With everything happening in the world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. It can also be hard to believe that individual people can truly make a difference. Yet even big problems often have roots in our daily lives – and it is possible for each of us to make little changes that can have a big impact.
This is particularly true for issues like gender-based violence. This term is used to describe any type of violence or abuse that is based on a person’s gender. It includes domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. Gender-based violence and other forms of abuse can affect anyone, regardless of race, religion, income, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Gender-based violence is pervasive. On a single day in 2023 in Pennsylvania, 3,102 survivors and victims of domestic violence were served by agencies like Blackburn Center. According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV), 37.1% of Pennsylvania women and 30.4% of Pennsylvania men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.
These statistics are scary – and can be overwhelming. Fortunately, it is possible to make small changes in our daily lives that have a much broader impact on our community. Peace can – and should – begin at home.
If you want to make our world a better place, there are many ways to help. You can start with a simple one: supporting Blackburn Center’s work. You can sign up to volunteer, donate items to our shelter or money to support our programs, or join one of our committees.
Beyond supporting our mission, you can also make take steps in your own life that can help to reduce the incidence of gender-based violence. This includes:
Learn about different types of abuse and how to spot them. This can include un-learning certain myths about gender-based violence that you may have internalized – like that domestic violence is about a person having an anger management issue – because they are so common in our society. By learning more about gender-based violence, you will find it easier to identify abusive behaviors in both yourself and other people.
Decide – and follow through on that decision – that you will not engage in physical, emotional, or other types of violence or abuse. If you are acting in an abusive way, you can seek help (such as therapy) and make a commitment to change.
If you have kids in your life, communicate with them in a respectful, healthy way. You should also have open, honest conversations with them about topics like consent, bodily autonomy, and healthy relationships.
Think carefully about the type of media – including movies, TV shows, books, and magazines – that you consume. If what you are reading or watching tends to objectify or degrade women, you might want to reconsider your entertainment choices.
If you’d like to learn more about gender-based violence and how to be part of the solution, you can schedule an education or training for your school, community group, religious organization, or workplace. Most of Blackburn Center’s programs are offered free of charge.
“Peace begins at home” is a simple concept – but it is one that can make a big difference in our world. We know that gender-based violence isn’t something that any one person can solve on their own. Yet, when we all commit to change by taking action in our own families, whether big or small, we can make a real, lasting change.
If you need help, we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call our hotline anytime at 1-888-832-2272 (TDD available). All calls to our hotline are free of charge and can be anonymous.
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