Rape Culture Ends with Me
In the midst of this critical public health crisis, it is imperative that we keep engaged in and support the fight against gender-based violence and continue to grow this movement nationally and globally. Together we stand in solidarity as we demand safety, healing, and violence-free lives for us all.
Some simple things we can start doing (if we haven't already) include checking-in with survivors you know, your neighbors, forging new ways of communication with your families and loved ones, and helping with specific problems that survivors are experiencing in your community as they emerge. These sorts of connections can be activated even with social distance, respecting others' boundaries while acting in solidarity. In addition, there are a host of ways to leverage our online presence toward actions for social justice: share your expertise and creativity widely, reconnect with friends and family, be available to others.
So let’s stand in solidarity with one another and protect each other through all of this. The disruption of our social safety net demands solidarity. A city can be rebuilt and a contagion can dissipate, but the trauma from this crisis can linger indefinitely. Still, the story of this moment is being written by all of us, and the potential reverberations are unbounded.
In a time of social upheaval, even small expressions of solidarity can serve as a warm reminder that we aren’t alone and that we are each other’s keepers. Building community in the midst of panic helps us remember what is important in life in the first place. In addition to being well and safe, the challenge now is to not let social distancing undo this.
Direct Solidarity Actions:
Money Moves
SUPPORT SURVIVORS. SUPPORT SERVICES.
Donate or Fundraise to support critical and life-saving services for survivors. Help Peace Over Violence continue supporting survivors and our community through our hotline, emergency response services, advocacy and case management, counseling and support groups, among other services.
Your contribution to Peace Over Violence also supports the operation of one of the oldest rape crisis and domestic violence centers in the nation. POV’s LA Rape and Battering Hotline is the longest running lifeline that for fifty years has provided safety planning, remote shelter placement, legal advocacy, emotional support and crisis management to communities in Los Angeles and beyond.
Purchase Denim Day Swag
Peace Over Violence is a community based sexual and domestic violence crisis intervention and prevention center in Los Angeles, and the home of Denim Day. We offer a variety of materials and swag to help raise awareness, inspire dialogue, promote culture change while educating communities on sexual violence. Each purchase supports our efforts toward building a survivor-focused and healing-centered movement.
Give to your local rape crisis center
Find your local center by visiting centers.rainn.org
Volunteer at your local rape crisis or domestic violence center and hotline
Crisis centers, gender-based violence organizations and hotlines need your help. If you have time and skills to share, connect with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline to find your local center or hotline.
Educate yourself and others
Activate your social media networks to organize virtual solidarity actions and events. Share digital materials and engage with people online.
Participate in policy advocacy.
Create art for this movement.
Commit to being an UPSTANDER, actively engaging in the eradication of rape culture while supporting survivors of sexual violence.
Write about the movement to end sexual violence and share or publish it. Create a network of Denim Day participants in your community by asking five people to wear jeans on 4.28.21.
Host a Netflix Party discussion. Need ideas? Try I May Destroy You, Unbelievable, Allen v. Farrow, The Mask You Live In, Audrey & Daisy, The Hunting Ground, I Am Evidence or Invisible War.
Learn more at:
eradicaterape.org
nsvrc.org