at reframe52, we #believesurvivors.
Because April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, here are some tips for being an ally for survivors of sexual assault that you can consider both at work and in everyday life. Remember that being an ally is an ongoing process of learning, listening, and taking direct social action.
While working to build supportive and inclusive spaces for survivors to feel heard, believed, and supported, it’s important to center their voices, prioritize their needs and autonomy, and respect their choices and boundaries at all times. By taking these proactive steps, we can create safer environments for everyone.
1. Dismantle harmful attitudes, within and outside yourself.
Look inward, and be willing to reflect on and challenge and unlearn any harmful beliefs, biases or misconceptions about sexual assault and survivors.
Speak up and challenge behaviors and beliefs that perpetuate the prevalence of sexual assault and contribute to r*pe culture - the beliefs and practices that normalize and excuse sexual violence.
Call out victim-blaming, myths about sexual assault, and harmful language or jokes when you encounter them, and educate others about the impact of these attitudes.
2. Challenge gender-based stereotypes and promote gender equality.
R*pe culture is often based on harmful gender norms and tropes. Respecting people of all genders equally is essential in undermining and shifting cultural attitudes about sexual assault and survivorship because it challenges the power dynamics that enable r*pe culture to persist.
When people of all genders are respected equally, it creates a culture where everyone is seen as equal, and no one is seen as more entitled to power or control than others. This kind of culture helps to dismantle the patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence.
3. Educate yourself.
Look up information about sexual assault, its impact, and what challenges and needs survivors may encounter. Familiarize yourself with available resources and services for survivors, and be knowledgeable about relevant policies and procedures at work or in your community.
Learn about methods of active bystander intervention. Be proactive in finding ways you can prevent harm by intervening or offering assistance if you witness concerning behavior or if someone discloses an experience of sexual assault.
Participate in events, workshops, and forums related to sexual assault awareness and prevention.
4. Believe survivors, and truly listen.
Listen attentively and believe survivors when they share their stories. Validate their feelings without questioning, minimizing, or doubting their experiences.
Offer support in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner. Let survivors know that you are there for them and willing to provide assistance and support as needed.
Use inclusive and survivor-centered language when discussing sexual assault. Avoid victim-blaming, and use words that empower and support survivors.
5. Use your voice.
Raise awareness about sexual assault on your social platforms by sharing educational resources, statistics, and survivor stories to increase understanding and empathy in your community.
Advocate for policies and practices that create a safe and supportive workplace for survivors. Prioritize the needs and safety of survivors in reporting mechanisms, accommodations, and support resources.
Engage in advocacy efforts to support legislation that promotes survivor rights, access to services, and prevention measures. Contact your elected representatives, and use your influence to push for positive change.
6. Center survivors and survivor-led initiatives.
Actively work towards creating inclusive spaces that both empower and amplify the voices of survivors and respect their autonomy and choices in how they choose to share their experiences.
Identify and promote local and national survivor-centered organizations and projects that provide support, resources, and advocacy for survivors. This can include volunteering, donating, fundraising, or participating in events that raise awareness or foster safety.
7. Respect the boundaries, choices, and agency of survivors.
Remember that each survivor's journey is unique, and it's important to approach each situation with empathy and respect for their own autonomy in their healing process.
Avoid imposing your own opinions or solutions onto survivors - honor their decisions about reporting, taking legal action, or seeking professional help.
Respect survivors' privacy and confidentiality. Do not ever share their story or personal information without their explicit consent.
8. Promote consent culture.
Practice affirmative consent in all your interactions, including sexual interactions, and encourage others to do the same. Promote healthy relationships based on equality and mutual respect by communicating clearly about boundaries and honoring them in all situations.
9. Practice Self-Care
Supporting survivors of sexual assault can be emotionally challenging and may require ongoing self-reflection and self-care practices. Remember to seek regular support for yourself as an ally, and check in with yourself often.
Being an ally to survivors is an ongoing commitment. Together, we can take action to create more supportive environments for survivors and a safer spaces for everyone.
Sources & Resources
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) - https://www.nsvrc.org/
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - https://www.rainn.org/
Helping Survivors Ride Sharing Sexual Assault Safety - https://helpingsurvivors.org/rideshare-sexual-assault/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/index.html
"Secondary Traumatic Stress in Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy: The Importance of Self-Care for Advocates" - Adams, A. E., et al. (2006). Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19(2), 275-281.
"Understanding the Impact of Sexual Assault Disclosure: Traumatic Stress Responses and the Contribution of Betrayal, Positive Social Reactions, and Posttraumatic Growth" - Ullman, S. E. (2010). Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 2(4), 283-295.
"Empathic Responses to the Disclosure of Rape: The Impact of Victim Emotional Expression" - Gagné, P., et al. (2017). Journal of Counseling Psychology, 64(6), 646-656.
"Social Reactions to Disclosure of Sexual Assault: A Qualitative Study" - Ahrens, C. E., et al. (2010). Violence Against Women, 16(3), 262-285.
"The Role of Social Support in the Process of Coping with Sexual Assault: A Meta-Analysis" - Ullman, S. E. (2010). Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 11(3), 71-82.
"An Integrated Theoretical Model of Sexual Violence Perpetration" - Ward, C. L., et al. (2019). Aggression and Violent Behavior, 45, 1-11.
"The Relationship Between Rape Myths, Rape Victim Suffering, and Judicial Judgments of the Victim and Perpetrator" - Bohner, G., et al. (1998). Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28(23), 2153-2185.
"Preventing Sexual Violence on College Campuses: Lessons from Research and Practice" - Banyard, V. L., et al. (2007). Psychology of Women Quarterly, 31(1), 1-12.
Comments