Defining Manhood for Ourselves

Abstract

Chapter 2 provides practical tips for starting conversations with boys about how they can help fight sexual violence. As a backdrop to this lesson, the author provides his own backstory and identifies protective factors that led him to reconsider his stance toward sexual violence. Readers are invited to consider which of these factors can be replicated for the boys they know, such as providing them with a community, a space to practice, and a personal invitation to help. Some common defenses held by boys are also identified so that readers can consider how to overcome them as they craft their own personalized methods of reaching out to boys.