Comments for CALCASA - California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Comment on Share your lessons from NSAC by Lady Tasz

Lady Tasz — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:25:07 +0000

I will never forget the impact that event had on my life! To be on stage with Bishop and Dee, and delivering a message that was so dear to every one of those peoples’ hearts in the audience was amazing! The message is clear: stop the violence!!! Love, Lady Tasz

Comment on Stop Telling Women How to Not Get Raped by Macie Milne

Macie Milne — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:44:11 +0000

Muchos Gracias for your blog.Thanks Again. Fantastic.

Comment on Stop Telling Women How to Not Get Raped by David Lee

David Lee — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:28:16 +0000

Thanks for the question. What I mean is programs where women are supported to create social change – by becoming activists and agents of change to, as Zerlina Maxwell says so well in her article, “attack the culture that creates predators in the first place.” Examples include efforts like Hollaback and SPARK Summit. There are many others.

Comment on CALCASA, Director Carbon attend National Guard SAAM event by Nerice

Nerice — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:58:40 +0000

The voice of ratoiniatly! Good to hear from you.

Comment on Stop Telling Women How to Not Get Raped by Sophia

Sophia — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:08:50 +0000

I think you’ll need to elaborate on what exactly you mean by “women’s empowerment in rape prevention” to create meaningful dialogue. Simply put: it’s easier for women to empower themselves without prevention campaigns designed to limit their freedom and pre-emptively victim-blame, which is what most prevention campaigns aimed at women have been known for doing. If you actually think from a victim’s perspective… before the victim was assaulted, the Rape Crisis Center told her that she should not drink or not ever be outside alone, etc. to make an effort to prevent her own assault. Then after she is assaulted they tell her that none of those things actually matter and that the rapist made a conscious decision to commit a crime. These are obviously conflicting messages that the prevention community has long perpetuated, ignoring the consequences for victims. I am glad that the prevention community is finally starting to think from the perspective of the clients they serve.

Comment on CALCASA, Director Carbon attend National Guard SAAM event by Kaitlyn Stell

Kaitlyn Stell — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:45:08 +0000

wow, awesome blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.

Comment on New library materials for CALCASA members by Martha Borders

Martha Borders — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:54:29 +0000

Villena, HI! As volunteer coordinator I am in the process of working with a committee to update our training program, and specifically searching for a video list of current documentaries on topics that will align with our 17 session schedule of classes. I would like to borrow them to view and if we like the content, we will buy the videos to include in our training curriculum. Any suggestions? I know you at CALCASA had an extensive video library. Is access to that library still available? . You can call me at 530-295-4205 if you need, or send me a link if possible. Thank you. Martha

Comment on Rape more common than smoking in the US by May Rico

May Rico — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:33:21 +0000

From a statistical perspective, I get the usefulness of using this as an illustration of the prevalence of rape. Outside of that, however, the comparison seems a bit random to me. While I understand the overlap of violence against women into the public health arena, I think it’s important to remember it isn’t SOLELY a health issue. For example, did the study also look at the age of offenders to help guide prevention efforts? The only mention here appears to be age of the victim.

Comment on Rape more common than smoking in the US by sara moore-hines

sara moore-hines — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:08:02 +0000

David,
Great website…
As former clinical director of Women Against Rape in Delaware Cty, Pa,
I am currently affiliated with Family Support Line in Media, Pa which specializes in treating children who have been sexually abused.
I’m interested in accessing info on how the stats are compiled for children who are sexually abused in the U.S. (ie 1 out of every 3-4 girls by the time they are 18 y/o and 1 out of every 5-6 boys similarly). Any references? I assume they are primarily taken from nationally compiled data from police and court records?
In addition, do you have any references for the connection between
pornography use/abuse and sexual harrassment and/or sexual violence against children/women?
Thanks
Sara Moore-Hines
LPC, NCC
Pa.

Comment on Attorney General announces revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s definition of rape by elle

elle — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:44:35 +0000

Does this definition apply to a spouse?

Comment on Teachable Moments from Penn State Case by David Eads

David Eads — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:55:11 +0000

Jane Leavy's "open letter to Mike McQueary" (the assistant coach who waited far too long to testify to the authorities about what he saw) is a lyrical and moving demonstration of what can be learned from the Penn State rape tragedy: "Trauma fractures comprehension as a pebble shatters a windshield. The wound at the site of impact spreads across the field of vision, obscuring reality and challenging belief. I know from my own experience that you can know exactly what happened and wonder: Did that really happen? Did I see what I think I saw?"

Comment on Attorney General announces revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s definition of rape by Shirley Sanchez

Shirley Sanchez — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:21:32 +0000

I believe this is a great move forward and will allow more and very specific definitions, to aid us all in serving clients better! Hopefully this will ensure more arrests and convictions!

Comment on Using theater to discuss child sexual abuse by Amita Swadhin

Amita Swadhin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:59:15 +0000

Thank you again for the opportunity to share our work with your listeners! If people would like to support Secret Survivors’ documentary production process, they can watch our promo video and make a tax-deductible donation until January 20 at: http://www.indiegogo.com/SecretSurvivors

Comment on Law & Order: SVU episode will explore male sexual abuse by Xavier

Xavier — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:19:13 +0000

There’s just so much going on that people don’t acknowledge or even know..

