SMALL ACTIONS

IN MY LIFE, I CAN:

• find non-violent ways to express my needs and feelings;
• examine my own attitudes, prejudices, and behaviour toward others;
• remind myself that the attacker is the only one to blame for the assault;
• seek help if I exhibit violent tendencies that I can’t seem to control.

WHEN INTERACTING WITH OTHERS, I CAN :

• develop and maintain equal and respectful relationships;
• express my disapproval of discriminatory situations and sexist behaviours;
• express my disapproval of abusive situations (psychological, verbal, or sexual).

AS A COMMUNITY MEMBER, I CAN :

• speak out against the violent and sexist overtones in the media and consumer ads;
• volunteer at a crisis centre or with an organization working to end violence;
• participate in community events to raise awareness about and put an end to sexual violence;
• take a stand and commit to concrete actions against sexual violence.

Orientations gouvernementales en matière d’agression sexuelle, 2001 (Available in french only)

AS A PARENT, I CAN :

• create a trusting environment where we can talk about anything;
• instill the values of respect and gender equality in my children;
• teach my children to respect their bodies and privacy, as well as how to say no to anything that would make them feel uncomfortable, even when it involves people in a position of authority;
• watch for changes in behaviour: isolation, silence, loss of interest, fear, poor performance at school, shrinking away from physical contact, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, eating disorders, regression, inappropriate sexual behaviour/language for age, aggression, self-destructive behaviours, drug and/or alcohol problems;
• help my children develop their self-esteem and independence at a level appropriate for their age and personality;
• accept that my children confide in someone other than me.

Source : J’avise, Prévenir les agressions à caractère sexuel, Volet 1 – Guide d’animation, Véronique Billette et Michelle Modin, 2002.