Sexual Assault Awareness Month: A Time to Take Action

by Sandra Henriquez, CEO, CALCASA

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) is excited to partner with public officials, college campuses, law enforcement, victim advocates and communities across California to raise awareness.

Over the past year, we have witnessed sexual assault receive national attention through the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Survivors who once suffered in silence for decades have found the courage to publically speak out and have been greeted by a society no longer tolerant of rape and abuse. As we enter Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we have the opportunity to continue to create positive change.

In February, CALCASA released a new report The Costs and Consequences of Sexual Violence in California. The report was commissioned by CALCASA in an effort to create greater comprehension of the physical, emotional, social, and economic impact of rape and sexual assault upon California taxpayers. For some, the idea of discussing the economic impact of sexual harassment and violence appears unseemly. While sexual harassment and assault are very personal, in order to understand their impact, we need to look at them in the aggregate and in their environments. Families, friends, partners, neighbors and co-workers know firsthand the time and resources necessary to recover from sexual violence. But never before has there been a comprehensive, quantitative analysis of how much this utterly preventable crime costs the state. By collectivizing rapes and other acts of sexual violence, we can see their broader impact.

At a minimum, the report reveals how ALL Californians have an investment in eliminating sexual violence. This year CALCASA’s focus for Sexual Assault Awareness Month brings out key components of our report in order to create greater comprehension of the physical, emotional, social, and economic impact of rape and sexual assault. We believe, and the research demonstrates, that building thriving communities and supporting healthy relationships can prevail over sexual violence and we can do this by investing in prevention.

Moving forward, we need to focus on prevention in response to the impacts of sexual violence in our communities. For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, CALCASA developed resources to share the consequences of rape and sexual assault, enhance the visibility of our efforts to end sexual violence, and the need to move forward with prevention. Focusing on prevention can help strengthen and grow the support for survivors and our communities.

CALCASA is honored to support the 84 rape crisis centers and rape prevention programs that serve all of California, provide survivors with a place to turn in their time of need, and take action to prevent sexual violence. The time for survivors is now, to support and elevate their voices, and the time for prevention is now.

What will you do for Sexual Assault Awareness Month? Join CALCASA’s effort with the Partnership for $50 Million to end sexual and domestic violence.

If you are a victim/survivor of sexual violence, help and resources are available. Victims can call the free and confidential National Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-656-4673 or find their local agency at www.calcasa.org/agencies/.

The Q-Spot: A Safe Place for All

By Alysia Angel, Youth Program Coordinator, Sacramento LGBT Community Center

The Sacramento LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) Community Center creates events, programs, and services that help lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people feel welcome, needed, and safe. One such program is called the Q-Spot.

The Q-Spot provides a safe place for LGBT kids to have access to meals and games, serving as a place to make friends while learning new skills. Located at 1927 L Street in Sacramento, the Q-Spot is small but affirming and inviting for youth that don't often receive affirmation for their sexual orientation or gender presentation. The staff and volunteers are trained to meet youth where they are, using harm reduction and empathy to understand what the youth need in that unique moment.

Between 200-250 youth visit the Q-Spot weekly for various services such as showers, food, much needed rest, laundry, and mental health respite. The Q-Spot is dedicated to maintaining community relationships, relying heavily on other organizations such as Wind Youth Services and The Gender Health Center to help serve Sacramento’s youth in the most loving and compassionate way possible.

Unfortunately, sexual assault and domestic violence happen in the LGBT community, too. When someone visits the Q-Spot because of sexual assault or domestic violence, the staff takes time to listen with compassion. They make sure the victim knows that they are valued and heard. Staff can also help victims find more resources in the community to aid them in their road to recovery.

Culture of Respect

By Allison Tombros Korman, Executive Director, Culture of Respect

An estimated one in five undergraduate women and one in sixteen undergraduate men experience attempted or completed sexual assault while attending college. Campus sexual assault is a decades-old problem affecting millions of young American women and men — a problem which is finally receiving the national attention it merits.

Many of the pieces necessary to change the culture on college and university campuses are in place. Pressure from survivors, student activists, the White House, the Justice and Education Departments, state governments, the press, documentary film makers, parents and the public have focused attention and demands on colleges and universities to acknowledge and deal with the problem of campus sexual assault. Colleges and universities should embrace this moment of awareness and combat campus sexual assault holistically and head-on.

NO MORE Week

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

It is a sad reality, but sexual assault and domestic violence occur every day to the people around us — our neighbors, our colleagues, and our friends. It seems that more and more of the headlines we see in the news are centered around these crimes. It has plagued the NFL, haunted celebrities, and ignited national attention and debate.

