NSVRC Blogs

Originally posted at Medium.com on May 4, 2018. This April brought us the most powerful Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the 17-year history of the campaign. As the primary coordinator of all things SAAM for NSVRC, I was blown away at how many folks lifted up the message — embrace your voice — in communities around the country. In order to capture the scope of the campaign, we at NSVRC wanted to shine one final spotlight on the events, social media activism, and high-profile media engagement that made this year’s SAAM so successful. Of course, it would be impossible to capture

This year, NSVRC is celebrating its 17th year coordinating the national campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Yet this annual commemoration of SAAM during April to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it goes back decades. Not only does the history of SAAM date back long before NSVRC was founded, but activists and survivors advocating for change at the grassroots and community level have roots reaching as far back as the Civil Rights Era. Roots of a Movement Activism and mobilization to address sexual assault and violence against women

Laura Palumbo National Sexual Violence Resource Center 877-739-3895, ext. 128lpalumbo@nsvrc.org April 26, 2018 Following the announcement of a guilty verdict in the criminal trial of comedian Bill Cosby, National Sexual Violence Resource Center Chief Public Affairs Officer Kristen Houser issued the following statement: “The Cosby verdict is a long-awaited and symbolic victory for many survivors of sexual violence.  It brings hope that justice can be served when victims are finally ready to enter the court system, that it is possible for the truth to be heard, even if it is years after the

Originally posted at Medium.com on April 26, 2018 By Molly Boeder Harris, The Breathe Network “The doors to the world of the wild self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door.” — Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés Self-care is a concept that has become commonplace, if not cliché, and yet, it can elude so many of us. Caring for the self might seem basic, yet there can be several barriers to embarking upon this sometimes daunting endeavor. Many of us find ourselves challenged to establish regular patterns of care. However, life often interrupts routines, and our

Fear must not keep us from having bold conversations Fear limits our ability as sexual and domestic violence prevention advocates to address the roots of violence. It’s the fear of talking about racial inequity – saying the wrong thing or being called racist – and also fear of retaliation for wanting to talk about it. In turn, we can recreate these same inequities within organizations. This conversation is for everyone – we all need to work from the places we have privilege. Helping us along the way is a new report from The Center for Survivor Agency & Justice’s (CSAJ). Showing Up: How We

Not only is April the time that we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but it is also the month where we can expect torrents of rain. As I stare out the window wishing for the buckets of rain pouring down from the sky to cease immediately, I find comfort in reading about individuals who embraced their own voices to bravely stand up for themselves and others. The beauty that comes through in their words makes the dreariness outside a little more bearable. If you are looking for remarkable stories to inspire your 2018 SAAM campaign, I highly recommend the following.  Men Speak Out:

By Carol May, Communications Intern for NSVRC  A lot.  One person can make a tremendous difference, and countless people are making a difference, all over the country, every day.  I might have answered that question more cynically a few weeks ago. As an intern at the NSVRC, I come across countless news articles, facts and figures, and survivor stories, all of which demonstrate how commonplace sexual violence is in our society. The flood of information can make it feel like sexual violence might be impossible to bring to an end, given its prevalence.  One internship project I’ve been working

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center is on-site as the Bill Cosby trial progresses to provide insight and expertise in response to key statements made during the courtroom proceedings. For more information or to discuss any of the comments below in more depth, contact media@nsvrc.org or Joseph Diebold at jdiebold@gpg.com or (202) 481-8724. Key observations:  During cross-examination of the victims who have taken the stand, defense attorneys Tom Mesereau and Kathleen Bliss noted the differences in details between police reports and victims' accounts of their experiences. What you

April 11, 2018                                                                                                                                                             Laura Palumbo, Communications Director National Sexual Violence Resource Center 877-739-3895, ext. 128; lpalumbo@nsvrc.org  PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    National Sexual Violence Resource Center Recognizes Leaders in Sexual Violence Prevention With 2018 Visionary Voice Awards Recipients include #MeToo creator Tarana Burke, Nevada State Senator Patricia Spearman, Connecticut State Senator Mae Flexer Harrisburg

Harrisburg, Pa. – The National Sexual Violence Resource Center announced that Yolanda Edrington will be the new Chief Operating Officer serving as the leading nonprofit’s Director. Edrington will replace former NSVRC Director Karen Baker, who was recently named the Chief Executive Officer of PCAR/NSVRC.   Formerly NSVRC’s Associate Director, Edrington has served as the organization’s Interim Director since Baker took the helm of PCAR/NSVRC as CEO. Prior to joining NSVRC, Edrington had over 15 years of experience in leadership and community engagement from organizations including Hamilton