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Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

February marks the second annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen Dating Violence received national attention during the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2005.  The goal of this month is to shine a light on abuse in teen relationships and focus our energy towards prevention efforts.

 

Two years ago 19-year-old Siobhan Russell was found brutally stabbed to death by her 17-year-old boyfriend in Oak Hill, Virginia. In 2010, Siobhan’s abuser was arrested and sentenced to 40 years in prison. After living through this horrific event, Siobhan’s mother was determined to do all that she could to prevent other acts of abuse and violence. She now runs an organization to raise awareness about teen dating violence, where she speaks to communities about the warning signs of dating violence. She is an example for us all.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month and it is critical that we take this time to remember that domestic violence is not just a problem for adults. One in three adolescents in the US will be a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner. Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser. And two-thirds of teens who are in an abusive relationship never tell anyone about the abuse. It’s time to shine a light on this issue.

Recognizing abuse in a relationship can be difficult, especially for teens. There are many types of abuse that young people may believe are normal in a relationship. Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships, teens can experience the same types of abuse. Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help. They may not have money, transportation or a safe place to go. They may also concerns about confidentiality with many adults obligated to make reports to police, parents and/or child protective services.

But, teens have a right to safe and healthy relationships. Your community, should take the lead in raising awareness and preventing teen dating violence. There are many ways that you can take part:

  • Encourage legislators to introduce laws that require teen dating violence education in the classroom. Teens spend the majority of their time in school or at school-related activities and without laws in place to protect them, domestic and sexual violence among teens will continue to cause upheaval at home and at school. Encourage school leaders to step up if legislators will not and offer to pay the often small fees (less than $100) for effective dating violence prevention curricula.
  • Know the laws in your state. Unfortunately, Virginia rates F on the national dating violence grade, [available online at http://www.breakthecycle.org/content/teen-dating-violence-state-law-report-cards%5D

    • 

  •  Take the time to educate yourself and others about teen dating violence. The following websites offer information about teen dating violence and what you can do to help:

Like Siobhan’s mother, you can make a difference.

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National Stalking Awareness Month

January is National Stalking Awareness Month

Do you know what constitutes stalking?  Stalking is a behavior in which an individual willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly engages in a knowing course of conduct directed at a specific person which reasonably and seriously alarms, torments, or terrorizes the person.  Stalking creates fear.

Many people do not realize the clear link between sexual assault and stalking.  The Stalking Resource Center has done research that clearly and methodically developed the link between the two crimes. They have found in their research and victim testimony the stalking behaviors utilized by offenders.  What has been found is that offenders routinely engage in following, surveillance, information gathering and voyeurism prior to a sexual assault. After an assault, the rapist frequently threatens the victim, attempts to frame the incident (e.g. thinks and talks about the incident as if it were consensual), and maintains social contact.

Thirty-one percent of women stalked by a current or former intimate partner are also sexually assaulted by that partner. The Stalking Resource Center has found that the typical offender/rapist, (stranger and non-stranger), premeditates and plans his attack and uses multiple strategies to make the victim vulnerable such as alcohol or increasing levels of violence. FBI research with incarcerated offenders revealed that the offenders picked victims based on observation (voyeurism) and stalked several women at a time waiting for an opportunity to commit a sexual assault.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics completed the Largest Study of Stalking Conducted to Date.  They recently released a supplemental report to the National Crime Victimization Survey focused on Stalking Victimization in the United States. This study confirms that stalking is pervasive, that women are at higher risk of being stalked, and there is a dangerous intersection between stalking and more violent crimes.

 What to Do if You are Stalked 

 

Get Help. Report to law enforcement and file criminal charges and/or obtain a protective order.  Request that law enforcement agencies log your complaint each time you call and Request a copy of your report.

Tell your stalker to stop. Have a registered letter to the stalker stating that he/she must stop the behavior immediately.

Tell someone. Do not attempt to deal with the situation alone. Tell a friend or family member about the stalking and document the stalker’s behavior. List date, time, place, what happened, any witnesses, and give a copy of the information to a friend or relative for safekeeping.

Develop a support system. Keep in touch with friends who are supportive and understanding. Give friends, co-workers, relatives, and neighbors a description of the stalker. Ask them to watch for the stalker, document everything they see, and give a written account to you.

Never underestimate the stalker’s potential for violence. Take all threats seriously. Not all threats are verbal; some nonverbal threats may be the sending of unwanted notes, cards, or gifts.

