Men's Pledge to End Rape

BECAUSE:

• I believe that rape will not end until men become part of the solution;
• I take pride in myself as a man;
• I care about the women in my life;
• I am angry that people I know have been hurt;
• I know that a woman is raped every three minutes in this country;
• I understand that rape is a crime of violence against women's bodies, women's emotional well-being, and women's right to do with their bodies as they choose;
• I recognize that men and women will not be equal until rape ends;
• I know that happiness between men and women is difficult in a world where rape exists;
• I accept my responsibility to assist in making this a safer world.

I PLEDGE TO:

• Speak out my anger about rape;
• Talk with other men about rape;
• Look at how men are raised that helps create a culture where rape is possible;
• Interrupt rape jokes;
• Support laws that encourage men to take responsibility for ending rape;
• Listen to women friends' fears and concerns for their safety;
• Pay attention to cries for help;
• Challenge images of violence against women in advertising and pornography;
• Encourage women to be strong and powerful;
• Recognize that cooperation is power;
• Change whatever I am doing that helps create a culture where rape is possible;
• Support women and men working to end rape.

Original version of this statement by the California Anti-Sexist Men's Political Caucus