#BoldMoves: the new campaign changing the way we think about sexual assault

Some #BoldMoves suggested by the website include:

Ponder Power Dynamics

It’s important to bear witness to the power dynamics that exist in society, because implicitly we all engage in them. Power differentials exist in age gaps, levels of experience, employment, and in most relationships. If we neglect to consider our own power levels in society (our race, sexuality, gender etc) then we’re often in danger of not only ignoring imbalances that exist around us, but participating in them ourselves. The more we educate ourselves about sexual violence stats and rape culture, and engage with anti-sexual violence campaigns and media, the more obvious it is that we must analyse how power plays out around us.

Talk/ Think about sex

Take time to reflect on sexual experiences you’ve had in the past and ask yourself uncomfortable questions about these experiences. How did you know your partner was having a good time? Did you check? Did you prioritise their pleasure as much as your own? All of these are potential signs of an imbalanced, and potentially harmful, sexual encounter. Upon reflection, many people find that they’ve strayed into heteronormative gender roles rather than exploring what they and/or their partner really want out of sex.

Be spatially observant

Different genders are socialised to take up space in different ways. If you go the extra step of attempting to observe what this looks like in public, you’ll be in a better position to ensure everyone around you feels comfortable in social situations, and to recognise signs of abusive relationships.

Be vocal on social media

It’s important that society uses social media platforms to empower vulnerable communities, and they can be valuable tools in breaking down toxic masculinity (particularly when men themselves engage in discourse). The #BoldMoves campaign website has a helpful list of tips on how to engage in social media debate practically and constructively rather than explosively: asking them to repeat themselves and using hypotheticals are apparently winning strategies.

It’s encouraging to see officially sponsored campaigns get with the program here and use the social media outlets available to them to discuss gender-based violence. It’s up to all of us to normalise talking about sexual assault, not just those who have experienced it. We urge you to head over and check it out!