The average messaging of most anti-violence organizations include some variation on the following: “If you are in immediate danger, call 911.” Embedded in directing a victim of violence to call 911 is a key assumption—that law enforcement will make that person safer. But the headlines regularly feature stories of law enforcement officers accused of abuse: of thei
HARRISBURG, PA – The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) announced today 24 recipients of its 2023 Visionary Voice Awards. These honorees represent a wide range of disciplines from across the country and were selected for their outstanding work toward preventing sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse.
NSVRC offers the Visionary Voice Awards, in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month each April, to recognize the creativity and hard work of individuals around the country who have demonstrated outstanding work to end sexual violence. Each year, state, territory, and tribal coalitions select an outstanding individual to nominate for the awards. Nominees may be partners from a local community or other outstanding individuals that have worked to end sexual violence.
Social change happens when we shift attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to positively address social issues. Becoming an agent of change is about taking small, sustainable steps to positively influence the world around you.
Equality means giving everyone the same resources and opportunities. Equity takes social injustice into account. This helps us understand that individuals and communities have different needs based on lived experiences of oppression and/or privilege.
A safe place to live is a human right for all. However, societal inequities prevent equal access to affordable, safe, and stable housing.
Like all forms of oppression, racism is among the root causes of sexual violence. We can help build safe communities for all people by fighting against racism, educating ourselves, and having conversations about these issues with our children and young people in our lives. As a parent or guardian, you can use these tools and resources to build trust and have open communication with your child about sexual violence and racism.
While this card is intended for all audiences, white readers should pay close attention to how workplace power structures and systems may benefit them at the expense of others. It is important that everyone is encouraged to take the time to examine their own potential biases in the workplace. It is up to all of us to shape a racially equitable workplace that promotes respect and to protects against sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.
Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse are problems that extend across entire communities and cultures. This is why it is important for communities to examine the systems within their communities that permit it, whom they benefit, and what can be done to ensure that every victim of sexual harassment, abuse, and assault has access to the resources they need.