National Domestic Violence Awareness Project

rcclv:

Here are some super easy, every day things we can all do to help create a culture of consent and to combat rape culture:

Ask before touching people  - “May I give you a hug?” 

If asking would be weird, it’s probably weird to touch them too - A lot of people are uncomfortable being touched, especially by strangers or acquaintances. While a friendly hand on the shoulder might feel reassuring to you, it may be upsetting to a coworker or friend. 

Allow children to say no - If they don’t seem interested in sitting on a relatives lap or giving them a kiss, let them know that that’s okay and they’re allowed to say no. 

Respect other people’s boundaries - If someone tells you they aren’t a touchy person or they don’t like to receive phone calls when a text would do, respect that. If you reach out to someone and they don’t call you back or respond, don’t continue to bother them until they do. Let them respond when it’s right for them. 

Avoid victim blaming - If you hear or see a story about someone who was hurt or assaulted, even if it wasn’t sexual assault, avoid asking questions that lay blame on the victim. What they were wearing, where they were geographically, how much they’d had to drink and things in that theme aren’t an invitation for assault. 

Speak up! - One of the easiest things we can all do to combat rape culture is to actively stand up to it. If you hear or see someone violating a boundary, being aggressive or confrontational with someone or saying harmful things to or about a victim, speak up and let them know that’s not okay. 

Feel free to tell us how you create a culture of consent in your every day life! Our inbox is open.