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Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Virginia Facts

 

Sexual assault affects every community in Virginia

 Nearly 1 in 5 women have been raped in their lifetime while 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime. 1

 Approximately 80% of female victims experienced their first rape before the age of 25 and almost half ex­perienced the first rape before age 18 (30% between 11-17 years old and 12% at or before the age of 10). 28% of male victims of rape were first raped when they were 10 years old or younger.2

 Sexual assault profoundly affects children and teens

 56% of youth report experiences of sexual assault and coercion. 

In 2010, Sexual Assault Crisis Centers in Virginia…3

  • responded to 61,860 hotline calls
  • offered 50,949 hours of advocacy services to 4,903 adults
  • provided 26,570 hours of advocacy services to 2,123 children

  

You can help too…

  Three out of four people affected by sexual violence turn to family and friends for help before contacting a Sexual Assault Crisis Center.4

 

1 -2  National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published December, 2011.

3-4      VAdata: The Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Data Collection System, 2010.

Related articles
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Legislate for: Enhanced Penalties for Family Violence in the Presence of Minors

The Risks and Unintended Consequences

 

Society often looks for ways to offer greater protection for children who witness family violence.  One remedy that is frequently proposed is enhanced penalties for assault and battery against a family or household member when a child is present.  While on the surface this would seem to be an appropriate solution, the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance has concerns that such an enhancement puts children at greater risk of physical and emotional harm and has other unintended consequences.

Enhanced Penalties put Children at Greater Risk

  • To prove h/she present, the child may be required to testify against a parent or other adult in the home, putting the child in the middle of an already volatile situation.
  • If a child testifies against the offender, the offender and in some instances the non-offending parent may retaliate against the child, putting the child’s safety at risk.
  • If the child is afraid of the offender, and/or does not want to testify against a parent or loved one, s/he may feel that it is necessary to perjure him/herself in order to protect the family.
  • The offender, non-offending parent or others may blame the child for the enhanced penalty (jail time or fine) and therefore the child may blame him/herself for the violence and effect of the penalty on the family.

 

Actions Requested by VSDVAA

Below are three alternatives to enhancing penalties or creating a misdemeanor for when a minor is present during an assault and battery of a family or household member:

  • Support increased funding and availability of services for children and teens who witness and/or are impacted by family abuse.  This could include services in domestic violence programs, child advocacy centers and supervised visitation centers.
  • When preparing the pre-sentencing report, include information about the presence of a minor during the incident and the impact of the violence on the child or teen.
  • During the sentencing phase, consider the impact of the violence on the minor.

 

For more information, contact Stacy Ruble at Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (VSDVAA) at:  804-377-0335 or publicpolicy@vsdvalliance.org

reposted from the Action Alliance website:  http://www.vsdvalliance.org

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Advocate for Written Policies for Law Enforcement on Responding to Sexual Violence

What is the issue?

Law enforcement officers play a critical role in responding to cases of sexual violence.  They may be among the first people that a victim talks to after the assault, and the victim’s experience in that interaction may determine her or his decision to move forward on reporting the crime and cooperating with prosecution.  In addition, law enforcement officers are responsible for the collection of evidence, the victim interview, the follow-up investigation and the interrogation of the alleged offender.  Unless this duty is handled comprehensively, thoroughly and consistently, there is the risk that key evidence will be missed, tainted or lost, hampering prosecution of sexual offenses.

Due to the complexity, trauma, and potential physical injury involved in a sexual assault, a consistent and comprehensive law enforcement response is critical to a victim’s safety, health and well-being.  Clear knowledge and understanding of sexual assault will also assist in thorough and accurate evidence collection, assisting prosecution of alleged offenders.  However, Virginia does not require law enforcement agencies to have a written policy on responding to situations in which sexual violence has occurred.  As a result, law enforcement response to sexual violence is often inconsistent in different parts of the state and even, at times, within jurisdictions.

A recent survey by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) showed that 49% of responding agencies did not have a written policy on responding to sexual violence situations.  This survey also demonstrated numerous inconsistencies across jurisdictions regarding such issues as use of polygraphs on victims and offenders, when and how Physical Evidence Recovery Kits (PERKs) are authorized, how often officers are trained on sexual violence issues, and collaboration with other agencies in responding to sexual offenses.

Legislation is already in place requiring written policies for responding to situations of domestic violence (§ 19.2-81.4).  The response to sexual violence should be held to the same standard.

What does VSDVAA want to do?

VSDVAA wants to work with the General Assembly and DCJS to enact legislation that would require law enforcement agencies to establish and implement written policies on responding to situations in which sexual violence has occurred.  This legislation would not require each law enforcement agency to establish the same policies and procedures, but it would require specific factors that each agency’s procedures must include.

What is our goal?