Today marks the beginning of #NOMOREWeek. A time when we all stand together and call for the end of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is a national effort to engage every community, individual, and organization to say NO MORE and to educate the public on how they can get involved and be part of the solution.

Join in Denim Day in LA & USA

By Patti Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence

On Wednesday, April 24th, individuals, businesses, organizations and schools across the country and around the world will participate in the 14th Annual Denim Day in LA & USA. The Denim Day campaign started locally in Los Angeles in 1999 in response to an Italian Supreme Court ruling that suggested a woman could not be raped if she was wearing tight jeans.

In 1992, in a small town outside of Naples, Italy, a young woman accused her forty-five year old driving instructor of brutally raping her during a driving lesson. She told police that he drove her to an isolated area, forced her out of the car, wrestled her out of one leg of her jeans and raped her. He was convicted on lesser charges and then convicted on all charges by an appeals court in 1998. He was sentenced to 34 months in prison before the case made its way to the Italian high court. There, the sentence was overturned based on the justices’ belief that, because the victim wore tight jeans, they could not be removed easily, and therefore, she must have helped her rapist remove them. This implied consensual sex, not rape. Naturally, the decision outraged lawmakers and organizations throughout Italy, and all over the world. Women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work and immediately, the California Senate and Assembly followed suit by wearing jeans on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento.

I was then and am now the Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit dedicated to ending sexual and domestic violence. I saw the power behind the protests and created the first Denim Day in Los Angeles in 1999. The campaign engaged individuals, politicians, organizations and businesses by encouraging everyone to wear jeans as a visible sign of protest against the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence. “Dollars for Denim” drives raised money for local rape crisis centers, and with each new year, the campaign spread even further. Today, what started out as a citywide protest has become a national day of education that is now spreading globally.

In 2012, over 5 million people participated in Denim Day in LA & USA. The impact of social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook has not only expanded awareness about the campaign, but has also allowed participants as far away as Afghanistan and South Korea to show their support for sexual assault victims. Yet, as large as the campaign grows, it is supremely evident that misconceptions about rape and sexual assault still exist. In a year that has been dominated with headlines touting outdated, misguided and often absurd claims regarding sexual assault, it is imperative that this year’s campaign be our largest Denim Day to date. To get involved, visit the Denim Day in LA & USA website to register and find ways that you can participate in your area.

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Patricia Giggans has been the Executive Director of Peace Over Violence since 1985. As Peace Over Violence’s Executive Director, she is responsible for overall management, fundraising. policy and volunteer activities for this non-profit organization. She has been active in violence against women and violence prevention issues for more than 35 years and is considered a national expert on sexual, domestic violence, teen dating violence and prevention.

Secretary of State — Safe at Home Program

By Debra Bowen, California Secretary of State

Crimes of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault affect millions of Americans each year. As California’s Secretary of State, I am proud to administer the Safe at Home address confidentiality program that offers anonymity to victims of these crimes.

Safe at Home participants use a free P.O. Box in Sacramento—instead of their home address—to help them maintain their privacy when receiving first-class mail, opening a bank account, filling out government documents, registering to vote, getting a California driver’s license, and much more. Since 1999, Safe at Home has helped to protect more than 6,000 survivors of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault, as well as reproductive health care workers.

Safe at Home Program
P.O. Box 846
Sacramento, CA 95812

Telephone:
(877) 322-5227

TTY/TDD:
(916) 651-1304

safeathome@sos.ca.gov

To enroll in the Safe at Home program, applicants need to contact one of many enrolling agencies that can be found on the Safe at Home website. The enrolling agencies are trained to help people apply for the program and answer any questions they may have.

Once enrolled into Safe at Home, participants receive an identification card and a letter confirming their enrollment that helps to explain the Safe at Home program to California business entities. California state and county government agencies must accept the Safe at Home post office box as the participant’s mailing address.

Participating in the Safe at Home program gives victims an additional tool in their overall safety plan.

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California Secretary of State Debra Bowen administers Safe at Home, the national model for confidential address programs, and authored some of the Safe at Home laws while previously serving as a state legislator. She served six years in the State Assembly and eight years in the State Senate, before being elected Secretary of State in 2006. She was reelected to her second term as Secretary of State in 2010. Secretary Bowen is a leader in open government reform, election integrity, and personal privacy rights.

The Reality of Teen Dating Violence

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

43% of College Women Experience
Violence and Abusive Dating Behaviors.

Source: 2011 College Dating Violence
and Abuse Poll  Love is Respect.org

According to a national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 10 teenagers admitted to being physically hurt by a dating partner. This is a disturbing statistic that must be addressed. As we observe the third annual National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are dedicated to raising awareness of this critical issue and promoting programs that help prevent it.

