Angelina Jolie talks to her six children about sexual violence as she wants them to know the truth about it. The actress speaks to her kids about sexual violence so they would be aware it is not just a problem for women.
During an interview with Marie Claire published on Tuesday, Jolie reveals she doesn't just speak with her daughters about sexual violence, but she also talks to her son about it. The 43-year-old actress said this is the first most important distinction, pointing out the issue isn't just a problem for women. The solution should start with men and women, girls and boys, working with them together.
Jolie shares six kids with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, Maddox (17), Pax (15), Zahara (13), Shilo (12), and twins Vivienne and Knox (10).
Jolie said sexual violence is also a problem to men, who could also be victims of sexual harassments. Also, the actress noted other men should remind those who are committing sexual violence what it means to be a real man. They should have a healthy relationship with women, and every society needs to know that this kind of behavior should not be tolerated.
The actress pointed out that about 37 countries exempt perpetrators of rape from prosecution, particularly if they are married to the victim or when the victim agreed to marry them afterward, and over 60 countries do not include male survivors within the scope of sexual violence legislation. The actress said these practices and laws should be changed.
"Sexual violence in conflict is still a taboo subject," the actress added.
Male and female survivors and those who were born of rape usually treated and felt as if they were the ones who have done something wrong, Jolie explained. The victims were stigmatized and rejected, and the abusers can go on with their lives, unpunished. The actress wanted that to change, and the first step is to stop considering the subject as taboo.
During the Fighting Stigma Through Film festival in London last November, Jolie shined a light on the urgent international issue of sexual violence. The festival aims to harness the power of film and cinema to help survivors fight against discrimination. The actress' campaign, Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI), was founded in 2012, with former British foreign secretary William Hague.
Jolie will bring her campaign to British radio on December 28; the actress will be joining BBC's popular flagship radio news, Today. She will interview several high-profile guests to discuss potential solutions to sexual violence, as well as tackling the topic of the global refugee crisis.
