Don't be depressed, D. I posted it because it made me smile and, because of all the, as you say, brilliant, discussions. Is it not a
refreshing change to see sexual assault tips aimed at men rather than, as they usually are, at women - as if women must accept they are naturally going to be, and are natural, rape victims and must accept that men are naturally going to be rapists - (which is as much an insult to men) - and that it's up to women to take evasive action rather than that men must stop raping. It's our world, too.
Rape/sexual assault/harassment will stop (I hope) when men change their attitude to women (liked your post, Blackcurrants - must get that bumper sticker) and women also stop accepting it - boys will be boys - or even that they're culpable and feel shame if a man rapes or is violent towards them, as I was reading on another thread here. But for that to happen, women must know they have the support of their own society and that society will be outraged rather than ask 'what were you wearing?'
I have to grit my teeth at the oft used term (as seen/heard in the media, including Woman's Hour and on placards) "violence against women" or "violence towards women"; the term still gives the perception that men's violence (or violence towards women) is women's responsibility in that naming the victim rather than, indeed not at all, the perpetrator, psychologically relieves men who are, or have been, violent, of any personal responsibility for their actions - and relieves them of having to address their violence because they are not addressed. And also subconsciously reminds women of their physical powerlessness and vulnerability, thereby, in effect, albeit inadvertently, perpetuating oppression of women through fear.
I have a notion that using the term "men's violence" rather than "violence towards women" might be viewed as provocative (by whom, one might then ask) and, of course it goes without saying, not all men are violent. But if the cap fits.
What I'm saying is I think it's a positive thing that men should be encouraged, indeed expected, to address their own behaviour and attitudes to women, just as racists, say, should address theirs - they are in need of consciousness raising too, hence my first post, though the irony may be lost.
What do you think of the recent ad campaign on the telly re teenage domestic violence following NSPCC research? "If you could see yourself, would you stop yourself?"
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8515601.stm and
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XISA4LNjCic
I'm glad to see there's a version where the boyfriend himself is banging on window, i.e. challenging his own behaviour. Unfortunately, judging by some of the comments on the youtube one, some see it as accusatory towards boys rather than as it's meant, i.e. encouraging a change of attitude in boys (and girls).