Teen victims are at a higher risk for substance abuse, getting poor results in school, eating disorders and even attempts of suicide. Additionally, teens who are abused by their partners are more likely to be victimized in future relationships. Types of abuse include electronic, emotional, physical and sexual.

Awareness is a main factor in prevention. If you are a friend or family member of a teen, encourage him or her to be open about relationships and dating. Make sure he or she knows the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Teens cannot be allowed to think that violence is normal.

Learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Teens cannot be allowed to think that violence is normal.

In addition, pay attention to signs of abuse. Teen victims of abuse may act depressed or fearful, become isolated from friends and family or develop unexplained injuries. Perpetrators may exhibit traits that lead them to be violent, such as moodiness, anger management issues, lack of parental supervision and use of alcohol or drugs.

If you know a teen that is being victimized by dating violence, encourage him or her to get help. LoveisRespect.org offers a 24-hour support line for questions and help regarding teen dating violence.

There are many opportunities for you take action in preventing teen dating violence this month. Learn more at TeenDVmonth.org.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

November is Native American History Month

Governor Jerry brown stands with three leaders
in the Native American Community at the 45th Annual
California Native American Day. CalVCP was honored
to participate in this outreach event at the
State Capitol last month. 

This November marks the observance of National Native American History Month. This observance is an important reminder to those of us who serve victims of crime to continue to reach out to all underserved and vulnerable populations.

Recent research shows that Native American communities face a national public safety crisis and are particularly vulnerable to family violence. Data gathered by the U.S. Department of Justice indicates that Native American Women are 2.5 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than other women in the United States and the majority of these assaults go unreported. This data also shows that in at least 86% of the reported cases of rape or sexual assault against American Indian women, survivors report that the perpetrators are non-Native men. As staggering as these statistics are, we’re told that most cases of violence in Native American communities continue to go unreported.

In at least 86% of the reported cases of rape or sexual assault against American Indian women, survivors report that the perpetrators are non-Native men.

Because California is home to more Native Americans than any other state, it’s imperative that these victims have access to available assistance. We are committed to connecting with these communities and making CalVCP financial assistance available to victims in need. During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, CalVCP helped Native American victims by paying nearly a quarter-million dollars of crime-related bills – and although this is a good start, we know there is much more work to be done. We continue to attend outreach events, share materials and meet with community organizations in an effort to reach Native American victims, survivors and their family and friends.

There are many resources and services available to those in need:

• Help for Native Americans: CalVCP Information Sheet
• Sacramento Native American Health Center
• Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Indians And Crime: A BJS Statistical Profile, 1992-2002 
• Indian Country Accomplishments of the Justice Department, 2009-Present
• Native American Communities Justice Project (NACJP)
• National Criminal Justice Reference Service, Justice in Indian Country

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The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) provides compensation for victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides eligible victims with reimbursement for many crime-related expenses. CalVCP funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds.

It’s Time to Talk about It | Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) sheds light on a solemn problem that affects people of every age and background. According to a national study, one in three girls and one in seven boys will be sexually abused before their 17th birthday. The U.S. Department of Justice reports nearly one assault every two and a half minutes in the United States.

The 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
campaign centers on promoting healthy sexuality to
prevent sexual violence.

Sexual assault takes many forms and includes attacks such as rape or attempted rape, and any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Grievously, the majority of assailants are either an intimate partner, family member, acquaintance or friend of the victim, not a stranger.

The effects of sexual violence are devastating and can lead to a lifetime of complex health, mental health and behavioral struggles. Studies show that sexual assault victims may experience physical effects such as pain, injuries, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Emotional and psychological effects may include denial, anger, depression, numbness, nightmares, loss of self-esteem, shame, substance abuse and psychological disorders. Physiological effects may include hyper vigilance, insomnia, panic attacks, eating disorders, self-mutilation, and sexual dysfunction or hyper arousal.

The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) helps thousands of victims every year address the physical, emotional and psychological effects related to sexual assault. Last fiscal year alone, CalVCP processed over 4,000 sexual assault claims and provided over $4 million in assistance to sexually violated victims. The Program provided sexual assault victims with crime-related financial assistance for hospital and ambulance expenses, relocation expenses, medical testing and treatment, x-ray exams, mental health counseling and dental treatment.

Join CalVCP, along with other victim advocates and agencies, in spreading awareness about sexual assault. Many counties throughout the state are hosting SAAM events; check out CALCASA’s SAAM events calendar frequently for updates. While nothing can erase a tragic experience, we can each do our part to stand with victims, raise awareness and share prevention strategies. As the National campaign suggests, it’s time to talk about it. Let us commit to educating our communities on how to prevent sexual violence.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 9-1-1 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). View this directory of Crisis Centers in CA to obtain information on a center near you.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.