NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of sexual violence, which may be upsetting to some viewers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
How do we prevent sexual violence? Right now, society tells potential victims to protect themselves from sexual violence with self-defense classes, location-tracking apps, roofie-detecting products, and more. The responsibility of preventing sexual violence is currently placed in the hands of the most vulnerable, instead of those most likely to perpetrate. This is a form of victim blaming. Even worse, it does not prevent sexual violence. Instead, it ensures the perpetrator chooses a different victim. In order to prevent sexual violence, we must prevent perpetration. This requires addressing the values, attitudes, and beliefs that lead to perpetration. That includes strategies to engage family, friends, and colleagues, as well as institutions such as universities, workplaces, and K-12 schools. Lastly, to prevent sexual violence we must prevent perpetration by changing the depiction of rape culture in media and enacting effective legislation. Miranda Martone is the Founder and CEO of the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA). They founded the SVPA with the mission to prevent sexual violence systemically by revolutionizing policy, research, and institutions. Their research and advocacy has been awarded by the United Nations Millennium Fellowship and the Clinton Foundation. They have their BA from Northeastern University and their MPP from Brown University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx