Influencers from the so-called manosphere condone violence against women and LGBTQ+ people. They are role models for their millions of followers, primarily young boys. Research shows that boys who adhere to harmful traditional gender roles are precisely the ones who are more likely to condone violence and are at greater risk of becoming perpetrators of sexually transgressive behavior. In addition to girls, LGBTQ+ young people experience sexually transgressive behavior disproportionately often.
Involve boys in the solution
Small !@#$% things become big !@#$% things encourages boys to recognize sexually transgressive remarks and actions and put a stop to them. Such remarks have a major impact on the victim, especially when they experience them repeatedly. ‘Small’ remarks therefore have a major influence. Research also shows that normalizing so-called ‘innocent’ remarks and behavior creates fertile ground for more serious sexually transgressive behavior, such as sexual assault and rape. Behavioral change expert Maartje Puts: “We involve boys in breaking this harmful pattern. When boys empathize with the victim and realize the impact of all those belittling remarks, they stop making them.”
Sexually transgressive behavior begins with seemingly ‘small’ remarks. Through the campaign, Rutgers, Atria and COC are giving young people concrete tools to reflect on their own behavior and not participate in sexual misconduct. The campaign ‘small !@#%? things become big !@#%? things’ will run for the next three years and addresses sexual misconduct against women and LGBTQ+ people at its source.
Act4Respect Unlimited is a collaboration between Rutgers, Atria and COC. Act4Respect focuses on preventing sexual violence, (ex-)partner violence and online violence targeting girls/women and LGBTQI+ people.