The Danger of Gender Stereotypes

I consider myself a feminist, but only in the sense that men and women are equal. I fully acknowledge that men and women are different-- physically and mentally-- and therefore are free to fulfill different roles in the world. Or the same roles. Whatever works best for the individual. But men and women should be treated as equals.

For that reason, while this is a women-centered blog, I'd like to take a moment to address gender stereotypes, particularly in the case of males.

Did you know that 1 in 5 men will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime*? And yet, only 4% of sexual assault victims who receive a forensic exam from a local San Diego hospital are male. Additionally, at a local Naval base, only 15% of sexual assault victims who come forth are male. Where are the others?

Sexual assault can cause physical and/or psychological harm, regardless of the gender of the victim. And every victim has the right to get help. If you, or someone you know, is the victim of such abuse, you have the right to heal.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE(4673)