Each month, our partners at vawnet.org put out a resource guide for a “TA Question of the Month”. This month, vawnet.org is providing tips on the relationship between healthy sexuality and sexual assault with their guide “How Can I Talk About Sexuality to Prevent Sexual Violence”:

The 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Campaign centers on the theme of healthy sexuality, letting everyone know “It’s time…to talk about it.” Healthy sexuality means having the knowledge and power to express sexuality in ways that enrich our lives (NSVRC, 2012). It means more than sex. Healthy sexuality includes building safe relationships, developing skills to communicate, positive and respectful behaviors and interactions, awareness of media and cultural messages, and it is always free from violence and coercion (NSVRC, 2012).

Sexuality can be viewed as an ongoing journey, something that grows and changes throughout our lives (NSVRC, 2012). It is important that information and resources on developing healthy sexuality be available to all people, from children to people in later life. Healthy sexuality relates directly to our work to prevent and respond to sexual violence. The ongoing process of active and informed consent is a key part of healthy sexuality and safe sexual relationships. Educating communities about consent and providing models for negotiating consent in relationships can enrich our lives in many areas.

As we work toward the primary prevention of sexual violence, some of our efforts include changing social norms. Gender norms, the “rules” or ideas about how a person should act based on gender, contribute to a culture of violence. Social expectations related to a person’s gender influence behaviors and sexuality (NSVRC, 2012). For example, gender norms suggest that men should aggressively pursue sex. Healthy sexuality counters this idea by promoting equal power and balance in relationships. Less restrictive norms can lead to healthier sexual interactions for all people (NSVRC, 2012). Gender norms can also support discrimination against anyone who doesn’t fit within the norm. People who identify as LGBTQ often face discrimination and violence as a result. To learn more, consider reading The Gendered Dimensions of Harassment and Bullying.

A successful SAAM campaign will reach out to both new and existing partners in the community. To begin building these connections, consider who can assist you in your community. Educating parents and caregivers about how to talk to their children may help you reach youth outside of the school day. Healthcare providers communicate with people of all ages, and may be a good source for expanding knowledge about healthy sexuality. Healthy sexuality and sexual violence prevention and response are not single-gender issues. Consider some helpful tips on partnering with men’s organizations, like emphasizing positive ways men can be involved.

Many resources are available to help you expand your knowledge and craft a great campaign.Resource kits include guides on various topics and a glossary of terms related to healthy sexuality. Many resources are available in Spanish (recursos en Español). With so many links to our work, starting the conversation on healthy sexuality can be a positive and exciting new adventure.

What are you doing to promote healthy sexuality?

Today is the national SAAM Day of Action. Our partners at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center have 4 ideas for how to participate in the SAAM Day of Action!

1.       It’s time… to talk about it! Get the conversation started 

Start the conversation about healthy sexuality and sexual violence prevention with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, classmates & others. By opening the lines of communication, we can raise awareness and help others learn about prevention!

There are resources to help you start the conversation here. Or get a little inspiration from how we talk about it in our SAAM video.

2.       It’s… time to connect! Raise awareness online

Change your profile picture to a photo of yourself holding a clock to represent “It’s time!”

Use tweets, posts and status updates to spread the word about SAAM 2012.

Post a SAAM or healthy sexuality-related video to the NSVRC YouTube channel.

Tweet about it Tuesdays! Join us on Twitter for an hour-long chats starting on the Day of Action and each Tuesday in April using #TweetAboutIt.

Add a teal ribbon graphic, banner or background to your profile, website, etc

3.       It’s time… to get involved! Get active for SAAM

Find and support a SAAM event in your area.

Connect with the organizations in your state, community and campus to participate in events, volunteer or donate.
Can’t find something in your region? Host your own SAAM event – gather friends over tea and teal cupcakes. Share SAAM with your book club, trivia night, yoga or zumba class, faith group, etc. There are so many ways to get the conversation started.

4.       It’s time.. to prevent! Be an advocate for prevention

Healthy sexuality skills and characteristics enrich our lives with relationships that are consensual, respectful & safe. Learn more about these skills!

Share information about healthy sexuality, sexual violence prevention and the importance of SAAM with you community!

