Though we are not all perpetrators of sexualized violence, we all are bystanders. Here are things you can do everyday to end sexualized violence:

• Interrupt jokes and comments that are sexist, misogynistic, heterosexist, homophobic, and so on.
• Write a Letter to the Editor or an Opinion Editorial if the media coverage of a sexual assault is disrespectful, objectifying, or victim-blaming.
• Email complaints and concerns to advertising agencies, magazines, broadcasting companies, newspapers, and so on who participate in the production of images that degrade women and/or glorify violence.
• Email compliments to artists and public personalities who publicly take a stance against sexualized violence.
• Refuse to buy products whose advertisements promote the notion that women should or do get sexual pleasure from being dominated or aggressed against.
• Help dispel some commonly held myths about sexualized violence.
• Teach children to be respectful of one another and celebrate differences. Model for them that everyone has different skills and abilities that are based on their various backgrounds.
• Engage male allies. Explain that sexualized violence is not simply a women’s issue and that men play a key role in stopping sexualized violence.
• Learn more about the issues of sexualized violence and women’s equality.

~ adapted from Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation