Sexual abuse is one of those problems in our society that we seem to be unable to address. Based on the collective online response, it's clear we care. The problem is that too much of our effort is directed to expressing support and having personal conversations.
Popular culture efforts can only do so much. Culture is also defined by our education system and our laws.
Look for the reason we cut alcohol-related traffic fatalities 50% and you will find Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Moving the needle there requires people helping organizations that are laser-focused on a goal and have attention spans long enough to make an impact.
Here are some options we have to improve society.
- Increase Gender Equality and Female Empowerment
- Strong Legal Frameworks and Protective Laws
- Cultural Focus on Safety and Education
- Strong Social Safety Nets
- Legalizing the Sex Trade
Increase Gender Equality and Female Empowerment: Countries with the lowest sexual violence often have high levels of gender equality, where women hold significant political, social, and economic power.
Supporting qualified women who step up is a must. Here are some groups doing the work.
Emily's List
She Should Run
National Women's Political Caucus
Strong Legal Frameworks and Protective Laws: Nations who do better tend to have strict, comprehensive laws regarding sexual harassment and violence, and they actively enforce them.
RAINN
Rise
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Cultural Focus on Safety and Education: In nations like the Netherlands, open, honest, and early education about sex, consent, and sexual desire as a normal part of life is prioritized.
Sexual abuse is not a public act. Victims are abused behind closed doors, often by people they know, and often while the victim is still a minor.
Parents have a right to have a say in their child's education, adolescents have a right to know some things, and civil society depends on people being educated. It's has been and will continue to be a difficult topic but it needs to be discussed.
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, or SIECUS
EducateUS
Strong Social Safety Nets: We need more robust support systems, including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance for survivors of sexual violence. Having the support to leave a bad situation prevents abuse.
If you are looking to provide support here, I'd recommend seeking out state or local groups supporting abuse victims in your area.
Legalizing the Sex Trade: Legalizing or decriminalizing the sex trade generally correlates with a decrease in violent crime, particularly rape and sexual assault, by allowing workers to report violence to police without fear of arrest. Evidence shows it improves safety for workers, enables better security measures, and reduces rape rates.
Decriminalize Sex Work
ACLU, Amnesty International, Freedom Network USA, Human Rights Campaign, World Health Organization
Go Time: Don't waste your justified rage venting online. If you support the cause, commit to supporting one or more of them. A better world is waiting us, first we need to do the work.
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