Mentors In Violence Prevention (MVP) is an organization that works with middle schools and high schools to focus on ways to prevent gender violence and bullying. Studies show that 37 percent of women and 12 percent of men have been in harassment scenarios. MVP assists with mixed-gender settings, with both genders separating in various sessions to work on different situations.
Young women focus on being supportive to the victim instead of feeling pity for her. Young men focus on standing up to the harasser. MVP proves that stereotypes aren’t always true. The color of one’s skin or the way one dresses should not affect the fact that someone has been harassed.
There are many ways to stand up to the abuser but many choose to ignore the problem and don’t bother helping.
“With more knowledge on the subject, people would be inclined to take it seriously rather than to blow it off as nothing,” junior Christian Narvaez said.
The statement “that’s none of my business” is no excuse to not speak up for someone that is being abused.
“Students should stand up for other students and defend the person that is being harassed,” junior Chris Manriquez said.
Northeastern University motivates athletes to speak up to solve problems known as “women problems” including: rape, domestic abuse, and sexual harassment.
The MVP program encourages men and women to work together in preventing male abuse against women. In approaching a victim, it is important to comfort them, and not blame the victim.
Training is available to people who are proud enough to stand up for this cause. General principles include finding out the problem and solving the situation. Training is based on the experiences of others who have worked cases and teaching youth what to do if they’re in a predicament.
Shawnee Mission School District MVP Program unites adult volunteers with youth ages five to 17. Volunteers help kids focus on career pathways, mentoring, tutoring in math or reading, and simply as a hearing aid for the child. Help is given during school hours. Volunteers are trained free of charge.