“Men must take action”: understanding sexual assault
| 
Tools
Possibly Related
Although it still may be fresh in our minds, Rep. Todd Akin is not the first to call into question the legitimacy of rape. Akin suggested “legitimate rape” does not cause pregnancy, and in doing so, he implied that certain degrees of rape exist.
More recently, British Member of Parliament George Galloway said having sex with a sleeping partner is merely “bad sexual etiquette,” not rape. To this point, Galloway inferred, “not everybody needs to be asked prior to each insertion.”We as a society need to discuss what got us to this point where recognizing sexual assault and advocating against it has become so difficult.
A strong first step is examining the role men play in ending sexual violence. Most men are compassionate individuals who desire healthy connections with women. And while the majority of perpetrators of sexual assault are men, most men do not rape. Yet, it is still a challenge for our society to engage men as concerned bystanders to sexual violence.
Each year, hundreds of students on campus, including men, take part in Take Back The Night, a rally against rape and sexual assault. But on a daily basis, most men do not get involved in the conversation surrounding sexual violence. It can be hard for men to stand up against sexual violence. In our culture, showing empathy or passion for these issues can often be perceived as weakness. Moreover, violence against women is often seen as an issue only affecting women. But as a society, we must work to break down these barriers, so that a truly engaging and involved conversation can take place.
Men must be presented with the opportunity to increase their awareness and to understand the role they play in ending violence against women. In developing the skills men use to address issues such as rape and sexual assault, men will become better communicators of what sexual assault is.
Men must take action to challenge masculine domination and violence. Violence against women is a men’s issue.
A great way for men to get involved on campus is by joining the conversation at the Men’s Group Fall Retreat. The retreat takes place Saturday, September 29 and is an opportunity for men to see how societal gender scripts impact a man’s social development and learn more about sexual violence.
GVSU Women’s Center
- Han Chitti on New organization offers scholarship opportunities
- graduate school personal on GV Writing Center hosts prospective students from young ages
- essay for graduate school on Writing department goes digital for student portfolios
- OneWhoKnows on A love letter to a dying industry: The book business
- Matt Harrington on GVSU Lakers bats come alive in a pair of wins
- Fads aren't always so rad
May 20
Posted in: Equilibrium - This is the time of our lives
May 17
Posted in: Equilibrium - Beat exhaustion with balance of perspective
May 14
Posted in: Equilibrium - Make up or break up
May 10
Posted in: Equilibrium - And runnin', runnin'
May 6
Posted in: Equilibrium
Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
Upcoming Events
11:00 am | GVSU Track & Field at NCAA Championships
No events for Sun
All day | MEMORIAL DAY
10:00 am | SAP Farm Stand
No events for Wed
Classifieds
In Housing / Roommates
- We have a cute condo in need of 2-3 renters for the next school year. Barkwood condominiums ...
In Housing / Roommates
- Subleaser need in Campus View this Summer. Can move in any day. Rent is 335 a month. Contact ...
In Housing / Roommates
- Subleaser need in Campus View this Summer. Can move in any day. Rent is 335 a month. Contact ...
Comments
Comments powered by Disqus