Comment on The importance of language: calling rape what it is by James Landrith

James Landrith — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 04:36:30 +0000

Thank you for writing this Jessica. I’ve been ranting about this for a few years now. As a male rape survivor of a female rapist, I’ve heard it called EVERYTHING but rape.

I fault not only the FBI for its horrible, outdated minimization of certain types of sexual violence, but also many advocacy organizations who have gone along with such ridiculous terminology for decades. Further, some will even use statistical models that erase certain classes of survivors (male victims, date rape, female survivors of female rapists, etc.) without caveat or acknowledgement that the models are severely flawed and don’t reflect reality. Media organizations are slowing catching up as the organizations that purport to speak for survivors have begun to flex their muscles a bit more willingly.

We MUST make noise if change is to occur sometime this century.

Comment on What are we working for? New names of sexual violence & domestic violence organizations by Lois Frankel

Lois Frankel — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:24:17 +0000

I appreciate this article, and regret I’m just seeing it now! As the DC Rape Crisis Center enters our 40th anniversary next year, we’ve been contemplating the challenges of engaging people when our title has both the work “rape” and “crisis” in it. But in the anti-sexual violence context (as opposed to the domestic violence context), it seems much harder to find words that tell what you do (so people can find you and know exactly what you do when they hear of you!) without being specific and explicit. So many new names are lovely, yet say nothing of the work. I’d love to hear more examples of new organizational names in the anti-sexual violence community that convey immediately what the organization does.

Comment on Urge Congress to reinstate Rape Set-Aside money by Jose Arguello

Jose Arguello — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:04:25 +0000

I would really hope you support and help reinstate these funds. This will help your daughter, your mother, your children or some relative that in times of crisis will have help when needed. You can make this happen. Thank you very much!

Comment on David Lee honored at APHA Conference by Kim McGregor

Kim McGregor — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:10:31 +0000

Congratulations David. A well deserved honour! Regards KIm
(PS We met briefly at the Baltimore Conference in September and I’m still planning to contact you Dr Kim McGregor New Zealand).

Comment on Seeing Green at the YWCA Silicon Valley by Emily

Emily — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:00:47 +0000

Most definitely the best contagion ever! Seeing all the great leadership YWCA Silicon Valley is doing is really inspiring us in our work to get Green Dot going at Lompoc High School. Keep up the good work, ladies!

Comment on How do you stay motivated in prevention work? by PB

PB — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:26:29 +0000

I am not in California but in Kansas, and here no one wants to talk about. I post things on my FB page and get ZERO responses. It’s scary how no one wants to show they are pro-woman, pro-woman’s rights, pro-choice, anti-violence towards women. I feel very alone. The mentality here is …well she must have done something to deserve it… they believe in benevolent sexism here by and large, esp. the women…that men are to be cared for and deferred to and in turn they are to protect us… such BS. I feel like I live in a world that hates women… and even other a women are a threat to me and my ideas of a free and equal world for all.

Comment on Building healthy teen, vampire, and werewolf relationships by ashley

ashley — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:53:02 +0000

Love this idea of the third choice! Creative!!! We should always be thinking outside the box like this when it comes to media. It seems less aggressive to say “team respect” rather than “twilight is bad, and blah blah teens shoulndn’t watch it”

Comment on LAUSD votes to start dating-violence program by Sonia Rivera

Sonia Rivera — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:09:28 +0000

I hope that the RCC’s in Los Angeles County can come together and work on a plan that will be able to utilize all of our centers. Eventhough there are many teachers that want us in their classrooms we keep hitting stumbling blocks. We just want to be able to get into our community schools and work with our families. There is a lot of work out there for all so lets come together and see what we can do so that this never happens again.

Comment on LAUSD votes to start dating-violence program by Shirley Sanchez

Shirley Sanchez — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:24:10 +0000

Why not spend the efforts and possible funding on the MyStrength and corresponding Prevention for females in High School, rather than inventing the wheel? Weare doing great things with these “clubs” — money is limited! Thank you for really thinking about this! We see results and we need to be in many more schools and reach many MORE teens!!

Comment on Coaches to prevent violence by Brian Porch

Brian Porch — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:07:07 +0000

I and other community partners in cooperation with our local CCR Team here in Johnson County, Kansas, have been providing “clinics” for area youth coaches on the Coaching Boys Into Men Program for the past 6 years, and at this point we’ve provided the CBIM Playbook to over 2000 coaches. I fully appreciate Mr. Ehrmann’s message to coaches – and to violence prevention advocates – regarding the largely untapped potential they have to positively impact the life of a young athlete. Often – as may have been Mr. Ehrmann’s case – a coach is the only positive role model in a child’s life, and while many coaches see opportunities to positively intervene they are often under so much pressure to simply have a “winning season” that they feel it’s perhaps not their role to address character issues. All the more important that communities work with coaches as an invaluable resource and provide the necessary tools for them to become “transformational.”

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Rose Zabala

Rose Zabala — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:11:14 +0000

That’s the Filipino talent and courage surfacing. Mabuhay!

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Liz Belenis Slater

Liz Belenis Slater — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:33:01 +0000

Eleni,

My heart could not be prouder of you – it is through courage that many lives are changed and I believe you did indeed change many lives through your actions. Standing up and speaking your truth is what makes you free and what you did was freeing for not only you but every other girl in your school and in the world. You changed our world.