Sexual assault continues to be one of the most underreported crimes in Virginia and in the nation.  Enhancing law enforcement response and ensuring consistent and appropriate response within and across jurisdictions may increase a victim’s willingness to come forward and make a report.  Consistent and thorough evidence collection will also lead to increased prosecutions and convictions, and will ultimately lead to safer communities.

For more information, contact Jennifer Woolley at VSDVAA

434-979-9002      866-3-VSDVAA    jwoolley@vsdvalliance.org

reposted from the Action Alliance website:  http://www.vsdvalliance.org 

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Stalking: Know it, Name it, Stop it

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects

3.4 million victims a year.

1 This year’s theme—“Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.”—challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it.

Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, yet many victims and criminal justice professionals underestimate its seriousness and impact. In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims,

2 and stalking is one of the significant risk factors for femicide (homicide of women) in abusive relationships.

3 Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression at much higher rates than the general population, and many lose time from work or have to move as a result of their victimization.

4Stalking 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. Stalking may take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, calls, gifts, or visits. One in four victims reports that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, global positioning system devices, or hidden cameras, to track the victim’s daily activities.

5 Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile, and many stalkers follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another, making it difficult for authorities to investigate and prosecute their crimes.

Communities that understand stalking, however, can support victims and combat the crime.

If more people learn to recognize stalking, we have a better chance to protect victims and prevent tragedies.

Your local rape crisis or domestic violence center can offer information, resources, or help.

For additional resources to help promote National Stalking Awareness Month, please visit http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org  and www.ovw.usdoj.gov 

1 Baum et al.,

Stalking Victimization in the United States

, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs,

Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/svus.pdf (accessed September 29, 2009).

2 Ibid.

3 Jacquelyn C. Campbell et al., “Risk Factors for Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results from a Multi-site Case Control Study,”

American Journal of Public Health

93 (2003): 7.

4 Ibid.

5 Baum,

Stalking Victimization in the United States.

Related articles
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Welcome new stand alone Rape Crisis Center in Virginia

Here is a re-post from the Roanoke Times

ROANOKE SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS CENTER NOW ON ITS OWN FOOTING

Sarah Bruyn Jones, Roanoke Times

October 29, 2011

The Roanoke area’s sexual assault crisis center is now an independent nonprofit, as it seeks to maintain its long-standing presence in the community.

The Sexual Assault Response & Awareness program, or SARA, operated out of Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare until July 1, when it separated from the agency. On Friday the organization held an open house and silent auction at its new offices at 3034 Brambleton Ave. S.W. in Roanoke.

The process toward separation began in the fall of 2009, when Blue Ridge said it could no longer subsidize the administrative costs for running SARA.

Blue Ridge sought to find another administrative home for the group, but by this year, it had become clear that SARA would have to stand on its own, said Teresa Berry, who has worked for the program for a quarter-century and is now the executive director of the newly formed nonprofit.

The new organization incorporated with the state in March as Sexual Assault Response & Awareness Inc.

By May, SARA had successfully filed with the Internal Revenue Service for nonprofit status.

SARA, which provides free support services to sexual assault victims including counseling and accompaniment to court hearings, continues to operate with grants from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Berry said. SARA gets about $165,000 annually from three DCJS grants, she said.

But that doesn’t cover general fund expenses, including legal fees and other startup costs, she said. To cover those expenses, Berry has put in about $8,000 of her own money and received another $6,000 from donors.

Friday’s open house was intended, in part, to kick off some needed fundraising. Berry said she would like to add three more people to her staff, which currently includes herself and one other person.

SARA serves about 350 victims a year and has recently seen an increase in need, particularly among young adults and teenagers, she said.

“We need to be doing more education,” she said.

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Stalking is a Crime in Virginia

Stalking is a crime.

In Virginia, stalking is defined as repeated conduct which places a person, or his or her family, in reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury.

The stalking law went into effect on July 1, 1992.

In 1998, the penalties associated with convictions were increased. A first conviction carries a penalty of not more than one year in jail and a $2,500 fine (Class 1 misdemeanor).  The penalty for a third or subsequent conviction within five years is not more than five years in prisonand a $2,500 fine (Class 6 felony).

Stalking is a unique crime, because stalkers are obsessed with controlling their victims’ actions and feelings. Stalkers will frequently threaten and harass, and in many instances will actually physically injure their victims. Stalking is a crime that can be committed against anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.

Facts:

• 1.4 million people are stalked annually.

• Only one half of stalking cases are reported to authorities, and 25% receive a restraining order.•

1 in 20 women will be stalked in their lifetimes.

• 79% of women know their stalkers; 50% were in anintimate relationship with their stalker; 80% of theserelationships were abusive.

