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Bystander

I am a young, African American woman who has so much pride, dignity and joy in being black. Unfortunately, that pride and joy did not come easily. It was often blocked by insecurities which stemmed from what society thought black should be. As a child my father would declare, “Say it loud and say it proud. I’m black and I’m proud.” Although it would take several times for me to finally find the courage, I would recite it back to him shouting with confidence. Through the continuous teachings of my father as well as being surrounded by strong black role models, I eventually found overflowing love not only for “the culture” but also for myself.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center announced that Karen Baker will take the helm of the longest-standing anti-sexual assault coalition in the country on March 1. Baker will replace CEO Delilah Rumburg, who recently announced her retirement after serving PCAR/NSVRC for more than two decades.

This is a guest blog post by Sarah Harrison, Anti-Human Trafficking Specialist at the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

When you start searching the internet for information regarding human trafficking, it is likely that within a few clicks you will run across the term “modern day slavery.” This term has been used by everyone from local non-profits to law enforcement task forces to President Obama, and it has largely been accepted and solidified as a holistic descriptor of what human trafficking is. 

The Global Women’s Institute (GWI) at George Washington University recently selected the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) as one of three recipients of the 2017 Communications X-Change Awards, a global competition designed to exchange information on what works to end violence against women and girls.

This song can be uncomfortable for a number of reasons.

by Taylor Teichman, NSVRC Online Resource Specialist

Before you go any further take a deep breath, light a yummy-smelling candle, sip a warm beverage, or just simply sit or stand still for a moment…

Get your gears turning for Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2018 with this list of rock star SAAM events from across the country (and one even outside of it!). We checked in with event coordinators to learn about their planning process asked them their advice for first-time SAAM event planners.

Check out the events below, then go forth and plan your own captivating campaign!
 

Christiana at The Women's Center, Inc. in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

Many are wondering why it took nearly three decades for repeated allegations of sexual harassment and assault by Harvey Weinstein to be taken seriously. This inappropriate behavior was known to employees, journalists and Hollywood corporations, yet a culture of fear and intimidation kept survivors silent.  It is clear we must change the way we think about sexual violence and victims.

By Susan Sullivan, Prevention Campaign Specialist for NSVRC and Fiona Burke, Communications Intern for NSVRC

Data also suggests some progress in public’s understanding of the challenges tied to reporting campus sexual assault