https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/press-releases/nsvrc-launches-18th-annual-sexual-assault-awareness-month-i-ask-theme
Mar 28, 2019
Supporters are Encouraged to Wear Teal on the Day of Action on April 2nd
Harrisburg, PA – Inspired by public conversations following the #MeToo movement on how to build understanding and prevent sexual harassment, assault and abuse, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is proud to launch the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April. This year’s SAAM campaign, ‘I Ask,’ pushes the conversation forward by championing the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal and necessary part of everyday interactions.
NSVRC is calling on
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/library/talking-about-herstory
Mar 11, 2019
I have the honor and privilege to be one of the librarians at Respect Together in charge of ordering books. It’s amazing to me that someone would let me in charge of the books, but they do. I find it a thrilling challenge to purchase new, unique, and quality materials for our library. Women’s history is also a fascinating subject for me. I have always enjoyed learning about those who have come before me and those who continue to work tirelessly so that I and others can have a life closer to what we deserve. In March we celebrate Women’s History Month, but it is also so important that
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/seeing-whole-survivor-why-its-necessary-talk-about-identity-survivors-individuals-and-groups
Feb 25, 2019
Inevitably, when an article is shared that shines a light on one group of survivors – such as teen survivors, Native American survivors, or male survivors – some folks feel left out, confused, or even ignored. But why is that? And what value is there in looking at survivors from the perspective of their group identity?
Before we begin to discuss why it is necessary to talk about identity and how this impacts survivors as individuals and in groups, it is necessary to lay groundwork for this important conversation by acknowledging a few key points.
Every survivor’s experience
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/race-and-opioid-epidemic-health-disparities-based-race
Feb 25, 2019
There are many conversations happening around the opioid epidemic in the national dialogue, and one of those conversations is that this particular addiction mainly impacts white Americans. According to 2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 37,000 white Americans overdosed between 1999 and 2017 compared to 5,000 Black and 4,000 Latin@/x Americans. But this assumption is too simple; the issue of race and opioid use is complicated and nuanced.
We know that sexual violence and substance abuse are intertwined in
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/nsvrc-statement-r-kelly-charges
Feb 22, 2019
Harrisburg, PA – It is vital that we hold those who commit sexual harassment, abuse, and assault accountable, regardless of their power, fame, or wealth. After the extensive documentation of abuses inflicted on Black girls and women by R. Kelly, NSVRC is pleased to learn that he is facing criminal charges for some of this conduct.
This case is a reminder that we must listen to and believe the accounts of Black women and girls, who experience sexual violence at higher rates than other groups of women but are often disbelieved and face systemic barriers rooted in oppression.
It is also
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/library/thought-provoking-reads-and-people-inspired-them
Feb 18, 2019
Although the month of February is recognized as Black History Month with various events and celebrations the remarkable people and influences that we think of during this time, are worthy of being recognized and celebrated each and every day. I recently came back from a trip to Atlanta where I had the honor of visiting the Ebenezer Baptist Church where both Martin Luther King Jr. and his father were preachers. There are no words suitable to describe the experience. The Respect Together Libraries also hold a growing collection of individuals who
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/teen-dating-violence-resource-round-advocates
Feb 12, 2019
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This year’s theme is Know Your Worth. Teen dating violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, or digital abuse in a current dating relationship or by a former dating partner. Young people experience violence at alarming rates. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey:
Over 71% of women and over 55% of men first experienced intimate partner violence (sexual or physical violence, and/or stalking) under the age of 25 (Smith et al., 2018).
One in four women first experienced intimate partner violence
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/speaking-out-about-ed-buck
Feb 11, 2019
Gemmel Moore. Timothy Dean. These are the names of two Black, queer men found dead in a white, gay man’s apartment.
I’m an advocate and a white, queer person, and I’ve seen this story get some traction in some places on my social media feeds. But it hasn’t been enough, mainstream media has covered it only minimally, and not enough of us in the movements to end violence are naming sexual violence as a central issue to what is happening here. We need to actively name the sexual violence, racism, classism, and homophobia that have conspired here to harm and kill Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean,
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/preventionista/cultivating-cultures-curiosity-around-evaluation
Feb 06, 2019
Guest blog post by Sally J. Laskey, NSVRC Evaluation Coordinator
My cat and I are pretty curious creatures. Pete, my cat, is definitely an evaluator at heart. She always investigates anything new coming into the house. She asks a lot of questions, like “Why are you moving that chair?” or “What do you hope to gain by vacuuming so regularly?” Pete has reviewed the data and determined the most effective grooming strategy and systematically applies this intervention every day. Traveling around the U.S. last year, I was able to meet a lot of other people (and some cats) that are also working to
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/ending-sexual-violence-communities-color-means-talking-about-anti-blackness
Feb 01, 2019
As I write this, I am wrapping up holiday celebrations. The holidays are a time many of us get together with our families. I love seeing my family, but sometimes I dread it because undoubtedly I will hear somebody spouting off sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or anti-Black sentiments. The most recent family gathering was no exception. No matter how much I tried to explain or how much data I used to back up my argument, I could not get through to some of my Latinx relatives, most of whom are non-Black or white-passing.
I couldn’t stop deliberating about some of the things my family