*Statistics supplied by the National Institute of Justice

CODE OF VIRGINIA18.2 – 60.3

STALKING PENALTY

A. Any person who on more than one occasion engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or with the knowledge that the conduct places, that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person’s family or household member shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. A third or subsequent conviction occurring within five years of a conviction for an offense under this section or for a similar offense under the law of any otherjurisdiction shall be a Class 6 felony.

C. A person may be convicted under this section irrespective of the jurisdiction or jurisdictions within the Commonwealth wherein the conduct described in subsection A occurred, if the person engaged in that conduct on at least one occasion in the jurisdiction where the person is tried. Evidence of any such conduct which occurred outside the Commonwealth may be admissible, if relevant, in any prosecution under thissection provided that the prosecution is based upon conduct occurring within the Commonwealth.

The Code of Virginia also provides that:

•Upon conviction for stalking, the court must issue an order prohibiting contact between the defendant and the victim or the victim’s family or household member. (18.2-60.3D)

• The Department of Corrections, sheriff or regional jail director must notify, prior to release of an inmate, any victim of the offense who, in writing, requests notice,or any person designated in writing by the victim, provided the inmate was sentenced to a term of incarceration of at least forty-eight hours. The responsibleagency above must also give notice, if an inmate escapes. (18.2-60.3E)

• Persons subject to protective orders may not purchase or transport any firearms. (18.2-308.1:4)

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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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Governor Declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Establishes Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board

Panel Will Focus on Effort to Reduce Domestic and Sexual Violence, Improve Victim Services, and Hold Offenders Accountable
 
RICHMOND –Governor Bob McDonnell has declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Commonwealth, and issued Executive Order #25 establishing the Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board.  The Board will advise the Governor on ways to prevent domestic violence, improve services to victims, and reduce the social stigma too often encountered by victims of domestic violence, encouraging previously silent victims to seek help. 
 
Speaking about the proclamation and the Advisory Board, Governor McDonnell noted, “As a prosecutor, legislator, and Attorney General, I witnessed first-hand the impact that domestic violence has on its victims, their families, and our communities.  That is why I made a campaign promise to create the Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board to produce positive recommendations and engage in an ongoing dialogue in an effort to reduce domestic violence crimes in Virginia.  Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month will also help draw attention to this important issue.  I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that Virginians remain safe and secure in their homes and neighborhoods.”
 
 
*Full texts of the Executive Order and Proclamation are below:
 
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER TWENTY FIVE (2010)
 
ESTABLISHING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE ADVISORY BOARD
 
Importance of the Issue
 
            The preservation of peace in our communities and the protection of all citizens of the Commonwealth from violence are fundamental priorities of government. Unfortunately, every year thousands of Virginians suffer the indignity of domestic violence and experience emotional, physical, psychological and financial harm as a result of such crimes.  Victimization strikes people of all ages and abilities, as well as all economic, racial, and social backgrounds.  Furthermore, the physical and emotional trauma suffered by victims of domestic and sexual violence, often compounded by silence and stigma surrounding the crime, calls for special attention in our prevention and response efforts. 
 
            According to the Virginia Department of State Police, 4,487 forcible sex offenses, including rape, sodomy, and assault with an object, were reported in 2009 in jurisdictions throughout the Commonwealth. These acts of violence resulted in 4,779 victims. Tragically, over 61 percent of these victims were under the age of 17.
 
            Unfortunately, these numbers do not reflect the complete picture relating to acts of sexual and domestic violence in Virginia because many victims do not report the incident to law enforcement.
 
            Domestic and sexual violence impacts all segments of our society and is on the rise in certain areas.
 
            In April 2010, the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Secret Service released a report indicating that the incidents of college campus violence have drastically increased in the past 20 years.  One in five women who attend college will be the victim of a sexual assault during her four years on campus.  The Commonwealth’s institutions of higher education, as demonstrated by recent events, are not immune from these acts of campus violence.
 
            To make Virginia’s citizens, families, and communities safe, it is appropriate that the Commonwealth dedicate resources to prevent, combat, and reduce domestic violence in Virginia.
 
Establishment of the Advisory Board
 
            While many localities have taken necessary steps to address domestic violence in their communities, public policymakers must continuously strive to improve the services and support for Virginia’s domestic violence victims and survivors. Statewide collaboration is essential in order to provide services to victims; to create programs aimed at preventing and responding to such tragedies; and to hold offenders accountable. 
 
            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor, under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to Section 2.2-134 of the Code of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor’s Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board.  This Board will continue the dialogue with state and local agencies, as well as involve stakeholders, to make recommendations for changes to our laws, policies, and procedures to enhance Virginia’s response to domestic violence at all levels.
 
            This Advisory Board will promote ongoing collaboration among relevant state and local agencies, as well as private sector and community partners involved in domestic violence prevention, enforcement and response efforts.
 
