Photo: (Getty)
Guys, it's time to man up.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and thanks to a new PSA campaign from NO MORE, we here at Act wanted to talk about ways you can avoid being a bystander to domestic violence and sexual assault. You might think you're rarely around situations that could get out of control, but you'd be surprised how often you see someone crossing a line.
+ Watch Celebs Say "NO MORE" to Sexual Assault + Domestic Violence.
So what do you do when it's your bro getting out of control?
It's hard enough to call out a complete stranger on his actions, but it's even tougher to do so when he's your friend.
If you want to make sure you're taking action instead of standing by, we've got you covered on ways you can make sure you bros are always acting right. Here are five ways you can be a better bro:
+ Stop the Street Harassment
Do you holler at girls on the street or in public? We hope not, but it's obvious that some guys do. If you see a bro making lewd gestures or catcalling someone, make a point to step in and shut it down. Not sure what is considered street harassment? Check out organizations like Hollaback! and Stop Street Harassment for more info.
+ Party Smarter
You don't want to be that guy who has to get a girl drunk or give her Molly to have a good time, so make sure your bros are on your level. If she's not interested in you sober, it's really not worth going for it when she's under the influence.
+ Get Homeward Bound, Safe and Sound
Parties are fun, but all good things come to an end. Before you leave for the night, make sure your friends -- both guys AND girls -- are going to make it home safely. Nothing says being a better bro like looking out for the people you care about, so don't let anyone drive under the influence or go home with someone who looks like bad news.
+ Keep Your Hands to Yourself
If you're dancing with a girl, don't grind on or grope her. If she wants you to put your hands on her, she'll tell you. And if you're not sure, you need to ask. Start embracing the idea that consent is sexy and wait for the yes before you act.
+ Call Out Your Bros
If you have a friend who is stepping over the line, call him out constructively. You probably don't want to humiliate him in front of other people, so take him aside and let him know what he's doing isn't cool, especially if you think he's making other people uncomfortable. If he knows you're going to call him out on his behavior, he'll be way less likely to do it when you're around.
For more ways you can take action during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, check out the action widgets below.
