Where Do You Stand? North Dakota
Where Do You Stand? is a new awareness campaign created by CAWS North Dakota and national partner Men Can Stop Rape. Four scenarios encourage bystanders to intervene and prevent sexual assault, while starting conversations about how unhealthy expressions of masculinity increase violence against women. The scenarios also address behavior such as intimate partner stalking, buying sex, group intervention, and making a visible commitment to prevent violence in the community. Visit the website to find out how CAWS North Dakota and Men Can Stop Rape worked to customize the campaign so that it would speak to the changing demographic in North Dakota. A local photographer used North Dakota men as models for the imagery reflecting urban, rural, college, blue collar and oilfield environments.
Products include large posters, postcards with intervention strategies on the back, beverage coasters, and all-weather yard signs that promote “the kind of guys who take a stand.” Informational kits have been assembled that contain information about the campaign, a brochure about the wider Healthy Masculinity Initiative (HeMI), a guide for employers to develop victim-centered violence policies, statewide resources, and campaign product samples. All products are free and make a great tool to do outreach with men and boys in your community. All of the scenarios featured in the campaign illustrate the concept of bystander intervention, where someone is in a position to intervene in a potentially harmful or dangerous situation and does just that. This campaign builds on the growing body of research that supports the idea that the most effective bystander intervention In the past, effective bystander intervention is to address the behavior of the offender, particularly men holding other men accountable.
Visit the website for ideas on how you might tailor materials to launch a similar campaign in your state or community. Men Can Stop Rape and CAWS North Dakota is available for consultation.
