The Solution

Bystander action

What is Bystander Action?
Bystander action is not necessarily about stepping into a physically threatening situation. It can include challenging sexist jokes made by your friends or talking to a manager about unfair treatment of women in your workplace.

It is important to remember that you must keep yourself safe first.

According to Vic Health, young people are the most likely to experience sexism or violence, but are the least likely to have taken action.

The problem is, not challenging sexism can have the same impact as being sexist yourself.

(VicHealth, 2012)

(BBDO India, 2016)

Challenging Sexist Behaviour

Standing up for yourself and others is important. If you don’t call out sexist behaviour, it can be damaging and can make a person or group think that the behaviour is okay, when it is not.
You can challenge people’s behaviour or comments and let them know that it is not okay and hurtful.
It can be difficult to speak up. If you don’t feel comfortable to disagree or say something you can:

Say something light-hearted and defuse the situation
Speak to the person who made the comment privately
If the comment was directed towards someone, talk to them to make sure they are okay
If you are a part of an organisation, club, school, or workplace, report the behaviour

"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept"- David Morrison 2016

Respectful Relationships

As we know, current or former partners are largely the perpetrators of violence against women. In order to combat the issue, inequality within relationships needs to be challenged

Warning signs, you are in an abusive relationship

you feel worried around your partner
you’re careful not to make your partner angry
your partner threatens to hurt themselves if you leave them
you’re scared of disagreements
your partner makes excuses for their abusive behaviour
you feel pressured by your partner
your partner controls one or more areas of your life
your partner humiliates or embarrasses you in public
your partner’s jealousy stops you from seeing friends and family
your partner intimidates you

(Kids Help Line, 2018)

Our Watch (2015) have suggested four actions that everybody can utilise that will prevent violence against women.

Challenge condoning of violence against women
Promote women's independence & decision making
Challenge gender stereotypes and roles
Strengthen positive, equal and respectful relationships

(Our Watch, 2015)

Be a gender equality champion

GPAN in the community

We know that family violence is a result of harmful attitudes towards women and gender inequality. GPAN wants to engage our community to help educate others on how to create a safer and happier world for everyone.