This week, in remembrance of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and countless others in the Black community who have suffered from violence or racial injustice, Together for Girls commits to listening, learning and using our platforms to uplift the voices of those who have long been engaged in racial justice work. We’ve included below a few resources intended to spark conversations on anti-racism and violence prevention.

Additionally, this week, the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children released a Methods Menu, detailing the best resources to measure the prevalence of violence against children. The menu is intended to guide data collection and analyses of violence against children, and includes the Together for Girls Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS).

To read more, see below for five news stories that caught our attention this week:

1. Anti-racism As Violence Prevention

Futures Without Violence: This resource hub features videos and discussion guides from advocates and organizers who share their experiences practicing anti-racism as a means of ending gender-based and intimate violence. They are intended to be used by domestic and sexual violence advocates and activists to spark conversations on the ways that racism and oppression have shaped our anti-violence movements and how we can dismantle racism in our organizations and communities.

2. 5 Ways to Stand Up Against Racism and Injustice

UNICEF USA, (June 2, 2020): This blog lists five things you and your family can do now to help create a more just society, including “Listen to and amplify Black voices” and “Teach children about kindness, fairness, and human rights.”

3. These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids

New York Times, (June 2, 2020): This article lists books that parents can use to explain racism and protest to their kids, based on their ages. It highlights the fact that the conversation about race needs to start early.

4. Measuring Violence Against Children: A Methods Menu

The Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, (May 27, 2020): This article highlights the Methods Menu released by the End Violence Knowledge Network, which identifies and details the best resources to measure the prevalence of violence against children. It mentions the VACS as yielding “highly reliable, valid and comprehensive data on violence against children and youth.”

5. More Than 2/3 Of Parents In The United States Say Boys Don’t Feel Comfortable Sharing When They Feel Scared Or Lonely, Reveals New Research

PR Newswire, (May 28, 2020): A recent report by Promundo and the Kering Foundation from a national survey of parents of boys ages 4-14 reveals some findings on masculine stereotypes that boys face. Nearly 60% of parents recognize the social pressures boys face to be physically strong, show interest in sports, and “fit in.” The news release offers guidance on how to support boys to break free from masculine stereotypes, which can help contribute to achieving gender equality and preventing violence.