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NSVRC Blogs

https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/how-local-service-providers-made-sure-survivors-could-access-resources-during-pandemic
Dec 02, 2021
I wrote this blog 18 months after the SARS-CoV2 virus landed with an American passenger in Washington state. In March 2020, the virus was declared a pandemic, and the world went into quarantine. For some people, this was a welcome respite from their daily commute and a chance to spend more time with family. For others, the time spent at work or school was the only period they were free from the silent pandemic that existed long before COVID-19. Sexual violence is a non-legal term used to describe nonconsensual or coerced sexual activity. One in three women and one in four men have experienced
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/five-lessons-rape-survivor-finding-peace-through-pandemic
Dec 02, 2021
The last year and half has shown me just how many skills I’ve developed since experiencing trauma. For many of my friends and family, I’m the person to go to when sh*t hits the fan. “Hey you used to be a mess, maybe you can help?” Needless to say, I’ve gotten a lot of phone calls since April 2020. As a rape survivor, “you used to be a mess” traditionally made me feel isolated and misunderstood. While it’s no joy that the last year and half has been a series of traumatic events, I’ve been finding myself grateful that for the first time, we're all starting to speak a bit more openly about
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/homelessness-and-human-trafficking-covid-19-creates-more-vulnerable-population
Dec 02, 2021
Human trafficking, at its most basic level, is the exploitation of a person’s vulnerability to gain something of value. When we look at marginalized communities, vulnerabilities increase exponentially. COVID-19’s impact – specifically economic impact – has resulted in marginalized communities falling more deeply within the cracks of society. As job opportunities dried up, people were laid off and housing and food security dwindled, it made already existing fissures in society become gaping canyons. This issue of homelessness throughout the pandemic is alarming. To put it in perspective
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/there-still-need-recognition-sexual-violence-covid-19-and-asian-pacific-islander-community
Dec 02, 2021
Xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment are not new; however, they have been on the rise since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to understand the connection between the Asian & Pacific Islander community and sexual violence in relation to COVID-19, we sat down with Baonam ‘Nam’ Giang of the National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV), which is a program under Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity.  NAPIESV was established in 2010 to focus primarily on sexual violence because of growing concerns among advocates about
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/employee-safety-should-be-top-mind-metoo-brewing-industry
Dec 02, 2021
2021 saw an explosion of #MeToo conversations in the brewing and hospitality industry. The Instagram testimonials of one user, Ratmagnet, fueled many survivors to come forward and tell their stories. As such, new media coverage, collectives, movements, and  support groups began to form, such as The Women’s Craft Beer Collective, the Pink Boots Society,  #NotMe Solutions, and Brave Noise. Creative events dedicated to awareness and prevention of sexual harassment have also begun to flourish. For example, activist Paulina Olivares was featured at a Sacramento Comedy spot in September
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/whispers-social-media-online-sexual-harassment-spaces-people-dwarfism
Dec 02, 2021
Lockdown, as a result of the global pandemic, has not changed much for me, except to make me reflect on my own behaviours. Non-disabled people protesting about lockdown restrictions, do not know how privileged they are. After lockdown they can go back to normal, but this is my normal. For a long time I have restricted when and where I go in order to reduce the amount of unwanted attention I receive. As a person with dwarfism, every outing will include the risk of being stared at, pointed at, laughed at, called names, or even photographed. The one place people with dwarfism can supposedly feel
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/2021-review-guest-blog-series-resilience-amidst-covid-19
Dec 02, 2021
The past two years have been a period of rapid change. Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, NSVRC has been paying keen attention to the ways in which the pandemic has impacted not only survivors, but also service providers, advocates, activists, and communities at large. In remaining loyal to the importance of showcasing community members’ voices and not speaking on their behalf, the following guest blog series explores the different narratives within the social justice community and community working to end sexual violence. As we look back at 2021 in review, we are amazed at the
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/resources-and-support-transgender-survivors
Nov 19, 2021
This list aims to provide a comprehensive array of contacts, support resources, and recommended materials which members of the transgender community and their allies may find helpful.  Crisis Lifelines The Trevor Project's 24/7/365 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386);  TrevorChat, their online instant messaging option; or TrevorText, a text-based support option. If you are looking for peer support, you can visit TrevorSpace from anywhere in the world. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 Do you live outside
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/digital-consent-boundaries-and-everyday-consent-online
Nov 17, 2021
Creating a pathway for respectful online spaces with consent From apps to online dating websites, there are many ways people are connecting online. Although you aren’t talking face-to-face with someone, consent still needs to be communicated along the way. You should always consider how your actions might make another person feel and ask questions if you don’t know. Unlike in-person interactions, there may not be body language cues, like eye contact, that can indicate how someone is really feeling. So when we communicate online, it’s important to develop new ways to recognize others’
https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/native-american-heritage-month-celebrated-through-book-and-film
Nov 11, 2021
Native Americans have called this land home long before the colonization and founding of this country. November is recognized for many things, the obvious being Thanksgiving. However, it is rightfully recognized as Native American Heritage Month. I am honored to share some incredibly important books and videos housed within the Respect Together Library with you all, and encourage everyone to check them out.   Books: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom was inspired by the many Indigenous movements across North America. This Caldecott Medal winning book issues an urgent