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By Kristen Houser, Chief Public Affairs Officer of NSVRC and PCAR

Following the announcement of a mistrial in Bill Cosby’s criminal trial, we’re reminded that while the criminal justice system is an important venue for survivors to seek justice and healing, it cannot be the only one — and it cannot become more effective in a vacuum. We all have a role to play in making our communities safer and more supportive of survivors. Only then will survivors find real justice. 

“All Americans accused of a crime are entitled to a trial by a jury of their peers. That right is essential to our criminal justice system, and the standard of evidence that must be met for a criminal conviction is by necessity quite high. In fact, the high standard of evidence required for criminal convictions is one reason why the criminal justice system cannot be the only avenue for sexual assault survivors to seek justice. It remains important for victims to be given the opportunity to tell their stories and for individuals and organizations to better respond to sexual violence and create safer environments."

Netflix docu-series The Keepers dives into the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik, a beloved young English teacher at an all-girls Catholic high school in the sixties.

High-profile cases in the media are an opportunity to educate the public about the realities of sexual assault. NSVRC provides expert context and research for reporters to cover sexual violence with context and credibility.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) are pleased to honor Patty Wetterling with the 2017 Gail-Burns Smith Award. Wetterling, who is the co-founder of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center and Team H.O.P.E., will receive the award during the 2017 National Sexual Assault Conference held in Dallas, Texas June 7-9.

High-profile cases in the media are an opportunity to educate the public about the realities of sexual assault.

In June 2017, comedian Bill Cosby will stand trial for aggravated indecent assault of a woman in his Montgomery County home more than a decade ago. The attached fact sheet provides important context on sexual violence, including victim behavior and trauma, offender dynamics, and the use of drugs and alcohol to perpetrate sexual violence, to members of the media covering the trial and other interested parties.

By Julie Patrick, National Partners Liaison at Raliance

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) kicks off, new research conducted by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center in partnership with YouGov reveals a strong level of awareness about what acts constitute sexual violence or assault among U.S. adults. Despite higher levels of awareness, men and young adults show lower levels of awareness across all categories of assault, underscoring the need for broader education and awareness around sexual violence.

Earlier this year, the American Journal of Preventative Medicine released research on the cost of rape.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study, “Lif