By Desiray Page
Staff Writer

The Women’s Center offered a Zoom workshop on masculinity, bystander intervention and violence, emphasizing that preventing domestic violence and sexual assault requires men’s engagement as advocates and allies on Thursday. 

The workshop was framed around raising awareness and consciousness about domestic violence and sexual assault by examining concepts of masculinity, encouraging men to act as active bystanders. 

“It’s up to all of us to fight against sexual harassment and domestic violence in our communities,” Luiz Mendoza said. 

Most reported cases of domestic violence and sexual assault are perpetrated by men, stressing that men play a meaningful role in the prevention of these acts.

While doing so, it is important to explore how traditional ideas about masculinity at a young age can shape attitudes and behaviors related to violence. 

“When people don’t have the chance to address their trauma, they pass it on to others in an unhealthy way,” Mendoza said. 

Domestic violence and sexual assault have been framed as women’s issues, but involving men in prevention efforts can strengthen broader movements against gender-based violence. 

Mendoza said that although the topic is to engage men with the issue, domestic violence and sexual assault can also happen to men. 

“Sexual and domestic violence doesn’t have a gender,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza explains that rape is a significant safety and public health issue, while survivors often face barriers to reporting, support and justice for the issue. 

“It is important for all of us to understand that ‘no’ is a complete sentence,” Mendoza said.

Meaning, consent and communication is important every step of the way in order to ensure that both parties are fully aware. 

Mendoza encourages students to attend further events hosted by the Sexual Assault Awareness Violence Education Team on campus throughout the month of April.