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Press Releases

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.

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

“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."

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.

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.

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.

Raliance, in partnership with The Poynter Institute for Media Studies, announces the launch of the The RALLYs awards to honor the highest level of journalistic achievement in covering sexual violence. Together these national leaders recognize the importance of sexual violence reporting and the critical role journalists play in educating the public on this widespread, but preventable, issue.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)/National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) considers racial justice critical to the movement to address and end sexual violence. We seek to uphold racial equality and oppose racism in all forms.

September 1, 2016
Laura Palumbo, Communications Director
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
877-739-3895, ext. 128; lpalumbo@nsvrc.org

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, Kristen Houser, Chief Public Affairs Officer of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, released a statement on changing public perceptions of sexual assault.