A NEW campaign has been launched in Coventry to raise awareness of the scale of sexual violence in society.
The Call It Out digital animation is the brainchild of the Coventry Rape Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) and kickstarts the charity’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
The animation challenges sexist views and highlights the wider impacts of rape culture while encouraging people to call out abusive behaviours when they see them.
More than 5million women in the UK have been raped or sexually assaulted, while one in five women over the age of 16 has experienced some form of sexual violence.
However, only around 15 per cent of those who have experienced sexual violence report to the police.
CRASAC has been campaigning to challenge misogynistic views and rape culture within society for over 40 years.
The charity’s CEO Jenni Muskett said: “Many people struggle to find a way to call out difficult and uncomfortable situations. We hope that this campaign will particularly encourage men and boys to challenge the behaviour of others and provide an opportunity for discussion.
“Unfortunately, we live in a society that permits perpetrators, and which focuses on victim blaming and perpetuates a cycle of abuse against women and girls.
“To change that cycle we need to create a culture where it’s safe to stand up and address unacceptable behaviour.”
