In a world where photos, movies and websites are easily accessible and women dressed provocatively is the norm, a silent problem exists.

That problem is that today's generation feels inappropriate jokes, innuendos and behavior that make fun of sexual misconduct is OK.During the Carbon County Child and Family Collaborative meeting on Wednesday, Patrick Rushton, outreach/education manager for Victims Resource Center in Luzerne, Carbon and Wyoming counties, spoke to area agencies about the importance of bystanders stepping up and speaking out if they see sexual abuse happening.Rushton explained that sexual abuse doesn't always mean rape or molestation; it can also be inappropriate jokes that friends share that demean or objectify women; or learned attitudes or beliefs.He said that it is important to speak up if you hear demeaning things because speaking up will show others that this form of behavior isn't appropriate, and hopefully teach others to help prevent more extreme sexual abuse, such as rape, from happening.He also noted that there are a few strategies developed by the organization Men Can Stop Rape of Washington, D.C., that could help.They include telling the person how their action or statement makes you feel without criticizing that person; an unapproving stare; group intervention; bringing it home for the person by asking if that action or statement was OK if it was about a family member; or distracting the person by asking them something to get the victim out of that situation.Tammy Sue Neff, counselor advocate at the Victims Resource Center, explained that these strategies could also be used to help prevent bullying in schools.Peers shouldn't be afraid to speak up or tell someone who can help a person if something is wrong.