Be an active bystander by engaging and responding when you hear comments or notice behaviors that are unhealthy and represent negative attitudes and stereotypes. Talking about it means standing up to injustice, educating others, and creating dialogue.

The National Alliance Against Sexual Violence has recently released updated fact sheets on key funding issues for sexual assault intervention and prevention work. These fact sheets include national facts and figures, including the FY 2012 appropriation made to the funding stream and the goal for the FY 2013 appropriation.

The fact sheets are an excellent resource when talking to your community and local media outlets about your funding needs during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For more resources on how to connect with local media during SAAM, please visit the CALCASA SAAM Resources Page.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund

Sexual Asault Services Program (SASP)

Sex Offense Set Aside in the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant

Rape Prevention Education Program (RPE)

Yesterday, President Barack Obama released a proclamation to “urge all Americans to support survivors of sexual assault and work together to prevent these crimes in their communities.”

The proclamation says that April is a time to rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of violence that threatens lives, erodes communities and weakens our country. It includes information about additional resources for service members and military families through www.SafeHelpline.org. The proclamation also lists the White House’s 1 is 2 Many website, which includes information about Vice President Biden’s efforts to end violence against women.

As we reflect on the progress we have made and the distance we have yet to go,” the proclamation reads, “let us recommit to empowering survivors and fighting for a safer future for every American.”

To read the full proclamation, visit WhiteHouse.gov.

CALCASA loves this SAAM toolkit! For Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM), the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) has a national campaign that will employ both traditional and non-traditional methods through the use of social media, social marketing and social change.

Rose Luna writes on the agency blog,

The theme of TAASA’s 2012 SAAPM packet is “Get Social”. The intention behind this theme is to emphasize the connection between community, it’s stakeholders and our agency. It also represents the importance of collaboration and building of relationships in creating awareness and change.

The comprehensive 32-page packet includes information about social media; how it can be used at your agency; social media activities; how social marketing differs from social media; and ideas that rape crisis centers can use during April and the rest of the year to raise awareness about sexual violence. For agencies that are new to social media, this packet is a great starting place with plenty of supportive content.

CALCASA will be using parts of this great resource during our SAAM 2012 activities!

Download the “Get Social” SAAPM packet.

April 2012 has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) is excited to partner with public officials, college campuses, law enforcement, victim advocates and communities across California to raise awareness.

To view CALCASA’s SAAM 2012 webpage, click here.

As momentum starts to build around SAAM, CALCASA would like to use media opportunities to not only highlight the events and work at your agencies, but also to make sexual assault a priority issue for the media and those who are watching — funders, policymakers and general public.

CALCASA is providing materials that will support your media outreach, interviewing skills, relationships with press and community presence. CALCASA is asking you to get in touch with your local media, invite media to your events and advocate for the issues that are affecting your center and this movement. The hope is for all centers across the state to be communicating with media so that we can collectively bring the issue of sexual assault to the forefront.

SAAM is a month focused on raising awareness and informing the public about what individuals can do to change the culture and to join the movement to end sexual violence in this nation and around the world. Throughout April, advocates and volunteers will canvass neighborhoods, produce public service announcements, reach out to local media, and ask public officials to end violence at college campuses, on the streets and in homes. California’s rape crisis centers serve more than 30,000 survivors of sexual violence and trafficking. National studies suggest nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men experience an act of sexual violence other than rape in their lifetime, many before the age of 18 and increasingly in elderly populations. From the streets of Los Angeles to the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevadas, every community has been affected by sexual violence.

During the month of April, CALCASA observes Denim Day California. This day protest an Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction. The Court decided the female plaintiff could not have possibly been raped because she was wearing tight jean pants, and the defendant could not have removed her pants without her assistance and thus consent. After the ruling, female Italian parliamentarians wore jeans in protest, and in solidarity, this protest was followed by California’s Senate and Assembly. Since the 1990s, Denim Day California has sent a message that there is never a reason or excuse to sexually assault someone. This year’s Denim Day CA event will take place on Wednesday April 25, 2012 on the West Steps of the State Capitol. (For information about the national Denim Day, please visit the Denim Day in USA website.)