Composition of the Advisory Board
 
            The Governor’s Domestic Violence Prevention and Response Advisory Board shall operate under the direction of the Secretary of Public Safety.  Recognizing that these efforts will require the work of individuals across a broad spectrum of professions and expertise, the Advisory Board shall consist of designees from the following agencies and organizations:
 
Office of the Attorney General;
Supreme Court of Virginia;
Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council;
Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys;
Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police;
Virginia Sheriffs’ Association;
Virginia Department for the Aging;
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services;
Virginia Department of Corrections;
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services;
Virginia Department of Education;
Virginia Department of Health;
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development;
Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice;
Virginia Department of Social Services;
Virginia Department of State Police;
Virginia State Crime Commission;
Family and Children’s Trust Fund of Virginia;
Virginia Center on Aging;
Virginia Poverty Law Center;
Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund;
Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance;
Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Inc.;
Virginia Coalition Against Campus Sexual Assault;
Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Forensic Nurses;
Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, Inc.; and
Representatives from the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates
 
Other members may be added at the discretion of the Secretary of Public Safety.
 
            Staff support to the Advisory Board shall be provided by the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Virginia Department of Social Services, and such other agencies as the Governor may designate.  All Cabinet Secretariats and executive branch agencies shall cooperate fully with the Advisory Board and render such assistance as may be requested.
 
Duties of the Advisory Board
 
            The Advisory Board’s responsibilities shall include the following:
 
·                     Assess means of improving services to children who have experienced, witnessed, or been exposed to the effects of domestic violence.
·                     Work in conjunction with the Virginia State Crime Commission and the Office of the Attorney General, to complete a comprehensive review of Virginia’s protective order laws and processes, and make recommendations for clarifying the protective order process and enhancing the enforcement of protective orders.
·                     Review the recommendations set forth in previous relevant reports and studies, and develop strategies for implementing sound recommendations from these sources. This assessment should include prioritizing initiatives, developing a timeline for achieving goals, and designating duties to accomplish the Advisory Board’s stated purpose of preventing and responding to domestic violence.
·                     Develop recommendations for enhancing services and community response to victims of domestic violence who are traditionally underserved.
·                     Investigate ways to make Virginia’s college campuses safer and reduce incidents of violence of all kinds.
·                     Make any other recommendations as may be appropriate.
·                     
            The Advisory Board shall submit to the Governor its findings and recommendations on matters potentially impacting the development of the Executive Budget no later than September 15, 2011.  The Board shall submit a final report of its activities, findings and recommendations no later than October 1, 2011.  Should the Advisory Board be extended beyond a year, this pattern of reporting shall continue for the duration of the Board.
 
            An estimated 200 hours of staff time will be required to support the work of the Commission.
 
            Necessary funding to support the Commission and its staff shall be provided from federal funds, private contributions, and state funds appropriated for the same purposes as the Advisory Board, as authorized by Section 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, as well as any other private sources of funding that may be identified.  Estimated direct costs for this Commission are $5,000.00 per year.
 
Effective Date of the Executive Order
 
            This Executive Order supersedes and rescinds Executive Order 93 (2009) issued on September 28, 2009, by Governor Timothy M. Kaine. This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until one year from its signing, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
 
            Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 1st day of October, 2010.
 
 
 
                                                                                   
Robert F. McDonnell, Governor
 
 
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, the crime of domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy and dignity, as well as their security and humanity, and whereas, these crimes involve the use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic control and abuse; and
            WHEREAS, the problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people, but cut across all segments of society; and
            WHEREAS, there were more than 63,000 calls to domestic and sexual violence hotlines across Virginia in 2009; and
            WHEREAS, more than 6,500 adults and children received almost 255,000 nights of emergency or temporary shelter due to domestic violence; and,
            WHEREAS, more than 62,000 emergency, preliminary, and final protective orders were issued by magistrates and courts across the Commonwealth; and
            WHEREAS, domestic violence agencies throughout Virginia provide vital services to victims, including crisis hotlines, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, intervention, and programs for children and teenagers; and
            WHEREAS, in addition to psychological and physical trauma caused by domestic violence, families and businesses across Virginia suffer serious economic loss due to medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters and foster care; and absenteeism; and
            WHEREAS, public officials and all citizens of the Commonwealth must continuously strive to improve the services and support for Virginia’s domestic violence victims and survivors; and
            WHEREAS, national surveys find that most Americans hold significant misperceptions about domestic violence, indicating a serious need to increase public awareness of such issues; and
            WHEREAS, during October, citizens of our Commonwealth are encouraged to remember domestic violence victims and their families, promote the programs and organizations that serve them, and participate in community awareness efforts;
            NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize October 2010 as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

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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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