Do not attempt to communicate with the stalker at all. The stalker may misinterpret this communication as a form of encouragement.

 

Screen your calls: Have emergency numbers readily available. Remember to keep your cell phone charged and to have it with you at all times.

If you are being followed, go to a safe area, DO NOT DRIVE HOME. Drive to the nearest police station or a busy place. Use your horn to attract attention.

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September is National Campus Safety and Awareness Month

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Month.   This month is a time for all of us to reflect on and celebrate successes in addressing challenges that affect the safety of our campus community.

This year’s theme is: Coming Together to Strengthen Campus Communities.  This theme embodies the collaborative efforts local rape crisis have with local campus communities.  While we often think of campus communities as an enclosed and safe environment, we recognize that no campus is immune from the same crime problems that face the rest of the nation. 

RAINN.org puts out the following statistics: 

·         Nationally, 1 in 4 college women will be sexually assaulted during her academic career

·         21% to 53% of college students have experienced at least once incident of dating violence

·         13% of college women have been stalked since the school year began (2000 National College

·         Along with health problems, academic issues, and arrests, 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes each year

In 2005, Security on Campus, Inc. (a national non-profit group dedicated to promoting campus safety) established National Campus Safety Awareness Month increase awareness about these campus safety challenges in hopes of reducing victimization and creating campus environments that do not tolerate any crimes but which do create a climate of support for those who are victims of sexually based crimes.  

The Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault is a local rape crisis center in central Virgina that works to create a safer and more supportive campus for all campus community members. RCASA offers:  The Red Flag Campaign, Take Back the Night Events, The White Ribbon Campaign and other events.  RCASA collaborates with Student Anti-Violence Educators (SAVE) at local colleges/universities.    

Honor National Campus Safety Awareness Month and commit to programs that will raise awareness of crucial safety topics. 

Pledge to raising aware about rights of crime victims on campus. 

Provide information and support to students surrounding safety issues.  

Commit to support victims of crime and holding offenders accountable. 

Commit to creating an ongoing climate of support for those who have been victimized.

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Press Release from the VSDVAA – Red Flag Campaign

For Immediate Release

January 28, 2010

Contact: Kate McCord, Public Awareness Manager
Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance
(804) 377-0335 x2119
kmccord@vsdvalliance.org
Red Flag Campaign Featured in Designing for the Greater Good; New Book Showcases Best in Cause-Related Marketing and Nonprofit Design
(Richmond, Virginia), January 28, 2010 – In an age when non-profit organizations are struggling
harder than ever to have their messages heard, the value of branding and design has become
increasingly essential to their survival. This week, a first-of-its-kind book, Designing for the Greater
Good, was released to offer readers insights into great nonprofit branding campaigns in 24 inspiring
case studies and hundreds of illustrated examples.

The Red Flag Campaign, a project of the Action Alliance in collaboration with Richmond-based Another Limited Rebellion design firm, was among the outstanding campaigns selected for inclusion in this prestigious collection.

About The Red Flag Campaign
The Red Flag Campaign (www.TheRedFlagCampaign.org) is a national public awareness campaign
designed to address dating violence and promote the prevention of dating violence on college
campuses. The Campaign is a project of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance,
and was created in partnership with Another Limited Rebellion, college students, college personnel,
and community victim advocates. The Campaign is funded by a generous grant from the Verizon
Foundation, along with support from the Macy’s Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.

About Designing for the Greater Good
Created as a comprehensive resource for designers, creative professionals, marketers, corporate
communications departments and nonprofit leaders, Designing for the Greater Good is based on
authors Peleg Top and Jonathan Cleveland’s nearly 40 years of combined experience working with
nonprofits and corporate communications departments across the country.
“After nearly a decade of studying cause marketing campaigns, I know that strong design is absolutely
critical to success,” commented David Hessekiel, president, Cause Marketing Forum. “As a unique
showcase of campaigns that stand out from the crowd, Designing for the Greater Good is a valuable
addition to the cause marketing literature. This collection of work, often created in spite of low budgets
and organizational impediments, should be an inspiration to creatives, nonprofit and corporate
marketers alike.”
“Successful design for nonprofit organizations relies on a true partnership, where the designer is
connected to the cause and the organization has accurately portrayed its culture and clientele. When
these elements come together, a powerful brand connection is made,” said author Jonathan Cleveland.

More information on Designing for the Greater Good (Harper Design, an imprint of Harper Collins) is available at http://www.designingforthegreatergood.com.

