Glossary

Ally

An individual or organization that has similar values as yours, who will work alongside you to promote gender equality.

Assault/Violence

The intentional use of force or coercion towards women which may be physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual or economic in nature. It may be committed through actions, threats, or words.

Consent

Consent is a voluntary, sober, imaginative, enthusiastic, creative, wanted, informed, mutual, honest, and verbal agreement. Consent is an active agreement which cannot be coerced. Consent is a process, which must be asked for every step of the way, never implied, and cannot be assumed, even in the context of a relationship. Being in a relationship does not mean that you have permission to be sexual with your partner. A person who is intoxicated cannot legally give consent. If you’re too drunk to make decisions and communicate with your partner, you’re too drunk to consent. 98% of men in Ontario believe that both partners in a relationship are free to say if they don’t want sex (White Ribbon, 2012).

Empathy

Identification with and understanding of another person’s situation, feelings, and motives.

Healthy and Equal Relationships

Relationships based on respect, trust, equal decision-making, safety, equal share of responsibilities, consent, open communication, etc. 97% of men in Ontario agree that they can personally make a difference in promoting healthy, respectful, non-violent relationships (White Ribbon, 2012)

Homophobia

Prejudice demonstrated by personal attitudes, expressions, and behaviours of defamation, avoidance, discrimination, and/or physical violence or threats against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans people and their allies.

Learning Moment

An opportunity to engage a young person in meaningful dialogue, or an inspiring story or lesson about healthy equal relationships.

Objectify

To promote women in ways that are degrading. When certain sexual or physical characteristics are separated from women as whole individuals.

Role Model

An involved, caring, concerned individual, who demonstrates real commitment for equality between men and women, who others look up to. While men in Ontario think it is important that male political and business leaders, faith leaders, celebrities, and athletes speak out against violence against women, they believe it is especially important that fathers educate their sons about healthy, equal relationships (White Ribbon, 2012).

Staying Silent

Not speaking up, not challenging, or choosing to condone acts of violence against women or sexist & homophobic language. Men in Ontario feel it is particularly important that men and boys speak out against violence against women (White Ribbon, 2012).

Sexism/Sexist

Language, actions, messages, beliefs, and attitudes that promote women as inferiors or less deserving of rights.

Sexual Violence

Any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work.

Values

Beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment.[/vc_column_text]

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