In the United States, sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse affect millions each year. Someone is sexually assaulted in the United States every two minutes. On average, more than three women are killed each day by their partners in domestic violence-related homicides. A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds—that’s over 3 million reports every year.

While women and children represent the majority of victims, men are affected as well. Men and boys are sexually and physically assaulted. They are witnesses and bystanders to violence. And sometimes, they’re the perpetrators.

Often unrecognized are the effects of violence on men and the part men can have in ending violence. It is estimated that 1 in 6 men have had an unwanted or abusive sexual experience in childhood. And while most men are not perpetrators, most perpetrators of violence are men.

Sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse are issues that touch everyone. The responsibility of ending violence against all people—men, women and children—lies with each of us, regardless of gender. Together, we can make a difference to reduce and, one day, end violence and abuse. Through everyday actions of treating each other with dignity and respect and by intervening against sexism, homophobia and the social conditioning of masculinity that contribute to violence, we can make real change to reduce and one day end violence.

By signing your name to this petition, you are committing yourself as a member of the movement to end violence.