More information about The Red Flag Campaign is available at http://www.TheRedFlagCampaign.org or at 804.377.0335.

For information on how to support the Red Flag Campaign or how to get one started at your local school or college, contact the Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance at 804-377-0335.

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January is National Stalking Awareness Month – Training at W&M

To register for the below conference, go to
http://www.yorkcounty.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=10212. Questions can be
directed to Shawna Gray sgray@visitthecenter.org.
————

—————-
RECOGNIZING & RESPONDING TO STALKING
FREE – January 22, 2010 – 9AM-5PM
The College of William & Mary
Presented by the National Center for Victims of Crime: Stalking Resource
Center
Sponsored by the York County Violence Against Women Task Force & Sexual
Assault Services of the College of William & Mary

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime
that affects 3.4 million victims a year. Stalking is a crime in all 50
states and the District of Columbia, yet many victims and criminal
justice system professionals underestimate its seriousness and impact.
Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate, and prosecute. Unlike
other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a
series of acts, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that
would cause that person fear. Communities that understand stalking,
however, can support victims and combat the crime.

This training will offer practical information about recognizing
stalking and understanding its impact on the victim. This training
offers two “tracks.” The first track is primarily aimed toward law
enforcement, prosecutors, and other professionals who work within the
criminal justice system. The second track is primarily aimed toward
community advocates, school personnel, and mental health counselors.
The training also includes a session on creating a coordinated community
response to stalking.

The training is located on the campus of the College of William & Mary
at the Sadler Center. This training is free. Registration includes a
parking pass, continental breakfast, and an afternoon snack. Lunch is
‘On Your Own.’ Parking is readily available at the W&M Hall Parking
lot, which is about a 3-5 minute walk from the Sadler Center. Anyone
who has accessibility needs can be accommodated in a closer lot, if
needed.

Pre-registration for this training is required.
To register, go to http://www.yorkcounty.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=10212,
click on the date of the training, and select ‘REGISTER.’ Directions
and maps will be emailed to registrants prior to the event, along with a
parking pass.

In-service credits for Law Enforcement have been requested.

Agenda

7:30-8:30AM Registration

7:30-8:30AM Continental Breakfast

8:45AM Welcome

9:00AM Stalking: Prevalence, Lethality, and Impact
Recent national data indicates that 3.4 million people are stalking in
one year in the United States; yet stalking is a crime that is often
misunderstood, minimized or missed entirely. This session will address
the dynamics of stalking, including stalking behaviors and the impact on
victims.

Participants will be able to:
1. Define stalking and list common stalking behaviors.
2. Give general statistics on the prevalence of stalking.
3. List potential harms victims can experience, including homicide, and
reasons all stalking cases should be taken seriously.

10:15AM Break

10:30AM Break-out Sessions
Breakout 1: Investigating/ Prosecuting Stalking
This session will address considerations for the investigation and
prosecution of stalking. Information relevant to first responders as
well as detectives will be covered and well as tips for prosecutors.

Participants will be able to:
1. Identify components of an effective investigation, including victim
interview, suspect interview, determining crime scene, and collection of
evidence.
2. Provide victims and service providers with information on documenting
stalking.
3. Identify necessary corroborating evidence for improved prosecution
of stalking cases.

Breakout 2: Teens and Stalking
This session will address issues unique to stalking among teens. We
will provide a review of recent research on the use of technology in
stalking and harassment against teens. The session will also include
discussion on other ways dating violence and stalking are affecting
teens in our country and an exploration of the social trend of
normalization of stalking in youth and teens.

Participants will be able to:
1. Identify stalking behaviors (not necessarily criminal) amongst youth
and teens and the different dynamics of the stalking of teens.
2. Understand the use of technology in teen dating relationships and how
technology can be misused to stalk and abuse teens.
3. Recognize the ‘parent/adult knowledge gap’ in the use of technology
and other teen stalking behaviors and discuss ways to close that
knowledge gap.

11:45 PM Lunch on Your Own

1:00PM – 2:15PM Break-out Sessions:
Breakout 1: Working with Stalking Victims
The session focuses on the impact of stalking on victims and how those
working with stalking victims can assist with safety, documentation,
advocacy, and support.

Participants will be able to:
1. Determine the different legal system responses available to stalking
victims (e.g., criminal – various charges, state statutes and civil
remedies – protective orders and civil tort claims).
2. Identify four main areas of need for stalking victims: safety,
advocacy, documentation and support.
3. Advise stalking victims to disengage from stalker and engage in risk
reduction behaviors.
4. Apply best practices of advocacy model to working with stalking
victims.
Promote use of logs and other documentation/evidence collection
techniques when working with stalking victims.