According to government reports, sexual assaults are the lowest reported violent crime with only a small percentage of brave survivors stepping forward to report their assault and participate in the criminal justice process. Rape crisis centers, advocates and volunteers are asked to do more, during a time when the state and federal governments are assisting less. For these reasons, we ask Californians to stand unified with those individuals who step forward in the aftermath of violence.

To view CALCASA’s SAAM 2012 webpage, click here.

Week of May 16, 2011

Below is a summary of actions filed on legislation that CALCASA is currently tracking as of May 16th. The list includes bills that CALCASA is supporting and opposing. We included links to each bill, so that you can read the text. Help CALCASA push our legislative agenda by signing up and Taking Action!

AB 446 (Carter D)   Juveniles: restorative justice program.
Status: 5/16/2011-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Location: 5/16/2011-S. RLS.
Summary:
Would authorize a county to adopt a restorative justice program to address the needs of minors, victims, and the community. The bill would require the restorative justice program to be implemented through a restorative justice protocol developed by the juvenile court in conjunction with the prosecutor, public defender, and other interested groups. The bill would prohibit the use of General Fund moneys to fund the program. The bill would include related findings and declarations.

AB 520 (Ammiano D)   Sentencing.
Status: 5/18/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/18/2011-A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would provide that the court may not impose an upper term based on aggravating facts unless the facts were first presented to the factfinder and the factfinder found the facts to be true. The bill would require the court to state the reasons for its sentence choice on the record at the time of sentencing, including the specific facts in aggravation, if any, the court relied upon to impose an upper term. This bill contains other related provisions.

AB 625 (Ammiano D)   Sex offender registration.
Status: 5/18/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/18/2011-A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Current law, the Sex Offender Registration Act, requires a person convicted of certain crimes, as specified, for the rest of his or her life while residing in California, or while attending school or working in California, as specified, to register with law enforcement as a sex offender. This bill would instead establish 3 tiers of registration based on specified criteria, for periods of 10 years, 20 years, and life, respectively, as specified.

AB 813 (Fletcher R)   Sex offenders: punishment: parole.
Status: 5/19/2011-Action From CONSENT CALENDAR: Read second time.To CONSENT CALENDAR.
Location: 5/19/2011-A. CONSENT CALENDAR
Summary:
Would give board members immunity from liability for their good faith conduct. The bill would require that information submitted by a person applying for certification as a sex offender management professional do so under the penalty of perjury. Because the bill would expand the scope of the crime of perjury, it would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

AB 874 (Donnelly R)   Prisoners.
Status: 5/13/2011-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(3). (Last location was PRINT on 2/17/2011)
Location: 5/13/2011-A. 2 YEAR
Summary:
Current law establishes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and charges it with various duties and responsibilities. Current law generally regulates the conditions of incarceration and release for prisoners confined in state prisons. This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to prisoners.

AB 881 (Cook R)   Mental health: involuntary commitment: transportation.
Status: 5/13/2011-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(3). (Last location was HEALTH on 3/17/2011)
Location: 5/13/2011-A. 2 YEAR
Summary:
Would authorize a provider of ambulance services, as defined, and the employees of those providers to further detain a person in custody for the purpose of transporting him or her to a county-designated facility, whether or not accompanied by a person otherwise authorized. The bill would also exempt from criminal and civil liability individuals transporting a person for 72-hour treatment and evaluation pursuant to this provision.

AB 898 (Alejo D)   Crime victims: restitution: fine.
Status: 5/18/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/18/2011-A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would make the minimum restitution fine not less than $400 , if the person is convicted of a felony, and not less than $200 , if the person is convicted of a misdemeanor, and make other conforming changes. By increasing the amounts deposited into the Restitution Fund, this bill would make an appropriation.

