What #MeToo is teaching us as a culture is that sexual violence is a continuum. It doesn’t have to include actual physical violence at all; it can just be the threat of violence or the threat of lost status. Continue
We all deserve to feel strong and competent, set clear boundaries, and resist verbal and physical assault, and we need to stand together to make sure that feeling is realized for all of us. Continue
Many times potentially violent situations can be averted with assertiveness. In the scenario described in this blog, much of the “interview” is dispensed with; there was a little chatting, and then things rapidly turned violent when the gang believed that they were in a position of power and that there was nothing to stop them. At that point, my student needed to use a physical technique to end the interaction. Continue
Esteem for Boys teaches boys what to do if physically attacked and how to physically defend themselves, but it also helps boys think about the ego-based nature of fighting among young men. Continue
The law stipulates that a person must communicate an “unambiguous yes” to sex and further states that someone cannot give consent if they are drunk or unconscious. This should be obvious, but we know from looking at the statistics that it is not, and there are plenty of assaults against women that occur under these circumstances. Continue
Shame and a cultural investment in women’s poor self-esteem form the ideological pillars of sexual violence against women, making female victims of sexual violence accomplices in their own victimization. Continue
A common concern for teen girls and women is how to effectively respond to being followed on the street. When in this scenario, most women are unaware of the most effective steps to take to deter their attacker. Learn what to do and what not to do to stay safe. Continue
When women communicate assertively (both verbally and nonverbally), they are less likely to be the target of bullying, harassment and even violent assault. Continue
The next thing I knew, a fifth guy came up behind me and grabbed me around the chest with one arm and around my throat with the other. At the same time, the other guys started to move closer and the only thing I thought of was, ‘Oh, no this is not going to happen.’ I don’t remember thinking anything else. Continue