How we talk about sexual violence matters. Whether you’re describing your center’s services to a friend, talking with a classroom of college students about preventing sexual harassment, or writing your agency’s newsletter, the words you use have an impact on how audiences understand those topics. They also have an impact on who sees themselves as eligible for your center’s services.
Because you want to raise awareness in your community that men experience sexual violence, and let men know that your sexual assault center is here to help, make sure your language reflects these commitments. This resource suggests how you can communicate about sexual violence as something that men experience and about what services are available for survivors, including men. This resource is part of Working with Male Survivors of Sexual Violence.