The Resource Newsletter of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center Spring/Summer 2001 The NSVRC Presents The Resource Welcome to the first issue of the NSVRC’s newsletter, The Resource! It was only in July 2000 that the NSVRC officially opened as a national clearinghouse for the accumulated resources of the antisexual violence movement and as a center for sharing information, accomplishments and ideas. For some time, many people believed in the concept of such a center, but ultimately, the NSVRC came to fruition only through hard work, dedication and funding. As a project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR), the NSVRC recognizes the passion and hard work of its parent organization. Only through an established organization such as PCAR could the NSVRC have become a reality. PCAR has the necessary characteristics of insight, diligence, experience, and a deep commitment to ending sexual violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA provided the vital funding that made the NSVRC possible. This generous grant from the CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention represents more than mere dollars. It reflects an important national commitment to ending sexual violence. So now the NSVRC presents the first issue of The Resource. Some of you may have already seen the inserted section in the PCAR Pinnacle (newsletter of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape) that featured the NSVRC staff. If you would like a copy of that issue of PCAR Pinnacle (Fall/Winter 2000), call 800-692-7445. Although we begin humbly with our first issue, the NSVRC wants The Resource to evolve into a valued resource for centers and coalitions across the nation. In keeping with this idea, we plan to regularly feature two columns that highlight information about the movement. Your participation will enhance the success of both columns. (picture of Delilah Rumburg) July 2000, Delilah Rumburg, Executive Director of PCAR declares the NSVRC officially open. In Coalition Spotlight, several coalitions present something that they are working on, an accomplishment or a point of interest. This provides an opportunity for all of us to know about interesting achievements in sister coalitions. Prior to each issue, the NSVRC will ask a few coalitions to submit a small article. In From the Book Shelf, we will briefly present a few books or pamphlets of interest to readers. We invite you to submit publications suitable for this column. Finally, the NSVRC invites your ideas and comments on The Resource. Collaborating for National SAAM Resolution The anti-sexual violence movement is now waiting in the wings, watching our national legislative process. Currently, a resolution to designate April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is being introduced in the Senate by Senators Boxer (D-CA) and Specter (R-PA). Passage of the resolution may have already occurred by the time you read this. Certainly, activists fervently hope it will receive this formal governmental recognition, but either way, we have a glorious story to tell about our collaboration and maturation as a movement. For decades advocates, local rape crisis centers and state coalitions have struggled, often with very little in the way of financial resources, to end sexual violence and raise public awareness. Over time, April became the month most often set aside for raising public awareness of sexual assault. Some coalitions obtained designation of a special month through state proclamations. Until now, the movement has not sought a national resolution, so this current effort for a Senate resolution marks an important real and symbolic accomplishment. In Fall 2000, as the NSVRC began preparing for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it involved a group of advocates and organizations from across the nation with hopes of capturing and reflecting the needs of the movement. This group engaged in open discussion on a variety of topics such as strategies and color. It gave the NSVRC invaluable advice concerning the development of a Resource Booklet that would reflect the accomplishments and needs of the entire nation. As a result of these suggestions, the NSVRC produced such a booklet. Already disbursed across the nation, copies of this booklet are available by calling the NSVRC at 877-739-3895. This group discussed the increased efficiency that awareness building would have if we spoke with a more unified voice. Very quickly, it became apparent that everyone was thinking the same thing: now was the time to collaborate in an effort to have April designated as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As a result, many in the group submitted copies of their state proclamations to be used in drafting a national resolution. The group reviewed several drafts and made revisions before reaching a rendering that was acceptable to all. The document, in the end, reflected a true collaboration. As we await the workings of Congress, we should be pleased that the anti-sexual violence movement can reason and work together for the greater good. We might also assure ourselves that pass or not, this resolution has been more than symbolically important; our collaborative effort represents an awareness building activity. Our joint efforts say to the government and the nation that we are unified in our dedication to eliminate sexual violence from society. Inside The Resource 2 American Indians’ Inspiring Approach 3 Advisory Council 4 Coalition Spotlight 6 NSVRC Library 7 From the Book Shelf American Indians’ Focus on Tradition Inspires A Positive Approach Sometimes when researching an article, a secondary story emerges, a kind of subtext that enriches our overall understanding of the subject. And although that secondary story may not be incorporated into the work at hand, it may still be well worth the telling. Such is the case with the NSVRC’s recent publication on Sexual Assault In Indian Country, Confronting Sexual Violence. This pamphlet discusses the disturbingly