AB 1060 (Hernández, Roger D)   Crimes of violence: crimes at sea.
Status: 5/18/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/18/2011-A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would establish special maritime jurisdiction for crimes against persons on board a ship outside of the state under specified circumstances , including when there is a suspect on board a ship who is a citizen or resident of this state or a state which consents to the jurisdiction of this state, when the master of the ship or an official of the flag state, as defined, commits a suspect on board the ship to the custody of a law enforcement officer acting under the authority of this state, when the state where the crime occurred requests the exercise of jurisdiction by this state, when the crime occurs during a voyage on which over 1/2 of the revenue passengers on board the ship originally embarked and plan to finally disembark in this state, or where the victim is a California law enforcement officer on board the ship in connection with his or her official duties. The bill would provide that a crime against the person or property of another that is punishable by law when committed in this state shall be punishable in the same manner when committed within the special maritime criminal jurisdiction of this state, as specified. Because this bill would expand the application of crimes to a new category of people, it would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 55 (Runner R)   Parole: placement at release: registration.
Status: 5/16/2011-Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/16/2011-S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would require these inmates, if they reside in this state, to register a residential address with the sheriff of the county in which they reside within 10 days of establishing residence or changing residence, including changes of residence within the same county. The bill would make failure to register a misdemeanor. Because this bill would impose additional duties on local sheriff departments and create a new crime, it would create a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 57 (Runner R)   Sex offenders: social networking and online address notification requirement.
Status: 5/16/2011-Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/16/2011-S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would permit information received pursuant to these provisions to be shared with other local law enforcement agencies, upon request. By creating a new crime , this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 139 (Alquist D)   Corrections: Inspector General.
Status: 5/13/2011-Set for hearing May 23.
Location: 5/10/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would authorize the Inspector General , or its successor, to oversee, and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to oversee and conduct, periodic and random searches of employees and vendors entering the secure perimeter of a state prison under the jurisdiction of the department for contraband, and require the department to report to the Inspector General and the Legislature monthly regarding those searches, as specified.

SB 233 (Pavley D)   Emergency services and care.
Status: 5/18/2011-Read second time and amended. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 5/18/2011-S. THIRD READING
Summary:
Would recast the definition of emergency services and care to include other appropriate licensed persons acting within their scope of licensure under the supervision of a physician and surgeon. This bill would expand the definition of consultation to also mean the rendering of a decision regarding hospitalization or transfer and would provide that consultation includes review of the patient’s medical record, examination, and treatment of the patient in person by a specialty physician and surgeon when determined to be medically necessary jointly by the treating physician and surgeon and the consulting physician and surgeon, or by other appropriate licensed persons acting within their scope of licensure under the supervision of a physician and surgeon. This bill would expand the definition of when stabilization of a patient has occurred to include the opinion of other appropriate licensed persons acting within their scope of licensure under the supervision of a physician and surgeon. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 242 (Corbett D)   Social networking Internet Web sites: privacy: minors.
Status: 5/17/2011-Read second time and amended. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 5/17/2011-S. THIRD READING
Summary:
Would prohibit a social networking Internet Web site, as defined, from displaying to the public or other registered users any information about a registered user of that Internet Web site , other than the user’s name and city of residence, without the express agreement of the user . The bill would require a social networking Internet Web site to establish a process for new users to set their privacy settings as part of the registration process that explains privacy options in plain language, and to make privacy settings available in an easy-to-use format. The bill would require a social networking Internet Web site to remove the personal identifying information, as defined, of any registered user, and would require removal of that information regarding a user under 18 years of age upon request by the user’s parent, within 48 hours upon his or her request. This bill would impose a civil penalty, not to exceed $10,000, for each willful and knowing violation of these provisions.

SB 285 (Correa D)   Massage therapy instruction: fraud: criminal prosecutions.
Status: 5/13/2011-Set for hearing May 23.
Location: 5/10/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would provide that a person who provides a certificate, transcript, diploma, or other document, or otherwise affirms that a person has received instruction in massage therapy knowing that the person has not received instruction in massage therapy or knowing that the person has not received massage therapy instruction consistent with that document or affirmation is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to specified penalties. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 329 (Correa D)   County penalties: forensic laboratories.
Status: 5/13/2011-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(3). (Last location was PUB. S. on 2/24/2011)
Location: 5/13/2011-S. 2 YEAR
Summary:
Would require, for the purposes of providing supplemental funding for the DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime and Innocence Protection Act, as specified, an additional penalty to be levied in an unspecified amount in each county for the late payment of any fine, penalty, or forfeiture imposed by the courts for any violation of the Vehicle Code, or a local ordinance adopted pursuant to the Vehicle Code, that is committed by the driver of a vehicle while it is in motion. Pursuant to the provisions described above, the penalty proceeds would be deposited into each county’s and the state’s DNA Identification Fund for the purposes specified above. This bill contains other related provisions.

