For far too long, society has quietly and dangerously assigned the role of protector, counselor, and emotional caretaker to women and girls—even when
For far too long, society has quietly and dangerously assigned the role of protector, counselor, and emotional caretaker to women and girls—even when the harm in question is coming from men.
Especially:
- The oldest
- The darkest
- The heaviest
- The one labeled as not as pretty as other
- The ‘tomboy’
- Even the least mobile (perhaps because of disability)
But here’s the truth we need to name, loudly and clearly:
It is not the job of women or girls to protect vulnerable boys and men.
That responsibility belongs to men themselves.
It is the responsibility of men to:
Hold one another accountable.
Intervene when they witness harm.
Mentor and guide younger boys.
Break the cycles of silence, violence, and shame.
Do the deep, ongoing work of healing and transformation within themselves.
Because when women and girls are expected to protect the same individuals who might harm them—or who remain silent in the face of that harm—we create an unsafe, unjust dynamic.
We perpetuate a system that burdens survivors and silences truth.
Girls deserve to grow up, not grow hard.
They deserve joy, safety, and protection—not assignments to play savior or therapist.
Boys deserve care. They deserve men in their lives who will guide them with strength and compassion, and correct them when they are veering toward harm.
Men—this is your calling.
Not because it’s heroic, but because it’s human.
And the world desperately needs more humans who choose to protect, not to pretend.
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