REFRAME #9: INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE IS EVERYONE’S ISSUE.

“this is a women’s issue”      Interpersonal violence is everyone’s issue.

Women aren’t the only ones affected by sexual assault. Don’t believe it? Consider that nearly 98% of perpetrators of sexual assault are men and 1 in 6 men will be a victim of sexual assault in their lifetime.

Let’s go further.

Like gears in a machine, we are all connected. Men are not only hurt by the trauma they may personally experience from an assault but are also hurt by violence committed against their partners, friends, and loved ones. With those facts in mind, when we frame interpersonal violence as a “women’s issue” it gives men an excuse to not pay attention. Preventing violence and supporting all survivors depends on our ability to REFRAME how we see who is responsible for sexual assault and make interpersonal violence everyone’s issue.