My love to you always…

Libby’s Mama

Comment on From Local to Global: Working With Human Trafficking Survivors by Livia Rojas

Livia Rojas — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:07:37 +0000

Hi Olivia! Try downloading the file from the website now. If that doesn’t work, let us know and we can email you the file. Thanks!

Comment on Get An Education, Get Sexually Harassed by Karyn Patrick

Karyn Patrick — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:53:00 +0000

I am going through the same thing, and I can feel for the family the school district isn’t going to do a thing. My son gets up at 5am to walk to school, which is almost 3 miles away. He is a boy, and I can’t imagine what a young girl would have to go through … I guess the school will only do something if she got attacked, then maybe something would be done. It’s a shame that these kids are trying to get an education and this bus budget is making it impossible. I would rather my son be home-schooled than have the risk of him being harmed by going to school. The funny part of this is that your child can’t not be taught or the parents go to jail..so what gives? Is the Twin Rives School District going to step up and help these kids that are wanting to go to school? What happened to California?

Comment on Campuses & CA rape crisis centers: opportunities for collaboration by Genevieve

Genevieve — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:41:15 +0000

Dear Livia,

I’m an RN in here in CA and is interested to go on training and volunteer as councilor for rape victims. Please E-mail me your future training date. Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you soon.God bless and more power.

Genevieve

Comment on Web conference to preview The NO MORE Project by christine trecker

christine trecker — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:20:37 +0000

Hi,
Can you verify that I am signed up for the NO More web conference in September. I put the event on my calendar but now I can’t find a confirming e-mail about it. Christine Trecker ( Sex Abuse Treatment Center). If you can let me know either way I would appreciate it and if I am signed up please re-send the confirmation information. Thanks!

Comment on From Local to Global: Working With Human Trafficking Survivors by Olivia Alvarez

Olivia Alvarez — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:11:59 +0000

I can’t download this workshop material: “A Collaborative Response to Human Traficking Power Point”

I have not problems with the other ones… Thank you!!

Comment on The art and science of measuring prevention by John D. Foubert, Ph.D.

John D. Foubert, Ph.D. — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:34:24 +0000

I hope that readers will give thoughtful consideration to my response to this article, now published online by the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. The abstract for the article is as follows:
Rape prevention programmers and researchers have long struggled to select the most appropriate theoretical models to frame their work. Questions abound regarding appropriate standards of evidence for success of program interventions. The present article provides an alternative point of view to the one put forward by seven staff members from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Tharp et al., 2011). Questions are posed for readers to consider regarding the appropriateness of the medical model for rape prevention programs, whether randomized control trials are the one and only gold standard, whether programs presented to groups should be evaluated at the group or individual level, whether subscribing to principles of prevention selected by the CDC for other disciplines translate well to rape prevention, what constitutes sufficient dosage, and what constitutes a rigorous research program studying an evolving rape prevention intervention.

Comment on Diversifying Leadership to Prevent Sexual and Domestic Violence by Luis Fernando González

Luis Fernando González — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:29:41 +0000

Hi great webpage!; the Resources and The publications have a great content, thanks.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Michelle Aimone

Michelle Aimone — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:14:52 +0000

Great job Elena! I am so proud when I read about a young girl who is not afraid to speak up when she knows something is not right. You are helping to teach others kids about what is not acceptable behavior. That’s really important. Your words and actions also help others to not be afraid to speak out, too. You should feel proud!

Comment on Choosing a Self-Defense Course by Rob

Rob — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:57:13 +0000

Also a good self defense class is not about retribution or revenge and will give an individual the skills (not just physical) to aid them in protecting themselves and others. If a self defense course emphasizes on “going for the kill.” or “putting down an attacker.” for some this may not be the best choice and will more likely than not have instructions and practice that may be a bit more “agressive” than some individuals would like causing them to not fully pick up what is taught.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Dorothy

Dorothy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:44:13 +0000

Eleni,
My name is Dorothy Edwards and I created Green Dot about 5 years ago with the hope that I could make the world safer for my two daughters and two sons. What you did helped make that hope come true. Not only did you do a green dot in your school, but now your one green dot is turning into hundreds of green dots as people all over the country read about what you did and become inspired to do their own green dot. Thank you my friend. I am honored to work by your side to make the world a safer place for children everywhere!

Comment on Developing the Boys to Men program by Eleanor c. Brown-McSwain, MSW

Eleanor c. Brown-McSwain, MSW — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:50:25 +0000

We are the first domestic violence agency that feels that boys who are at risk for being victims or victimizers need early intervention. Our work has shown us that boys/men need to address their past trauma and learn how it can impact their decisions later in life as well as we do with the girls programs

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Ma'at

Ma'at — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:07:01 +0000

Oh wow! True strength is not how physically strong we are, the truest strength comes from inside. It comes from things like… doing the right thing, especially when no one else will. Eleni, you are amazing!

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by James

James — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:54:15 +0000

Great Job Eleni!!! I am happy that she did that not only did it show her and her friend how to stand up for themselves but it showed the boys, that kind of behavior should not be tolerated!

