Moving beyond the system of harmful gender norms that limits us and promotes inequality is a great challenge for many anti-violence programs. While doing the work of engaging men and boys, it is important to challenge the dominant stories of masculinities in our lives. These resources discuss the concept of Bystander intervention, how to be an ally, and the idea of courageous conversations.
Bystander Intervention
Bystander Effect, which is also called Genovese syndrome, came after the murder of Kitty Genovese. Social psychologists Bibb Latané and John Darley popularized the concept of the bystander effect. Bystander effect occurs when the presence of others discourages an individual from intervening in an emergency situation such as bullying, assaults, or other crimes.
Courageous Conversations
Courageous conversations are difficult conversations that we must have to move a new narrative around rape culture.
Allyship
An ally is any person that actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional, positive and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole.