It is estimated that almost a third of women around the world have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence. That is a shockingly high number and one of the fundamental problems attached to gender-based violence is the fact that it can often prevent victims from achieving their true potential in life.
If you speak to a sex crimes attorney near you they will no doubt tell you that gender-based violence is a very real problem and one that is happening on a daily basis everywhere.
What can be done to prevent this from happening? Here are some tips that can help to redress the balance.
Listening to their story is a good starting point
It is often said that when a victim shares their story of violence with someone they feel they can trust that is often going to prove to be the first step towards finally breaking the cycle of abuse.
It is important to listen and accept what a victim is saying so that something can be done to resolve the situation.
Educating the next generation
It stands to reason that if you can set an example of behavior that eliminates gender-based inequality and violence this will help the next generation to learn and adapt their behavior accordingly.
Learn to understand what consent actually means
Gender-based violence and inequality can often stem from stereotypes that are used as an excuse for inappropriate behavior.
There cannot be any blurred lines when it comes to consent and if everyone can adopt a more positive attitude to consent it could make a huge difference to the way people are treated.
Learn to spot the signs
Abuse comes in many different forms and levels. That means you have to be vigilant when it comes to spotting the potential signs. Once there is a question to answer, it is a case of finding the right path to the safety and support a victim needs.
It’s good to talk
One of the biggest problems when it comes to the subject of gender-based violence is being able to start a conversation about what is happening.
Once those communication channels are open it becomes a whole lot easier to share the burden of abuse and violence.
Make a stand
Turning a blind eye when you are aware of a problem is the easiest thing to do. However, standing up against rape culture, for instance, ensures that attitudes can be changed and this aggression is not allowed to be normalized in any way.
Accountability
The only way that attitudes and actions are going to change for the better surrounding gender-based violence and inequality is to take a stand and call out anything inappropriate that you witness.
Sexism and outdated attitudes are still very pervasive in modern society and the only way that is going to change in the longer term is when we all take greater account of our words and actions.
Gender-based violence and inequality will not disappear overnight. However, taking positive steps to eradicate the problem should always help to make a positive difference. It could also help a victim to come forward and end the nightmare that they have endured.
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