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Eddie Zacapa

Eddie Zacapa — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:09:08 +0000

Eleni,

I so appreciate you sharing this story with us and your willingness to share with others. Your taking a stand brings more hope to the world.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Rikki

Rikki — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:34:33 +0000

Thank you for sharing this story. I think it is fantastic that Eleni is not afraid t speak up as well as inform the proper people of the incident. “Way to go girl!”. This also show other girls they don’t have to be afraid to speak up and not to ignore inappropriate behavior. Thank you and best of wishes to you.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Joan

Joan — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:31:34 +0000

Awesome Job. How intelligent and strong of her to speak up and not accept such abuse. I admire her bravery and I am sure her friends admire her also.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Deborah

Deborah — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:30:55 +0000

Thank you for sharing with us. I appreciate you taking that stand that you did. It’s important that young boys realize what sexual harassment is all about before they become uninformed, abusive men.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:29:33 +0000

I work with students Eleni’s age and older and give presentations about these very issues. I hope, and believe it is likely, that Eleni understands that by standing up for what she believes in around her peers she is doing much much more to stop sexual violence than one presentation ever could and that it is students like her that keep educators like myself doing my job day after day.

Thank you, Eleni – you are not just an inspiration for others your age but for adults, too.

Comment on Engaging men to prevent sexual violence by Wanjala Wafula

Wanjala Wafula — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:04:14 +0000

I am the programs Director of the Coexist Initiative which is a national network of men and boys organizations committed to eliminating all forms of violence against women, girls and sexual minorities in Kenya. Please link us with organization supporting work around LGBTI work in the world.

Regards,
Wanjala Wafula
Programs Director
Coexist Initiative

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Ricky

Ricky — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:03:21 +0000

Outstanding Eleni and great job Villena (Mom)

Comment on CALCASA’s 2011 Leadership Conference: photos & tribute video by Yadira

Yadira — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:51:18 +0000

Thank you CALCASA for a wonderful First experience! and Thank you to all the presenters for such valuable information.

Comment on Healthy Break-Ups and Why They Matter by Cayla

Cayla — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:46:37 +0000

This year’s conference will focus on empowering youth and adult allies to end relationship violence. Find out more at http://peaceoverviolence.org/calendar/2012/2/16/62

Comment on “Apps Against Abuse” Challenge to help address sexual assault by knano

knano — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:11:04 +0000

A good initiative, the technology can help, today there is already an iPhone application called “SOSave-helpme” http://itunes.apple.com/it/app/sosave-helpme/id444754232?mt=8. The application can be used in all cases of extreme danger. SOSave-Helpme is unobtrusive and invisible, silent therefore indicated particularly in cases of violent assault.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Yadira

Yadira — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:45:13 +0000

Eleni,
It takes a very courageous young lady to do what you did. I admire you for taking a stand against sexual harassment and protecting what is rightfully yours. You are a true inspiration for many children.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Bonnie

Bonnie — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:32:53 +0000

Good for her! It sets a good example for both her friends and those boys on what is unacceptable and how to handle it. And good for you too, for teaching her.

Comment on 10 year old acting on Green Dot by Uncle Tim

Uncle Tim — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:14:13 +0000

Good Job, Eleni! We’re proud of you!

Comment on President signs Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act by Phillip Ung

Phillip Ung — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:42:04 +0000

Hi Randall
If you’ve gotten in touch w/ Ken then you’ve been in touch with the one person who knows most about the pending regulations. Because we are waiting for regulations to be drafted, released, and then finalized, we actually don’t know who/what/when cruise vessels will need to start training personnel. I’m sure once the regs get finalized, the cruise companies will be looking for consultants. Feel free to email me directly if you have any other inquiries. Phil@calcasa.org

Comment on President signs Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act by Randall Jaques

Randall Jaques — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:28:54 +0000

Phillip,
I have been contacted by Ken Carver with the ICV regarding the cruise vessel safety act. I worked shipboard for years as a security officer. I now own a maritime consulting firm in Miami. I would like to conduct training for the designated crew responsible for passenger contact with the FBI. Can you assist me in who to contact. Regards Randall
305-498-3260 jaquesrandy@hotmail.com

Comment on New resource on commercial sexual exploitation of children by Trisha Smith

Trisha Smith — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:50:47 +0000

Thank you for helping to get this resource out. We really appreciate the support and are excited to highlight and share some of the inspiring work programs are doing around this issue. Also – really looking forward to having more conversations about prevention strategies!

Comment on Study released regarding sex trafficking on the California border by Anna

Anna — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:03:20 +0000

There’s a terrific book everyone should share with their friends and age-appropriate children: “Sold”, a harrowing first-person account of trafficking, rape, and being freed. It’s by Patricia McCormick and it’s the only book of its kind I’ve seen. Highly recommended for those who want to learn more about these issues. Proceeds from the book supports Anuradha Koirala’s anti-trafficking organization, Maiti Nepal.

Comment on California Restitution Summit 2010 by Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:48:49 +0000

I certainly have a comment here. While the state is broke and has run away spending, my son at 23 years old has a resitution amount of 30K because the state wants to take 10% and the California Franchaise Tax board wants to take another 18% for collections. My son was just released from prison less than a month ago and is already in collections. Not once did the state ever ask for the money, they just automatically sent it to collections. This is unfair. While my son wants to pay off his victims, why should he have to pay the state for their mistakes? He paid for his mistake by serving time in our overcrowded prison system, why is the state putting their problems on the people who cannot afford to pay it? It is just another example of government making all the so called “bad people” pay the bills through taxes and increased fees for everything!