high rate of sexual assault in Indian Country and the lack of adequate documentation. It highlights the problem by presenting certain types of sexual assault evidence within the context of the many conditions affecting the lives of Native Americans. The historical treatment of American Indians, internalized oppression, prevalence of violence and jurisdictional difficulties, all contribute to the problem. picture of Sarah Deer, (center) Program Administrator for the STOP Violence Against Women Program, poses with Susan Lewis of the NSVRC in displaying the NSVRC’s recent booklet, Sexual Assault In Indian County. Tulsa, OK, November 2000. The process of doing the research necessarily meant working closely with Native American sexual assault experts, advocates, educators and organizations. Their assistance and insight provided validity, encouragement and illumination of some important nuances of American Indian culture. When you look at the problems and exploitation that American Indians have experienced, one might expect a less than positive outlook. And yet, what prevails, is a positive focus on traditional values and great respect for balance. The attitude is not one of defeat, but of revering the culture, of reclaiming traditions and promoting dignity. One Native American sexual assault educator, Eileen Hudon, explains that a totally negative expression does not provide the necessary emphasis on a balanced life to help victims working toward recovery. A focus on regaining the dignity of tradition provides a positive goal. For example, a new booklet on sexual assault by the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center is entitled Songidee Biimadaziwin, which means “Strong Heart Living Life to The Fullest.” Such a positive honoring of Indian culture can also be found in a quotation by Buffy Saint-Marie that appears in the NSVRC pamphlet: “Scream the bloody truth of how we’ve been raped in every possible way, and then rise up and dig the beauty of our people. Rejoice in our survival and our ways.” While there is a bloody truth to confront, there is still rising up, there is recognizing beauty and there is survival and revering of tradition. Similarly, positive tones can be discovered in the following conference titles: The 3rd Annual Women Are Sacred Conference carried the subtitle “Tribal Communities Building Unity for the Safety of Women.” The 5th Annual Strengthening the Circle of Trust Conference focuses on: “Honoring Indian Women: A Celebration Reclaiming Our Traditions”. Here we see building unity, honoring, celebration and reclaiming traditions. In Native Wisdom, Joseph Bruchac explains that, “no one Native voice speaks for all voices, though some things are largely held in common, among them the belief that health (spiritual and physical) is natural and connected to living and walking in balance.” This means that for Native advocates and educators the way to help victims of sexual assault is often presented in a broader reclamation of Indian tradition and a balanced healthy recovery. While such an approach may be mostly reflective of American Indian culture, it also provides a reminder to all of us that the best recovery from sexual assault is not only about putting the incident behind us, it should include regaining a healthy sense of being, and finding support and respect for our values, and wholeness of life. The Sexual Assault Resource Service (SARS), a Minneapolis based Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program is hosting a training conference on Sexual Assault Response Teams. The NSVRC is proud to join as a cosponsor of this important event. SART 2001 Training Conference The First National SART Training Conference San Antonio, TX May 25, 26, 27, 2001 NSVRC Advisory Council Provides National Perspective By Karen Baker, Project Director The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), a project of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR), has always recognized and focused on its national scope and responsibility. One way that we actively attempt to secure and maintain a broad perspective is through a national Advisory Council. Evolving over time from our initial Steering Committee, the Advisory Council will ultimately have up to 25 members reflecting diverse populations, affiliations, and locations throughout the states and territories. Upon notification of the grant award to establish the NSVRC, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape selected a Steering Committee to guide the project in its development. We selected a group of diverse, knowledgeable and committed leaders in the anti-sexual violence movement who represent a wide variety of organizations: • Karen Artichoker, Sacred Circle, Rapid City, SD. • Suzanne Brown, Exec. Dir., Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Olympia, WA; Dir. of National Resource Sharing Project. • Gail Burns-Smith, Executive Director, Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services Inc., East Hartford, CT; Chair of National Alliance of Sexual Assault Coalitions. • Ann Emmerling, Executive Director, Center Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Greensburg, PA; Board President of Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. • Jamie Lee Evans, San Francisco Women Against Rape, San Francisco, CA. • Mark Rosenberg, Exec. Dir., Task Force for Child Survival and Development, Decatur, GA. • Delilah Rumburg, Exec. Dir., Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, Enola, PA; National Advisory Council to End Violence Against Women. • Cassandra Thomas, Senior Vice President, Houston Area Women’s Center, Houston, TX. Frequent inspirational speaker. • Marianne Winters, Jane Doe, Inc., Boston, MA; Board member National Coalition Against Sexual Assault. This Steering Committee assisted PCAR in interviewing and selecting the NSVRC Project Director and in determining initial goals, priorities, and organizational structure. The NSVRC moved through its formative stages with the guidance of this committee. Through a