SB 428 (Strickland R)   Public safety omnibus bill.
Status: 5/17/2011-From committee with author’s amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 5/17/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Current law generally regulates governmental access to financial records. Current law provides that the dissemination of records pursuant to specified provisions shall not be prohibited. This bill would include within that category of records which the dissemination of shall not be prohibited, the dissemination of financial information and records pursuant to an order by a judge under specified authority relating to mortgage fraud. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 453 (Correa D)   Pupil rights: bullying: school safety plans: suspension and expulsion.
Status: 5/16/2011-Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/16/2011-S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would encourage , as comprehensive school safety plans are reviewed and updated, all plans, to the extent that resources are available, to include policies and procedures to ensure that appropriate strategies, resources, training, and other prevention or intervention efforts are in place to deal with the remediation and termination of bullying, as specified. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 480 (Vargas D)   Public social services: domestic violence.
Status: 5/16/2011-Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/16/2011-S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would provide that in determining whether a county has failed to meet the federal work requirements, the number of cases subject to the federal work participation requirements is not to include specified cases granted a federally recognized good cause domestic violence waiver. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 490 (Hancock D)   Corrections: Office of theIndependent Correctional Oversight.
Status: 5/13/2011-Set for hearing May 23.
Location: 5/10/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would remove the Inspector General and the other employees from peace officer status. The bill would eliminate the Office of the Inspector General and replace it with its successor the Office of Independent Correctional Oversight and make conforming changes. The bill would require the Governor to appoint a director for the office, as specified, and would authorize the director and certain other employees to exercise the powers of arrest and serving warrants, as provided. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 531 (Rubio D)   Search warrants: HIV testing.
Status: 5/16/2011-From committee with author’s amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 5/16/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would require, if a victim requests an HIV test of a defendant against whom an information or indictment has been presented for a crime in which, by force or threat of force, the defendant is alleged to have compelled the victim to engage in sexual activity, the HIV test to be administered not later than 48 hours after the date on which the search warrant is issued . The bill would require the local health officer to disclose the HIV test results as soon as practicable. Because the bill would impose additional duties on local governmental entities, it would create a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 557 (Kehoe D)   Family justice centers.
Status: 5/17/2011-Read second time and amended. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 5/17/2011-S. THIRD READING
Summary:
Would authorize the cities of San Diego and Anaheim, and the counties of Alameda and Sonoma, until January 1, 2014, to establish a multiagency, multidisciplinary family justice center to assist victims of domestic violence, officer-involved domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, stalking, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and human trafficking, to ensure that victims of abuse are able to access all needed services in one location and to enhance victim safety, increase offender accountability, and improve access to services for victims of crime, as provided. The bill would permit the family justice centers to be staffed by law enforcement, medical, social service, and child welfare personnel, among others. This bill contains other related provisions.

SB 604 (Berryhill R)   Probation.
Status: 5/13/2011-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(3). (Last location was RLS. on 3/3/2011)
Location: 5/13/2011-S. 2 YEAR
Summary:
Current law authorizes the court to grant probation to certain persons convicted of a crime. Current law provides that “probation” means the suspension of the imposition or execution of a sentence and the order of conditional and revocable release in the community under the supervision of a probation officer. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to the provision defining the term “probation.”

SB 756 (Price D)   Sex offender registration.
Status: 5/13/2011-Set for hearing May 23.
Location: 5/10/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would provide that if a person fails to so register after release, the district attorney in the jurisdiction where the person was to be paroled or to be on probation, or the district attorney in another specified jurisdiction if the person was not released on parole or probation, may request that a warrant be issued for the person’s arrest and shall have authority to prosecute that person as specified. This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 852 (Harman R)   Corrections: victim notification.
Status: 5/16/2011-Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Location: 5/16/2011-S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would authorize providing that notice by telephone, certified mail, or electronic mail, as selected by the requesting party, if that method is available . This bill contains other related provisions and other current laws.