Comment on Using an ecological systems approach for prevention by David Lee

David Lee — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:58:06 +0000

You can access the article at http://jiv.sagepub.com/content/26/8/1664 or at your school’s library. Good luck in your class.

Comment on Using an ecological systems approach for prevention by Debora

Debora — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:14:57 +0000

I am interested in further information regarding the study. I located a synopsis on the web at: http://calcasa.org/prevention/using-an-ecological-systems-approach-for-prevention/

I am taking an on-lone Human Development and Growth Psychology Class. The topics and terms on the web page relate to what we are learning. I am also interested in the topic itself; bullying.

Comment on CALCASA congratulates Anna Caballero by MLW

MLW — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:21:12 +0000

I would appreciate some direction here about a rape that occured on a California community college but in the 1980s-unfortunately I am coming up with zero-I need direction to find out how to go about doing this-any suggestions?

Comment on More than 75 California Legislators Break Dress Code for Sexual Assault Awareness by Natasha Coulter

Natasha Coulter — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:45:09 +0000

Jessica – Bravo for doing such a great job.
Can you give me any insight as to where I might find a journalist in No. Cal for a story on PTSD and child prostitution?

Comment on Connection between trafficking and institutions of higher education by Carol

Carol — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:05:33 +0000

The introduction in this blog mentions human trafficking, yet the slides did not appear to cover the even the minimum definition of human trafficking, the TVPA of 2000 or the Office to Monitor Trafficking in Persons website.

Slide #16 requires clarification, as it implies that DMST, CSEC and Sex Trafficking are all subsets of Child Abuse. Since I did not attend the webinar I cannot be sure what that particular slide might otherwise indicate, but victims of sex trafficking are not all victims of child abuse and anyone can be trafficked.

The estimated #’s of juveniles trafficked and the average age have been have been refuted by the Crimes Against Children Research Center, among others. http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/prostitution/Juvenile_Prostitution_factsheet.pdf

I have no idea what slide #19 is indicating, as there are no city or state ranking reports, and am not sure what else this might be.

Slide #22 indicates a trend by the Task Forces and Vice Squads to go after the cases that take the least time to solve (money and time) versus the foreign born and/or forced labor, bonded labor, and domestic servitude cases that are time and labor sensitive and costly to the department.

Slide #25 isn’t just “risk factors” – those are drivers and root causes of the trafficking of youth, male and female that are rarely addressed and usually are not funded or have funding pulled. Prevention efforts aimed at these areas are never, to my knowledge, included in anti-trafficking “safe harbor” prevention legislation.

CSEC includes the foreign born (non-US citizen) population, yet I do not believe that GEMS or any of the organizations they have indicated as “providers” are assisting non-US citizens or US citizens who are victims of forced labor. One exception is Prax (us), located in the Denver area.

~ Carol

Comment on New study shows media underreport child sexual abuse by May Rico

May Rico — Tue, 24 May 2011 22:27:06 +0000

Thank you for bringing this important report to our attention.

Comment on IMF chief’s arrest offers teachable moment by Lisa Thomas-Adeyemo

Lisa Thomas-Adeyemo — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:22:30 +0000

kebo, thank you so much for naming that so plainly!! that’s exactly where the focus of this discussion should land!!

Comment on IMF chief’s arrest offers teachable moment by genny dumay

genny dumay — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:45:38 +0000

youre right! stereotyping world leaders as morally upright when in fact no! let’s support the victim survivor instead at this time of her need! let her know there are women and men who are with her in her struggle to get her justice.

Comment on Obama plans advisory on campus sexual assault by Laurie Dutton

Laurie Dutton — Thu, 19 May 2011 20:51:17 +0000

Now that this advisory has been issued and we are learning how to implement it on campus, a question arises: are college counselors now mandated reporters of sexual assault/harassment disclosures by the victim, in the counseling setting? What if the victim does not want the incident reported to the Title IX coordinator and/or have the incident investigated?

Comment on IMF chief’s arrest offers teachable moment by Kebo Drew

Kebo Drew — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:33:02 +0000

It would be great if Calcasa could actually speak to the sexism & racism & white supremacy inherent in this case. To wit, an African woman (whose country of origin, like other African nations is subject to IMF’s dangerous and destructive policies) has been raped. Given the history of colonialism and slavery, and the idea that Black women were/are perceived as sexually licentious or rapable, this offers a larger teaching moment than Jessica acknowledges. Do a better job speaking to women of color and how stereotypes about our sexuality affect our experience of rape.

Comment on California Restitution Summit 2010 by Phillip Ung

Phillip Ung — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:27:27 +0000

Hi Diane. You can contact your local Victim Witness Assistance or a local victim advocate at a rape crisis center to help you navigate the system and find solutions. On our website you can find a list of all the rape crisis centers that are members of our coalition.

Comment on California Restitution Summit 2010 by Phillip Ung

Phillip Ung — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:24:59 +0000

Hi Michael, It sounds like you may need to contact the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board to file your wrongful imprisonment and compensation. You can find their website at http://www.vcgcb.ca.gov. Good luck.

