The Sexual Violence Center’s slogan, "Start talking. Change will follow," applies not only to our clients who talk with SVC advocates on their healing journey, but also to our communities as we work together to make all forms of sexual violence completely unacceptable. It’s not an easy discussion, but if we want to eliminate sexual violence behaviors we must first change attitudes that allow this kind of oppression to exist. We invite you to join us. Help us Start Talking. Change WILL follow.
Write letters to the editor every time you see something that supports sexual violence, such as ads that objectify women or men as just sex symbols or stories that blame victims.
Raise the subject of sexual harassment at your next meeting in schools. It’s not OK for boys to be punching or grabbing a girl’s breasts in the hallways. Or for girls to be grabbing a boy’s crotch. Even crude comments are not OK.
Talk to your kids about consent. It should be explicit and verbal. A nod or “umum”is not enough. Both parties need to say “Yes, I want to have sex.”
Call or write to your elected officials. Urge them to support good legislation. If you need clarification on legislation making its way through the legislature, check with the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) at 651-209-9993 or go to www.mncasa.org.
Ask candidates for their stand on the issue and vote accordingly.
Report suspected abuse.
Get the facts about sexual violence. For example, between 87% and 89% of all victims know their attacker. Stranger rape, while horrific, is actually rare.
Talk about it to anyone and everyone you can.
