Across the world & especially in India, we need to start accepting that often men are victims of serious crimes too. Somehow, we have been conditioned to believe that men cant feel any pain, how can they ever be victims, they are strong, they have no emotions.

Mard ko dard nahi hota!- A social conditioning that needs to change very quickly. We live and learn better. Today we understand that we are all human beings and experience same emotions. Infact this pressure on men to always

Men are ashamed of reporting crimes since they fear being ridiculed for appearing weak. Such conditioning is deep set in our mind right from childhood. This will have to change for society to expect fair treatment of all genders- men, women, LGBTQ and every one of every age.

In reality, many male domestic violence victims suffer in silence. Despite men being often much larger physically than their partners, many consistently fail to report being physically abused. Such “non-traditional” intimate partner violence happens more frequently than people think. There is nothing legally or physically that prevents a much larger man from being victimized by a smaller partner. The size differential, unfortunately, often only makes him more unwilling to report it.

For most of the men seeking help have a negative emotional impact. They found that most of the male victims reportedly experienced gender-stereotyped treatment from professionals and services, and that seeking formal help frequently led to secondary victimization in the form of statements or behavior that could cause them further distress. In fact, seeking formal help itself had a negative impact on well-being, aggravating their victimization.

Silenced by Social Stigma

Regarding societal expectations, men are viewed as “unacceptable” marital violence victims, recognizing that such a designation could be considered a “social taboo.” They also note male reluctance to view themselves as victims stems from considering their complaints to be a major weakness.

Reference- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202007/why-men-who-are-domestic-violence-victims-dont-report

Cyber stalking & Cyber harassment

Definitely women & girls face such crimes far more. However, this does not mean that men aren’t victims of these crimes. Even simpler example is that sometimes we see that men get abused online by women but a man can never retaliate as it can means end of his career, marriage and more. Man is automatically held guilty upon accusation and then he has to prove his innocence. I am not saying they are not guilty but sometimes they might even be innocent. False cases have even led to suicides!!

We receive many complaints from men but the first request always is- Maam please don’t reveal our identity otherwise everyone will laugh at us.

Lets allow men to express themselves as well.

Changing Perspectives and Positive Directions

When abuse involves physical violence, battered men do not report the abuse out of fear that they would be “laughed at, humiliated, or reversely accused of being the abuser due to a belief that men are physically capable of fighting back when being challenged.”

There’s a need for law enforcement and victim assistance groups to meet the unique issues faced by male victims, and continue to refine the availability of specialized services tailored to provide assistance to this underreported victim group. This in turn will increase public awareness of the problem, and hopefully minimize the adverse effects of stigmatisation or fear, promoting public safety for everyone.

We are also gender friendly. Please don’t hesitate in reaching out to us.

Remember that gender neutrality is the future. Equal opportunities, equal laws, equal processes.

Watch the video & so share your views with us. Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.akanchasrivastava.org

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’

‘Akancha Against Harassment’ is India’s largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. Its a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of advisors

Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), Special IG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Goals of this initiative

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.

Support of the Indian Police for the initiative

Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 65+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.

This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.

Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety

We run India’s only private national multilingual AI chat helpline for cyber safety. This helpline is currently available in Hindi & English on our website. It can be accessed from any internet enabled device. You can chat here anonymously, fearlessly.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

The post Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Stereotypes and prejudices against any gender- men, women or LGBTQ are harmful and take us farther from Gender Neutrality. We all have heard of stereotypes like “Men do not wear pink. Men are stronger than women. Women are soft. Women can not be fighters. Gay men are effeminate and will hit on every man in sight.”

Stereotypes are widely known beliefs or prejudices about a certain social group of people. We all have heard of stereotypes associated with not just specific genders but also race, age and sexual orientation. It is high time that we realise that one box can not fit all.

Why are stereotypes against any gender harmful?

Gender stereotypes limit a person’s capability & ability. It can also have an impact on their talent, ambitions, and their lives. When you tell a man that his dream of being a makeup artist or of being a chef is girly, you might end up breaking their confidence. Additionally, we might also burden men to be more strong which might stop them from expressing themselves completely. We need to create a safe space, both online and offline, wherein we do not suppress anybody’s personality and ambitions.

By constantly suppressing their personality, we might create severe emotional trauma for them. Feelings of denial, anger, fear, shame, anxiety, and the inability to fit anywhere can lead to mental health issues like acute depression and anxiety.

The Role of Indian Media in imparting these Gender Stereotypes

Representation of men and women in mainstream movies, advertisements and TV serials has led to this normalised behaviour. Most women in these ads and shows are in a traditional role and are doing household duties – of a mother, wife or supporter. Even when a movie tries to break this gender stereotype, it tends to do so in a way that is unnatural and unfeminine, for example, the movie: Mardani. Mardani means ‘like a man’ and shows a courageous woman. Likewise, some ads also stereotype men. For example, life insurance ads where only a man is responsible for taking care of the finances, and he will always be, even after he has passed on.

These stereotypes and biases have been so ingrained that they reflect not just in social situations but also political, economic and educational aspects.

Does social media help people get away easily?

Be it your favourite fashion influencer on Instagram or a man trying on makeup on the internet – often we have seen trolls and stereotypical name-calling on social media. Under the garb of anonymity, some people feel like it is okay to write a hurtful comment. However, before writing any negative comments online, one must remember that:

1. Your negative comments and stereotypes can be traumatic for someone.
2. Privacy and anonymity on the internet is a myth. Tracing an online account is easy for the authorities

How to stop Gender Stereotyping?

1. Learn – There needs to be more awareness on topics like sexism, gender role flexibility, etc.
2. Speak Up – We need to react and speak up against bullying or gender stereotyping of any kind. All of this starts at home, school, offices and online. By not speaking up, we normalise this discrimination.
3. Be mindful of reacting to other people’s choices. Make sure you do not hamper anyone’s free will.
4. Remember that chores, clothes or colours have no gender.

‘Akancha Against Harassment’ supports safe cyberspace for people of all genders. Everyone, irrespective of their sex, gender, race, or sexual orientation should be allowed a safe space to talk – both online and offline. If you are facing harassment online, feel free to chat with us at our gender-friendly AI-based helpline at www.akanchasrivastava.org

The post Stop Gender Stereotypes #GenderNeutrality #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

On the occasion of International Women’s month, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CEO and founder of Paytm, shares his view on gender neutrality.

Vijay says, “Gender neutrality, equal opportunity for all is adopted across our organisation. I support this cause unequivocally”.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma is on the advisory board for Akancha Srivastava Foundation. We are glad to have support of entrepreneurs like Vijay for the cause of cyber safety in the country. Having built one of the most robust tech companies of India, Vijay appreciates the importance of using technology mindfully.

Additionally, entrepreneurs need to come together and back social impact causes. It is not just a need but responsibility towards the nation. Vijay Shekhar Sharma has shown us that commitment not just in words but also in action. We look forward to participation of many more such leading entrepreneurs in building for the larger good.

The post Vijay Shekhar Sharma On Gender Neutrality #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.