process of nominations and interviews, new members have been identified and added to the initial group. As a result, the NSVRC now has a full-fledged Advisory Council that focuses on issue-driven discussions, policy and direction. New members recently appointed include: • Suzanne Drapeaux, Public Policy Director, Cangleska, Washington, DC. • Jean Kilbourne, West Newton, MA, visiting scholar at the Wellsley Centers for Women, internationally acclaimed media critic and author of “Killing Us Softly” and other works. • Lara Murray, Director, Victim Services, National Center for Victims of Crime, Arlington, VA. • Diane Nelson, Director, Broadcast Services, KQED TV Channel 9 (PBS) San Francisco, CA. • Kelly Parsley, Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Helena, MT. picture - July 2000 NSVRC Opening, from left to right, Karen Baker, Project Director with several members of the Steering Committee, Jamie Lee Evans, Suzanne Brown, Cassandra Thomas, and Gail Burns-Smith. Quarterly conference calls keep the Advisory Council connected regularly; members also meet face-to-face, at least annually. The NSVRC often consults Council members for insight on special projects or with unique technical assistance requests. Occasionally, a member is asked to represent the NSVRC in a public forum. The NSVRC is currently recruiting Council members with expertise in the following areas: judicial or legal, business, healthcare, military, faith-based groups, refugee or immigrant populations, technology, communications, sex offender issues, people with disabilities, and elder sexual abuse. In addition to individuals having expertise in these areas, it seeks representation from various cultural and ethnic communities. In terms of geographic diversity, the NSVRC would like to recruit from the central part of the US, the southeast, the southwest, Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories. For information on the nomination and selection process, check our website at www.nsvrc.org or call us at 877-739-3895. The NSVRC takes its charge as a national organization seriously and has an abiding appreciation for the profound role the Advisory Council has in promoting our national perspective. The 2001 annual meeting, scheduled for May 3-4 in Scottsdale, Arizona promises to be an opportunity for the Council to refine its role and provide vital insight for the NSVRC’s upcoming year. A Thank You from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault NSVRC Staff, This is a cross between a thank you letter and fan mail. The staff at the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) just wants to let you know how much we have appreciated your assistance over the last several months. Everyone has been so helpful, not to mention incredibly prompt in responding to our requests. I sometimes feel guilty about how often we utilize your services. I can’t tell you how much easier you have made our jobs by freeing us up from hours and hours of research on the internet and elsewhere on a number of topics. We have especially felt the difference you make during our current legislative session. Anyway, if others are utilizing your services at a fraction of what we are, this is one federal grant that was well spent. Keep up the great work and again thank you for being there when we need you. Respectfully, Annette Burrhus-Clay, Program Director Coalition Spotlight ICASA Service Standards Ensures Quality and Consistency By Carol Corgan The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) manages the bulk of sexual assault services funds for the state of Illinois. Two state agencies, the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, contract with ICASA to allocate and monitor state and federal funds. To fulfill this role, ICASA has developed fiscal and programmatic guidelines and a comprehensive motoring process to ensure that the funds are properly spent to provide the highest quality services. Services have grown over the past 19 years – more communities and populations are served, and the range of services available is broader. Sexual assault survivors have access to a broad range of counseling and advocacy services beyond the crisis counseling initiated through the hotlines established in the 1970’s. As these services have expanded, ICASA has developed standards and guidelines to ensure as much consistency as possible among its member centers. The purposes of these guidelines are two fold: to ensure quality of services and to provide for consistency in what a sexual assault survivor can expect from centers throughout the state. ICASA began to develop its first program standards in the early 1990s. These “ICASA Service Standards” briefly define each service provided by a rape crisis center. They go on to outline key characteristics of how each service should be provided. One key element of the standards is the definition of victim-centered services – this definition stands on its own and is woven throughout the descriptions of each service available at a rape crisis center. The focus on victim-centered services is echoed in ICASA’s “Sexual Assault Counseling Service Standards” adopted in 1998. These standards describe a philosophical approach to counseling sexual assault survivors. They define “sexual assault crisis intervention,” “sexual assault counseling” and “sexual assault therapy,” the credential s required of counseling personnel, the counseling process and documentation of counseling services. While these standards do not, by themselves, guarantee quality of services, they provide one model for program development and monitoring that focuses on victim-centered services. To get a copy of the standards, call the National Sexual Violence Resource Center at (877) 7393895. For more information about the process used to develop the standards, call Carol Corgan or Carrie Ward at the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault at (217) 753-4117. GNESA Launches A Research and Public Awareness Campaign By Claire Pearson In 1997, the membership of