Comment on Welcome to Green Dot! by Mateo Lumbreras, Prevention Program Manager

Mateo Lumbreras, Prevention Program Manager — Tue, 10 May 2011 03:31:58 +0000

Dear Calcasa Friends,

On behalf of Women’s Crisis Support~Defensa de Mujeres I would like to thank you for selecting us as one of the recipients for this awesome opportunity!! We look forward to strengthening our relationship with you all and my staff is super excited about implementing this program here in Santa Cruz County. We look forward to working with you and the rest of our sister agencies who will be joining us next week!! See you in Sacramento on Monday!!

Comment on California Restitution Summit 2010 by Michael V. McGuire

Michael V. McGuire — Sun, 08 May 2011 07:59:19 +0000

June 21, 2010 I was incarcerated by accusations made of my Niece and Grand-Niece and was just released Mat 5, 2011. When charged and crimes listed the Deputy D.A. stated to the judge that I had committed repeatedly these sex crimes to multiple victims in three, (3), consecutive generations. She did not refer to the judge that I was accused of allegedly committing crimes, but that I had committed the crimes. The Judge assessed bail so high I could not pay it as I was laid off six months earlier. I have witnesses who were in the court room as well as the courts record. Therefore, it seem to me that I qualify for the wrongful imprisonment and compensation. Will you kindly advise and direct me as to making this claim? Thank you.

Comment on Youth speak about sexuality and technology by maria cecilia t. cortado

maria cecilia t. cortado — Wed, 04 May 2011 09:04:21 +0000

this is indeed very informative i will be using it as one of my related literatures in my study…

Comment on Build Your Volunteers Sustain Your Agency by Martha Borders

Martha Borders — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:16:33 +0000

Kavin, I am so looking forward to attending and participating in the training~!! You will receive my stipend application this morning. See you there ! Martha

Comment on What are we working for? New names of sexual violence & domestic violence organizations by George

George — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 06:40:14 +0000

IF such name changes help these organizations be more effective particularly in reaching more men or helping women and/or men be more successful in ending the violence great! Sometimes also a name change may energize people or simply help more people recognize the cause as important. Being Positive is certainly a good idea, however what’s really important is How it helps them in their work.

Comment on Register for PreventConnect web conference: Cultivating community driven social change by Satya Soleil Starr

Satya Soleil Starr — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:39:28 +0000

This is fabulous. I am looking forward to attending. Thank you.

Comment on Addressing cultural issues in prevention by David Lee

David Lee — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:54:01 +0000

Thanks Livia for leading a great discussion. Good prevention practice should be community-driven that builds upon the assets of that specific community. Being culturally relevant is a must – otherwise it is an effort that is imposed upon a community, not coming from the community.

Comment on Friday Policy Update by Phillip Ung

Phillip Ung — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:47:08 +0000

Hi Melissa,

I got your voicemail and you didn’t leave a return number so I couldn’t call you back. The changes in legal representation are being done through regulatory changes. You will have to fine the section of the VCGCB website that mentions regulations and rulemaking. The Board already approved changes to legal representation, they are currently going through a public comment period.

Comment on Friday Policy Update by melissa knight fine

melissa knight fine — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:44:39 +0000

Dear Phillip,
I spoke with you a few weeks ago re: the Victims Program proposing changes that would affect victims ability to obtain legal representation. I don’t see this on the agenda for the board meeting tomorrow. I did look at prior minutes. I see the proposals to lower counseling rates. Michael Siegel has expertise representing victims and advocating for legislation to assist victim. It would be a loss for victims if restructuring discouraged him or other attornys with this expertise from representing victims. I would appreciate knowing if CalCASA is taking any action or encouraging others to take action on this issue. Any information will be appreciated. Thank you, Melissa Knight Fine 916-203-1234

Comment on Peace Over Violence kicks off SAAM with Denim Day in LA by Jennifer Castillejo

Jennifer Castillejo — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:31:43 +0000

i support the cause of Denim Day!
today my school and the club im in, marched around our school creating awarness to the students, teachers, staff, and our community about denim day, it wasnt quite a success but hopefully next year we get more people to help us show that we care!! Peace over Violence!!

Comment on Rethinking Pornography: Media Literacy in Action by Nick Browning

Nick Browning — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:08:45 +0000

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am a research assistant at the University of Utah in the college of social work. I was looking for any assistance you could give me with regard to the pravalence of child pornography in the Western states. Also, if you have any research resources on Adult Sexual Truama Therapeutic treatments. Dr. Rob Butters and I are currently investigating what other sexual abuse treatment programs are implementing as best practice for adult sexual trauma across the country.

Any direction or assistance with our research questions would be much appreciated,

Sincerely,

Nick Browning

Comment on Friday Policy Update by Franz V. Hurtado

Franz V. Hurtado — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 07:44:05 +0000

Nice article! You can get more information about successful poet by reading about Franz V. Hurtado. He is a great poet. He know new technology about poetry.

Comment on Advocates’ duty to partner with universities by era6

era6 — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:53:32 +0000

As a husband, father, brother and son, it pains me to hear what happened to Beckett Brennan. I have also worked for a University Police Department and currently with a city police department. Rape is rape. If a person does not consent it is a serious crime. Every avenue should be pursued. Every shred of evidence should be scrutinized. Leave nothing on the table. I would like to recommend all women to try to locate their local RAD instructor. It is a self defense program that has made a world of difference in the lives of female friends and family.

