CARE statement on April 24 TikTok trend

Content advisory: this post discusses sexual assault, rape culture, and violence on social media.

In light of a disturbing trend promoting sexual assault on TikTok, CARE affirms survivors’ rights to safety and empowerment.

To end sexual violence, we have to dismantle rape culture. This means interrupting attitudes about men’s sexual entitlement, victim-blaming messages, and rape “jokes” that are integral to the ways society normalizes violence.

CARE is concerned that both messages which were promoting violence on April 24th, and those that declared women should stay indoors to protect themselves, contribute to an overall message that supports rape culture. While well-intentioned, counter-messages that encouraged women to stay indoors shifts the focus from condemning perpetration and glorification of sexual violence and reinforces victim-blaming narratives. CARE states unequivocally that only perpetrators bear responsibility for sexual assault. Experiencing violence is never the fault of the survivor. Additionally, CARE recognizes that not only men are perpetrators and not only women are victims of these types of violence.

Everyone deserves safety and dignity. CARE’s mission is to cultivate an inclusive environment where all survivors are supported and where everyone can engage free from violence. We all have a responsibility to create that supportive community, whether in-person or online.

There is nothing funny about sexual violence. We call on everyone to uphold community values of consent, respect, and sexual autonomy.

Here are some things you can do:

• First and foremost, please take care. Turn off social media and take breaks as you need.
• Be an active bystander. Report and document any content that promotes violence on social media.
• Take a stance on how there is nothing funny or entertaining about rape jokes. Uphold community values about consent, respect, and sexual autonomy.
• To learn more about this, visit our Green Dot Bystander Intervention webpage. If you would like to attend our Green Dot overview workshop on how to be an active bystander on May 14th from 4–5PM register at bit.ly/greendotoverview21
• Have brave conversations to counter misconceptions about sexual violence.
• One way to do this could be to participate in Denim Day on April 28th. To learn more about Denim Day and how to participate, feel free to visit our Denim Day webpage, read this article, or tune into our social media @ucicare.
• Support and believe survivors. Check in with survivors who might be hurting right now.
• If you are unsure where to start, try visiting our webpage on how to support survivors. You are also welcome to set up an appointment with an advocate or reach out to CARE for support or guidance.

If you need additional support:

UCI CARE: (949) 824–7273 or care@uci.edu

UCI Counseling Center: (949) 824–6457

Employee Assistance Program (24/7): (844) 824–3273