the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA) decided to launch a statewide public awareness campaign to educate Georgians about sexual prevention. The question was: how do we educate Georgians if we do not know what they think about sexual assault? To answer this question, GNESA hired Global Strategy Group, Inc. to find out Georgian’s general attitudes and perceptions about sexual assault. After conducting comprehensive survey research and focus groups, Global Strategy Group, Inc. presented the compiled data. A summary of their findings follows: When questioned initially, 76% of Georgians considered teen pregnancy and substance abuse as extremely or very serious problems in Georgia. Comparatively, 57% said sexual assault was a serious problem, and only 41% said the same about date rape. However, after a fifteen-minute discussion of sexual assault, the number of respondents who said the issue was serious increased from 57% to 76% and for date rape the figure changed from 41% to 69%. Therefore, after just fifteen minutes, Georgians perceived issues of sexual assault to be just as serious as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. The group of individuals most positively affected by the fifteen minute discussion were men and women under the age of 35; men and women living in rural areas, especially rural men; single men and women; and college graduates. Other interesting statistics: • 49% of men and 42% of women agreed with the statement, “many women cry rape-saying they have been raped when it really hasn’t happened.” • 20% of men and 9% of women agree that “it would be wrong for a wife to ‘say no’ to having sex with her husband.” • 48% of Georgians believe that sexual assault includes the use of a gun or other weapon. • 52% of Georgians know someone who has been sexually assaulted or raped. • 1 out 5 Georgians witnessed physical abuse between their parents. • 72% of Georgians had heard of Rohypnol. This research is critical for the development of a public awareness campaign. Just as jury members want to see physical evidence in a sexual assault case in order to convict, so this research represents our physical evidence that sexual assault is a serious issue, and our work is important to the health and safety of our state. We are pleased to announce that this evidence has made it possible for us to receive funding to develop and implement a statewide public awareness campaign to be launched mid-year. We will be sure to keep you posted! “...after minute discussion assault, the number “Sexual assault survivors have access to a broad range of counseling and advocacy services...” CALCASA Builds Strategic Plan and Sponsors Training Conferences By Jennifer Keesee It has been an exciting year for the staff at CALCASA! We recently moved our offices from Oakland to California’s capital, Sacramento, while simultaneously working on several important projects. Over the last several months CALCASA has spearheaded an important statewide project called the Strategic Forum: A Vision to End Sexual Violence. A year in the making, this project brought together opinion leaders, stakeholders and multidisciplinary groups across the state, and tasked them with developing a strategic plan to end sexual violence. This Strategic Forum seeks to create a coordinated strategic vision for sexual assault prevention and intervention throughout California by bringing together experts from sexual assault and related fields. Our process consists of determining key issues and challenges affecting sexual assault prevention and education, and then developing recommendations, innovative solutions and practical alternatives to address these issues. Through the support of the California Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning and the efforts of several multidisciplinary groups and individuals, we hope to build a foundation for coordinated implementation of the recommendations and strategies. Our outcome will be a document that reports key issues, describes recommendations and strategies and identifies the next steps for implementation Another exciting event on the horizon at CALCASA is a statewide Leadership Conference. CALCASA provides technical assistance and training to the 92 rape crisis centers in California through its Rape Prevention Resource Center, and as part of our commitment to provide training, technical support and information about emerging issues to our member centers, CALCASA will host this conference. The Leadership Conference scheduled from June 18th –20th, 2001, will be held in Sacramento at the DoubleTree Hotel. We will be organizing four tracks: Crisis Intervention, Prevention, Management and Leadership. Workshops will include new CALCASA projects such as a listserv for rape crisis centers, a manual on counseling tools for the prevention or reduction of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the California SART Manual for multi-disciplinary teams, as well as other emerging issues in the field of sexual assault. In addition to our statewide conference, CALCASA sponsors annual self-defense instructor training with on-going technical assistance. This training program follows a women’s empowerment model and is designed to enhance self-defense programs at rape crisis centers throughout the state. The Advanced Self-Defense Training will be held on March 7-10th, in Burbank, CA. Participants in this training have completed the Beginner’s Training and are on their way to developing advanced techniques. We invite you to call or visit our new offices located at 1215 K Street, Suite 1100, Sacramento, CA 95814. We can be reached via phone at (916) 446-2520 or through our website at www.calcasa.org. CALCASA spearheaded a statewide strategic plan to end sexual violence. NSVRC Library Facilitates Resource Accessibility By Amy Golder-Cooper When most people think of a library, they envision stacks of books, shelves of magazines, a few sturdy tables, a circulation desk, and hopefully a cheerful librarian, ready to offer assistance. This familiar image, however, does