While we still have a long way to go when it comes to factual data and accurate information about sexual assault, one thing we do have access to is an ever growing network of resources online. Whether it be personal accounts of surviving sexual violence, interrogations of the system that allows this crime to be as pervasive and prevalent as it is or advice on how to fight rape culture, the internet has a lot to offer those of us who care about preventing sexual violence.
These are just a few links to powerful, and empowering, resources in the fight against sexual violence. (Please feel free to add to this list with your own links and recommendations in the comments.)
- The always fabulous Heather Corinna (also check out her equally wonderful sex education site Scarleteen)
- Searching for Angela Shelton, documentary of a woman confronting her history of child abuse, (which then led to her creating Survivor Manual)
Fighting rape culture
- Hands off, Miranda July’s First Feminist Action, Rookie
- Schrodinger’s rapist, Phaedra Starling, Shapely Prose
- “Don’t rape her” PSA, YouTube
Interrogating the system (Education)
- Rape culture 101, Melissa McEwan, Shakesville
- Drinking & rape: let’s wise up about it, Jaclyn Friedman, Women’s enews.org
- Let’s look at the phallus, Flavia Dzodan, Tiger Beatdown
and, some long overdue Common (bloody) Sense
- Only rapists can prevent rape, Jess McCabe, The F-Word
- Sexual Assault Prevention Tips Guaranteed To Work!, Ann Bartow, Feminist Law Professors
- One man’s modest plea for womankind’s right to non-violence, Marcus Campbell, The Drum (ABC)
If the rape culture is getting you down, if you’re feeling defeated, if you’ve lost hope that we can create a better world, a world of equality, safety and freedom from sexual violence, then turn here. If you still don’t understand what rape culture or is, or why we need to fight it, then turn here. If you want to know what people are doing to fight rape culture and resist sexual violence, then turn here. If you want to understand how to talk about sexual violence in a sensitive and empowering way, then turn here.
It helps to be reminded, we are not alone. All over the world there are dedicated and tireless individuals fighting rape culture, condemning sexual violence and promoting respectful, and mutually pleasurable, sexual relationships. We can end sexual violence, we will end sexual violence. We’re doing it already. This is the proof.
And, as always, if you need support or help due to an act of sexual violence then contact a Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) on their 24 hour crisis line: 1800 806 292 or casa.org.au