Comment on California Restitution Summit 2010 by Diane McKee

Diane McKee — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 03:20:14 +0000

I was present at my ex-husband’s sentencing in 2007 (he committed sexual crimes against my daughter). I read a statement about how the crime affected our family and I requested restitution. I gave a dollar figure that, the judge stated, exceeded what could be handled at that time, and that it would have to handled at a later date. I never heard from anyone, and I didn’t know who to contact. Raising my four kids alone on a meager salary, and through periods of unemployment has been nearly devastating. I worked hard on my speech and on figuring out our losses due to his crimes and I had no idea how to respond to the judge’s statement. The courts need to take responsibility to inform victim families as to what they need to do to receive restititution. The same goes for Victim Assistance, who seemed to want to help me initially, but ultimately there was nothing done. Victim families do not have free time for figuring these things out. In our case, my children and I had court-ordered therapy for 18 months. My ex-husband “refused to settle” in divorce court until the judge had to step in and finish it, so I used all my vacation and sick time on worthless court appointments. I was told that juvenile cases trump criminal cases and criminal cases trump divorce cases, so it was more than three years before my settlement was finalized. This left a huge gap of time during which my ex-husband maxed out his credit card (which I tried to get my name off of, but the credit card company refused to help me — they said only the primary cardholder could do that.) I didn’t know about this until a year after he had been in prison and then they came after me (even though I didn’t use credit cards after we separated) and have put a lien on my house! There was absolutely no protection from my ex-husband who is vindictive about me leaving him! Help!!! I cannot afford my lawyer. What I’m saying is, victims and their families don’t have the resources to protect themselves from their offenders, years after the crime has been committed. Who can help me???

Comment on Treatment of child sexual abuse by Elisa K. Jimenez

Elisa K. Jimenez — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:28:23 +0000

Please let us know a little more about this training so we can send some people to get this training. Thank you for making a change in the world.

Comment on Walk a mile in her shoes- a campus perspective by David Lee

David Lee — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:08:48 +0000

Check out this academic article look at Walk a Mile in Her Shoes? I am interested in what people think. http://calcasa.org/prevention/article-examines-walk-a-mile-in-her-shoes/

Comment on Advocates’ duty to partner with universities by kiwisurfer

kiwisurfer — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:51:00 +0000

This couldn’t have come up at a better time as my own daughter grapples with such an incident at UOP and is being funneled into the school’s judicial/administrative review process for resolution. I can only hope that the unfortunate events of Ms Brennan has paved the way for the school to take a more enlightened path to resolving this without having the offending student strolling the halls of the school with impunity only to prey again and at the same time intimidate any “victims”. These students with scholarships (academic, athletic or otherwise) should be stripped of those privileges/benefits and forced to live with an impairment based upon their violation of the conduct clauses.

Comment on Calif. Women’s Center to air on 60 Minutes by LM

LM — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:40:42 +0000

I thought Joelle Gomez did an excellent job on 60 Minutes. So what if the University of the Pacific isn’t pleased with your platform. It’s not all about them. They’ll get over it. I’m glad that someone is standing up for women targeted by rapists.

Comment on Calif. Women’s Center to air on 60 Minutes by judy

judy — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:44:01 +0000

I thank God EVERYDAY for Peace Over Violence (Gabby) for NEVER giving up on helping my daughter find a shelter when all were full !! You saved my daughter & children!

Comment on Why men speak out about rape by Elijah Shaw

Elijah Shaw — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:01:09 +0000

I moving interview about a powerful if unfortunate topic. David, thank you for taking the time to share.

Comment on Why men speak out about rape by David Lee

David Lee — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:55:47 +0000

The statement was published in the Ms. Blog today http://ow.ly/4zpMH

Comment on Tool Kit: U-Visas and Law Enforcement by Sam Martin

Sam Martin — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:30:19 +0000

Your advocacy tool kit is an interesting concept.Thanks for sharing this unique idea through your blog post.Its always nice to visit your site.Thanks for sharing.

Comment on Women of Color and Health Care Reform by Herveleger

Herveleger — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 06:25:00 +0000

Thanks for your share.I Love herve leger he actually designs clothes in mind for those who wear them-women, not tennage boys ! if every model said I’m not going under my healthy BMI the fashion world would have to start using healthy models. Like a strike to eat instead!

Comment on “Don’t be that guy” rape prevention campaign by Day 184: Silencing Voices | Whitney T. Photography

Day 184: Silencing Voices | Whitney T. Photography — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:13:18 +0000

[...] great campaign photo I might have to [...]

Comment on Men speak out about sexist coverage of rape: A call to action by Roni Beauregard

Roni Beauregard — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:47:39 +0000

Public education about sexual assault is always geared to the victim. It is time to start addressing the perpetrators just as campaigns about drinking alcohol and driving are targeted to perpetrators. No one has ever produced a Public service announcement telling sober drivers what they should do to avoid drivers under the influence.
Men have been raised with the attitude they are central, superior and deserving. This needs to change.
When police stop a female, the arrest looks much different than it does for a man, a cop will grab her by the ponytail, or hair and put her to the ground I doubt that when a man is arrested it looks this way. This perception continues because we tolerate it, and I suspect because so few women are part of the process of actually designing laws to protect the rights of victims.