SB 856 (Walters R)   Parole: domestic violence: sexual abuse: victim’s rights.
Status: 5/13/2011-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(3). (Last location was RLS. on 3/10/2011)
Location: 5/13/2011-S. 2 YEAR
Summary:
Current law requires, upon the request of the victim, or the victim’s parent or legal guardian if the victim is a minor, the Board of Parole Hearings to impose as a condition of parole for a person released from prison for an offense involving threatening, stalking, sexually abusing, harassing, or violent acts in which the victim is a spouse, farmer spouse, or other victim of domestic violence, that the parolee comply with any protective orders related to the victim, as specified. This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to that provision.

SB 916 (Negrete McLeod D)   Sex offenses: sexting.
Status: 5/13/2011-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(3). (Last location was RLS. on 3/10/2011)
Location: 5/13/2011-S. 2 YEAR
Summary:
Under current law, it is a felony for a person to knowingly possess or control any matter, representation of information, data, or image that involves the use of a person under 18 years of age personally engaging in or simulating sexual conduct, as defined. This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to address the activity commonly referred to as “sexting” as it pertains to minors.

SCR 15 (Evans D)   Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Denim Day California.
Status: 5/18/2011-From committee with author’s amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.
Location: 5/18/2011-A. RLS.
Summary:
This measure would resolve that the month of April be designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, would recognize April 27, 2011, as Denim Day California, and would encourage everyone to wear jeans on that day to help communicate the message that there is no excuse for, and never an invitation to, rape or sexual assault.

2011 was another successful year for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. People spoke loudly about the issue and shared their vision to see an end to sexual violence. Although the month is nearly over, let’s not forget: The issues surrounding sexual assault deserve attention all year round.

Rape does not happen only in April. It is just a month to highlight the work that has to take place every day, every week and every month. Let’s continue to raise awareness by: asking the media cover rape cases responsibly; partnering with policymakers to support meaningful legislation that will contribute to effectively addressing sexual violence; and continuing to recognize sexual assault as a significant social problem.

Yesterday, legislators from across the state joined sexual assault advocates in recognizing Denim Day California, an event in which participants wear denim to “break the dress code and speak out against sexual violence.” CALCASA hosted the annual Denim Day rally on the West steps of the state Capitol.

There were about 150 participants taking part in the rally, with hundreds more inside and outside of the capitol sporting denim to speak out against sexual violence. More than two dozen California Legislators and others from the California Emergency Management Agency and California rape crisis centers joined the rally. Speaking at the event were:

• Executive Director Sandra Henriquez, CALCASA
• Senator Elaine K. Alquist, California’s 13th Senate District
• Senator Noreen Evans, California’s 2nd Senate District
• Senator Doug LaMalfa, California’s 4th Senate District
• Senator Kevin De Leon, California’s 22nd Senate District
• Senator Mark Leno, California’s 3rd Senate District
• Senator Darrell Steinberg, California’s 6th Senate District
• Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, California’s 13th Assembly District
• Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, California’s 54th Assembly District
• Assemblymember Fiona Ma, California’s 12th Assembly District
• Assemblymember V. Manuel Perez, California’s 80th Assembly District
• Assemblymember Steven Bradford, California’s 51st Assembly District
• Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, California’s 44th Assembly District
• Assemblymember Cameron Smyth, California’s 38th Assembly District
• Acting Secretary Mike Dayton, California Emergency Management Agency

The event was sponsored in part by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.

WHY DENIM?
In 1999, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans. The Judge argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them,” concluding “it was no longer rape but consensual sex.” Wearing jeans is a symbol of protest against destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and throughout the state, rape crisis centers are hosting activities to organize their communities to address rape and sexual assault.

Photos of the event can be found here.

The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault continues our strong tradition of reaching out to policymakers and the Administration to raise awareness about sexual violence throughout our state. Each year legislators and Capitol staff, agency secretaries, department directors, the Governor, and citizens from all over California decide to put on a pair of jeans and to show their support for Denim Day CA. By wearing denim they show there is never an excuse or reason for sexual violence. Below you’ll see two videos from some of our most ardent supporters, Assembly Members Paul Fong and Fiona Ma.

