Scan barcode
A review by cassandrat
Making Spaces Safer: A Guide to Giving Harassment the Boot Wherever You Work, Play, and Gather by Shawna Potter
5.0
This book is fabulous. I am glad I bought it. It distills Hollaback!'s Safer Spaces Program training. Although written mostly from the experiences of performers, bars, and venues, the recommendations apply to any space and bystander. It explains how to prepare for harassment situations, what to do in the face of harassment, how to empower victims, and how to set expectations and influence behaviors.
Some things I learned:
"People like you and me can make a difference - in fact we're the only ones who will" "Research shows that even a knowing glance can significantly reduce trauma for the person who is targeted" (citation?)
People victim-blame to re-assure themselves. If I dress like this or prepare like that then I am safe and that other person was hurt because they didn't do the things I do.
Statements should be equally for victims and harrassers. If you behave badly, you will be (kicked out). If someone behaves badly towards you, talk to (any employee, me) and I will (help you feel safe and address the issue).
Callouts are most effective if followed by resources for rehabilitation and healing.
Help others reframe their response of "How can I avoid being accused of harassment?" to "How can I avoid harassing someone?" This one was useful to me because I had a colleague say her husband was afraid to talk to female students behind closed doors - and I was at a loss for words.
Allow victims to deal with one trauma at a time. Don't push or impose solutions. Help them reclaim power stolen from them by letting them take the lead on what to do. You can provide options though.
And these suggestions from INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence https://incite-national.org/
- create and affirm VALUES and PRACTICES that resist abuse and oppression and encourage safety support and accountability
- develop sustainable strategies to ADDRESS COMMUNITY MEMBERS' ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR...
- Commit to the ongoing development of all members of the community and the community itself...
- Provide SAFETY and SUPPORT to... members... that RESPECTS THEIR SELF-DETERMINATION
Some things I learned:
"People like you and me can make a difference - in fact we're the only ones who will" "Research shows that even a knowing glance can significantly reduce trauma for the person who is targeted" (citation?)
People victim-blame to re-assure themselves. If I dress like this or prepare like that then I am safe and that other person was hurt because they didn't do the things I do.
Statements should be equally for victims and harrassers. If you behave badly, you will be (kicked out). If someone behaves badly towards you, talk to (any employee, me) and I will (help you feel safe and address the issue).
Callouts are most effective if followed by resources for rehabilitation and healing.
Help others reframe their response of "How can I avoid being accused of harassment?" to "How can I avoid harassing someone?" This one was useful to me because I had a colleague say her husband was afraid to talk to female students behind closed doors - and I was at a loss for words.
Allow victims to deal with one trauma at a time. Don't push or impose solutions. Help them reclaim power stolen from them by letting them take the lead on what to do. You can provide options though.
And these suggestions from INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence https://incite-national.org/
- create and affirm VALUES and PRACTICES that resist abuse and oppression and encourage safety support and accountability
- develop sustainable strategies to ADDRESS COMMUNITY MEMBERS' ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR...
- Commit to the ongoing development of all members of the community and the community itself...
- Provide SAFETY and SUPPORT to... members... that RESPECTS THEIR SELF-DETERMINATION