Comment on White House announces unprecedented effort to address sexual violence on campus by David Lee

David Lee — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:30:02 +0000

Check out the entire presentation as Vice President Biden and Secretary of Education Duncan spoke at the University of New Hampshire http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/04/ending-sexual-violence-one-student-one-campus-time

Comment on Order ribbons for Sexual Assault Awareness Month by Jessica Renee Napier

Jessica Renee Napier — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:59:22 +0000

Hi Claudia –
You can check out the following rape crisis centers …
http://www.bawc-mi.org/Default.aspx
http://www.bawar.org/
http://www.sfwar.org/

Comment on Order ribbons for Sexual Assault Awareness Month by Claudia.Anderson

Claudia.Anderson — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:28:32 +0000

Hello just wondering if you had any information on upcoming events in the bay area. If not can you recommend any links that might help. I am a survivor of this and am ready to be a voice and take a stand!

Comment on The art and science of measuring prevention by Brad

Brad — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:07:14 +0000

The Evolution of Sexual Violence Prevention and the Urgency for Effectiveness is an EXCELLENT article and precisely describes many of the problems found in measuring prevention programs (and in reporting the results). I really loved the manner in which they addressed the issue (and challenges) of outcome evaluation, and the need to use the principles of prevention in determining the promise of a program. This passage is particularly on point in my opinion:

“Psychometrically sound instruments are necessary to overcome the effects of social desirability and demand characteristics that undermine the valid measurement of violence perpetration. As program participants are often aware that rape and sexual assault are socially undesirable behaviors and because a participant may only regard the most severe acts (e.g., forcible rape) as sexually violent rather than considering all possible sexually violent acts (e.g., sexual harassment and coercion; Basile & Saltzman, 2002), subjective measures of attitude and behavior change administered in a focus group or one-on-one (i.e., Foubert et al., 2010; Foubert & Perry, 2007) are poor proxies for actual behavior change. While qualitative measurement of outcomes can be useful in the very early stages of program evaluation, reliable and valid measures of behavior (e.g., Sexual Experiences Survey; Koss & Oros, 1982) administered repeatedly over time are necessary in evaluation research to establish a program’s effectiveness in changing behaviors…The translation of these questionable results into practice is problematic, as practitioners may select programs that claim to produce behavior change, when in fact the methods used do not provide sufficient evidence to support these conclusions”

They discuss the utility of focus group / qualitative data as a way to see if a program is on the right track (which I was glad to see), and go on to make a crucial point about problems that can arise when a program makes claims beyond what the outcome results reasonably indicate – but do so in a manner that most practitioners (at least those without a background in the scientific method, measurement, or evaluation) wouldn’t be able to catch.

An important consideration that underpins all of this is the manner in which program evaluation is intermingled with financial and political concerns. Pressures from self and institutions (e.g., universities, publishers, etc.) to promote a given SV prevention program as “outstanding” or “the best” are just as common in the field of SV prevention as they are anywhere else. Program developers/authors want recognition, clout, and consulting fees, and institutions want status and revenue. These considerations are bound to affect the manner in which a SV prevention program is developed and evaluated, and how those outcomes are reported and promoted. In nearly 15 years of doing SV prevention work I’ve seen these types of should-be-extraneous concerns repeatedly creep into this field under the guise of “science” and do so across a variety of curricula, programs, etc. It frustrates me because if I see a program being oversold (e.g., the results/impact being “spun” as more impressive than is warranted), it tells me that the priorities of that program, its developers, and its supporting institution are out of whack. It tells me that people are not acting in good faith. Sometimes this is made all too clear. I’ve seen certain established prevention programs threatening legal action against anyone questioning their programmatic claims (folks who’ve been on Prevent Connect since the very early days might remember the situation I’m talking about…though there have been several instances of this across multiple programs of which I am aware), a SV prevention program author ambushing a “competing” author at professional conferences with one-sided handouts, and borderline intimidation tactics being used at a meeting by a consultant who apparently felt that their program should be above above scrutiny.

I’d love to see our field to preempt this type of counter-productive (and petty) behavior, and I think evaluating programs against benchmarks that map to the principles of prevention (though perhaps a modified, more SV-specific set of principles) is the way to go. Also, not accepting a program’s claims until it has been evaluated by outside, independent (as in, not at all associated with the program author(s)) researchers might also be a good thing to always keep in mind. I’m not sure if any SV prevention program has gone through an independent and rigorous outcome evaluation process to date…I could be wrong though…I know the CDC recently began putting a few well-known SV prevention programs through this type of evaluation, which is great.

Bravo to Andra and her co-authors for this article, and for making a strong case for using the principles of prevention!

Comment on I can do it better than the Executive Director by Shirley Sanchez

Shirley Sanchez — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:41:53 +0000

We love you here at RCS and know that you are there at CalCASA to support not only us, but all of those who need your expertise! I also know that you are a person of faith and integrity! I am proud that you started in Fresno and have grown into a position that makes use of your many talaents! Much affection, Shirley

Comment on Army looks at cultural change to prevent sexual assault by David Lee

David Lee — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:14:07 +0000

Here is an article about the SHARP Summit http://www.army.mil/-news/2011/03/29/53956-sharp-opens-third-phase-of-i-am-strong-campaign/?ref=news-arnews-title0