THE 5Ds APPROACH
M74 AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE
We defend the right of every woman and every person to live a life free from violence: the 5Ds Approach campaign.
As a company, M74 has always promoted a culture of gender equality, which is at the core of our commitment to ethics, fairness, and transparency. For this reason, in collaboration with the “Right to Be” association and under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of the Interior, we are committed to driving change at all organizational levels and within our community through the 5Ds approach: distract, delegate, document, donate, declare.
Harassment in public spaces is a real and serious problem that must be addressed.
More than 70% of women worldwide report having experienced sexual harassment in public places — an alarming statistic that underscores the widespread nature of this abuse. This is why it is crucial to raise public awareness on the issue and disseminate tools and knowledge so that everyone can act as an active network to combat it.
This is the 5Ds Approach. A safe and concrete method to counter harassment.
DISTRACT
TO DISTURB AND HINDER THE ACTIONS OF SOMEONE WHO IS HARASSING.
You might ask for a tissue, the time, or inquire about the location of the Supervisor.
You can interfere by “accidentally” dropping something or pretending to knock something over.
Standing next to the person being harassed without saying anything can be an equally valid alternative.
DELEGATE
TO INVOLVE THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.
Look around and find someone near the area where the harassment is taking place, and inform them about what is happening.
You can also approach someone in a position of authority depending on your location: a security officer, a supervisor, or a colleague.
Asking someone else for help is equivalent to helping directly.
DOCUMENT
TO DOCUMENT WHAT IS HAPPENING.
Observe and bear witness; note down details or specific characteristics of the person who is harassing.
It may seem quite obvious, but before turning on your camera, remember that you are doing it to help the person being harassed, not merely to record something terrible that is happening.
It is crucial to always ask the person being harassed what they wish to do with the video or images. Never post them online or use them without their permission.
DONATE
TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE HARASSMENT.
Speak with the person who has been harassed.
Acknowledge that what happened is unacceptable and is absolutely not their fault.
Offer them the support they need, support you would hope to receive if you were in their place. Empathy can make a significant difference.
DECLARE
TO STOP THE HARASSMENT.
Speak to the harasser, telling them that what they are doing is not acceptable. In any case, avoid engaging in any argument.
Ask them to leave the victim alone, or speak with the person being harassed about what is happening. Use this action as a last resort to prevent violence.
Your safety and that of the victim are paramount.