not quite portray the kind of library at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Because the NSVRC is a “resource center,” quite naturally, the library is its cornerstone. And while the library does have some shelves, it really looks more like a computer. The NSVRC installed library software, Q Series by EOS International, to facilitate easy access, extensive cross-referencing, and to permit eventual online searching through the Internet. Not intended as a lending library, the NSVRC’s ever-growing collection serves principally as an educational and reference resource for staff and information specialists. Currently the NSVRC’s Technical Assistance Department accesses the library when responding to callers’ requests; it provides references and makes copies of resources for the callers; at other times, it makes referrals or contacts specialists for the needed information. Eventually, with the development of an online catalog, an Internet browser will be able to search abstracts and library materials as a helpful tool for requesting information. Building a useful, rich library database and an online catalog has been an ongoing task for the fledgling NSVRC. This work-inprogress requires continually collecting materials, cataloging, coding and abstracting resources. As one of its first initiatives, the NSVRC sent out a Capabilities, Assets and Needs (CAN) Survey to all state and territory coalitions and networks. The survey helped to better assess the many needs and strengths of the anti-sexual violence movement and provided an opportunity for coalitions to submit materials. The NSVRC has been working closely with its research partner, the University of Pennsylvania, on various projects. One such project, scheduled for completion in spring 2001, is an annotated bibliography of books on sexual assault and rape. The NSVRC intends to use this list as a purchasing guide for its collection, and as the foundation of an ever-evolving reading/recommendation list of books, manuals and journals. Although the NSVRC Library may not have a traditional look, it does provide access to resources from across the nation. And although the technological capabilities of our library will facilitate easy access to cataloged resources without the assistance of a librarian, the NSVRC does have a real live, helpful librarian who can provide assistance. The NSVRC Library invites submissions of any kind of sexual assault resources, including posters, awareness materials, information on speakers and trainers, standards and protocols, to name a few. If you want to know more about submitting resources, please call the Librarian, Amy Golder-Cooper, toll free at 877-739-3895, extension 109. St. Olaf, Part One I wanna fill up this Room with sand After all the mosquitoes comeSuck my blood away Then I won’t be Subject to a million eyes By Sarah Deer No Visible Scars Resource Sharing Project Update By Toby Cremer Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs The current phase of the National Sexual Assault Coalition Resource Sharing Project (RSP) is well underway and will continue through December 2001. The five project partners (Connecticut, Iowa, Minnesota, New York and Washington) will be continuing individualized technical assistance, as offered in previous years. Additionally, the RSP will offer: • Special Issue Meetings -- open to all state coalitions, to be held in DC in Fall 2001 • Regional & Nationwide Conference Calls • Compilation of Promising Practices • RSP Website -- will include back issues of the newsletter, bulletin boards, and pages devoted to capacity building topics • Regional and National RSP email groups • Reshape Newsletter -- including articles on infrastructure/capacity building, coalition highlights, event calendars, job listings, etc. Additionally, each region will meet once this year. Regional meetings have already been held for the Southeastern and Western Regions. If you have questions about the RSP, please contact the project partner from your region (if you aren’t sure who that is, contact toby@wcsap.org). From the Book Shelf No Visible Scars: The hidden wreckage of rape revealed through poetry Edited by Allison Werth, Lawrence KS The poetry of Allison Werth and five other survivors come together in this compelling book. These poets convey the important message that the devastating crime of rape committed against them is not “unspeakable.” Its underlying message urges victims to turn away the shame and terrible secret and put it on the ones who committed the crimes. Poetry gives victims a voice in their struggle to recover. “No Visible Scars helps break the chains of silence, one word at a time…” This powerful collection of poetry can be obtained by contacting latebloomerpublishing.com. Songidee Biimadaziwin Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, Minneapolis, MN This practical, pocket-sized booklet provides Native women with vital information on sexual assault. It builds awareness and offers clear assistance on reporting, rights and available resources. Although designed especially for American Indian women, it has much to offer all victims and service providers. By concisely addressing topics such as Seeking Help, or Medical Care and Evidence Collection, the booklet demonstrates how effective and powerful a practical guide can be. A section on Principles of Advocacy emphasizes honoring the sacredness and sovereignty of Native women, reminding all of us of how important it is to respect and appreciate all the needs of victims. Requests for a copy of this book should be faxed to (612) 728-2039. This publication was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number H28/CCU317184-02 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PCAR's "Outrage" campaign is designed to challenge public indifference and raise awareness of sexual violence with headlines and statistics that promote accountability and provoke public outrage for change. This newsletter is available in large print, text only format on our website: www.nsvrc.org