Many men will come into contact with domestic violence in their daily lives. This can be through the workplace if they are a magistrate, judge, solicitor, police officer, doctor, nurse, social worker, psychologist, pastor, priest or crisis support worker. Others may come into contact with domestic violence in their personal lives: it might be their neighbor, a friend, a family member or an acquaintance who is affected by domestic violence.
There are many opportunities for men to support female victims by speaking up about other men’s violence. Some are listed below:
- Be a positive role model for other men. If you know somebody who is abusive toward their partner tells them their behavior is not okay and they need to get help to stop.
- Be a positive role model for children. If you know a child who is without a positive adult male figure you can help to provide consistent support and help the child to make a safety plan.
- Speak out against domestic violence. This can have a powerful effect in helping change attitudes and social norms that support and perpetuate abuse.
- Take on a leadership role in your community e.g. sports club, university, neighborhood association or church group, and use this opportunity to speak out against violence in the home.
- Understand how your own attitudes and actions may perpetuate sexism and violence.
- Confront sexist, racist, homophobic and all other prejudiced remarks or jokes.
- Don’t buy magazines, movies, music or watch television programs that portray women in a sexually degrading or violent manner.
- Organize or join a group to raise awareness of and work against domestic violence. This might be at university, your workplace or among friends.
- Reach out or join a group to raise awareness of and work against domestic violence. Gently ask her if you can help. Never put the blame on the victim of domestic violence.
- Participate in local community events to raise awareness of domestic violence and join campaigns.
Download Leelou. Be safe whenever you go. Available at Apple Appstore and Google Playstore.