Breakout 2: The Use of Technology to Stalk
This session focuses on how stalkers have used technology such as
computers, video cameras, and global positioning systems to stalk.
Evidence collection and safety considerations will be discussed.
Participants will be able to:
1. Name several different types of technology and how it is used in
stalking, including how technology is used to advance other stalking
tactics.
2. Discuss how technology might impact their work and how to integrate
that knowledge into investigation, evidence collection, and safety
planning.
3. Articulate challenges posed by technology and needed system changes.
Identify areas where their stalking laws might be deficient in covering
technology.

2:15 PM – 2:30PM Break

2:30PM – 3:45PM Breakouts
Breakout 1: Threat Assessment/ Safety Planning
The session will provide simple tools that responders can use to assess
the threat posed by a stalker. Participants will learn how to identify
and respond to various risk behaviors and how to work with victims to
develop a safety plan.

Participants will be able to:
1. Define threat assessment (e.g. analysis of situation that may
demonstrate which individuals pose what risk at what times).
2. Identify elements of victim-centered threat assessment (based on
victim experience, level of fear, history of behaviors, etc.).
3. Determine most dangerous time for victims (separation, when PO
served, significant life event, increased contact with victim).
4. Practice safety planning with stalking victims.

Breakout 2: Stalking on Campus
Research indicates that stalking is all too prevalent on college
campuses. This workshop will explore the nature of stalking on campus,
including the intersection of stalking and sexual assault. We will also
discuss steps campuses can take to respond to stalking on campus,
including policy development, educational programming, and working with
victims.
Participants will be able to:
1. Discuss how stalking on campus differs from stalking in general.
2. Recognize the link between stalking and sexual assault on campus.
3. Identify resources for victims on campus and in the community.
4. Develop a framework for a campus response to stalking.

3:45PM – 4:00PM Break

4:00PM – 5:00PM Developing a Coordinated Community Response to Stalking
This session will examine the elements and benefits of a coordinated
community response (CCR) to stalking, including the steps necessary in
developing a CCR. Examples will be shared from communities who have
created a stalking CCR.

Participants will be able to:
1. Identify benefits of developing a CCR to stalking (why CCRs are
particularly beneficial to helping stalking victims).
2. Apply practices/systems of other CCRs, task forces, network groups to
development of stalking specific CCR.
3. Discuss elements of success in Links in Chain video example.
4. Develop initial design for local CCR to stalking.
5. Determine which members of local community would be assets in their
CCR.

5:00PM Dismissal

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Men Can Stop Rape

The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance is hosting a Fundraising Gala: Act / Honor / Hope on December 5th.

We will have a program booklet and are soliciting ads. One of our ads will be a page reflecting the attitude and fact that men can stop violence. As advocates in the field or advocates for the women in your lives, you know that we need to disrupt the cultural patterns that promote violence, dominance and abuse of women. We live in a world where men have been taught they have power over women. This is certainly not beneficial to women but also, men can live as happier and more fulfilled human beings by challenging the old-fashioned rules of masculinity that embody the assumption of male superiority.

In this vain, we are asking men to sign a pledge that simply says, “we are men who pledge not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.” This will appear in our program booklet looking similarly like the attached poster. If you are willing to put your name on this statement, please email me to say that you agree.

There is no fee for this, but if you are so inclined to send in a donation, you may donate online at http://www.vsdvalliance.org , on left menu click on “make a contribution”; in the “gift information” write in “men can stop violence.”

You may also send a check to VSDVAA, 5008 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA, 23230. Indicate in the memo line “men can stop violence.

Please forward this to other men in your lives.

Any questions, please contact Chris Morin at the Action Alliance office at 804-377-0335.

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Day of Remembrance for transgender victims of violence

The Richmond Transgender Day of Remembrance Steering Committee invites you to attend the 10th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.  The event is held annually on November 20 to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence.

This year, the event is hosted by Richmond Friends Meeting, 4500 Kensington Ave., Richmond, VA 23221, and begins at 7 pm.  The program will include speakers, candlelight vigil with a reading of names and brief biographies of those lost to violence in the past year, and end with a reception.

We hope you will join us for this important occasion, gathering with a diverse assembly of individuals and organizations standing up for victims of anti-trans violence. Please visit http://gayrva.com/dor. for more information

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