We are also excited to announce our 2011 Denim Day CA speakers who will join CALCASA on the West Steps of the Capitol on Wednesday April 27th at 10:00am:

• Mike Dayton, Acting Secretary of the CA Emergency Management Agency
• Matthew Cate, Secretary of the CA Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• Senator Darrell Steinberg, Pro Tempore of the State Senate
• Assembly Member Tom Ammiano, Chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee
• Senator Mark Leno, Chair of the Senate Budget Committee
• Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal, Vice-Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus
• Assembly Member Fiona Ma, Pro Tempore of the State Assembly
• Assembly Member Nancy Skinner, Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee
• Senator Kevin de Leon, Chair  of the Senate Democratic Caucus
• and much more…

These outstanding supporters are setting an example to all Californians that the simple act of wearing denim and speaking out against sexual violence can help raise awareness and prevent these heinous crimes. Call your legislators today and ask them toattend the Denim Day CA Rally on April 27th on the West Steps and sign the Pledge to End Sexual Violence.

If you have questions about Denim Day CA, please contact Phillip@calcasa.org.

As April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), many colleges and universities highlight the issues of sexual assault on campus by organizing events to continue to bring about awareness of sexual assault.  Walk A Mile In Her Shoes, originally created by Frank Baird, a volunteer rape crisis advocate at California State University, Northridge’s affiliated rape crisis center -Valley Trauma Center (VTC) , is a 10 year event in which men literally walk a mile in women’s shoes showing solidarity and standing up against violence against women.

The University of Northern Iowa’s “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” event is one of several events held on campuses around the nation recognizing and supporting violence against women.  Fraternities, sororities and the general campus population contributed to the event and supported awareness on violence against women. Northern Iowa is no stranger to proactively working on violence against women on campus.  UNI has been addressing the issues for several years with great programs including “Student Success” and UNI’s Violence Intervention Services.   Click here for more information.

Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted. As a result, April marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a yearly event that brings about awareness on the issues of sexual assault and rape. In Italy in 1999 , a 45 year-old man was announced by the Italian High Court as “not guilty” after raping an 18 year-old young woman because the court believed that because she was wearing jeans, there was no way he could have raped her without her help taking the jeans off. The court stated: “it is common knowledge…that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of that person wearing them…and it is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might.” 

Although a decision later reversed, the outcry from the world created a global phenomenon that sparked the creation of a day where women and men were asked to wear jeans as a a sign of solidarity and support for sexual assault survivors, saying, “it doesn’t matter what you wear, nobody has the right to sexual assault you.”  The day took on many names from “Jeans to Justice” to “Denim Day.” More than a decade later, Peace Over Violence has taken Denim Day in LA to a historic and honorary level. This year, Denim Day in LA continues to gain even more momentum with a kick-off event this month at The Staples Center sponsored by LA City Council, LAUSD, Congresswoman Judy Chu and many others. Join Peace Over Violence this April 27 and be a part of Denim Day in LA. Wear your jeans to show your support.

Executive Director Sandra Henriquez, CALCASA; Director Susan B. Carbon, Office on Violence Against Women, with the U.S. Department of Justice; Major General Mary Kight, The Adjutant General, California National Guard.

Today, CALCASA’s Executive Director Sandra Henriquez joined state and federal leadership to observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the California National Guard. In the audience were soldiers, airmen, civilians and leaders who are dedicated to ending sexual violence in our communities.

CALCASA invited Director Susan B. Carbon, Office on Violence Against Women with the U.S. Department of Justice. She was presented an award from Major General Mary Kight, The Adjutant General, for her commitment to this issue. Both Director Carbon and General Kight spoke about their dedication to changing cultural norms, to stop rape from occurring in the first place.

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Robert J. May, California National Guard, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator; Director Carbon; General Kight

Director Carbon’s office also issued a message today about “the moral imperative to develop a national dialogue and national focus on ending sexual violence against all women.” The message said:

This April, as we celebrate Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the national community, we have the opportunity to learn more about the crime and the devastating impact it has on victims and entire communities, and to commit ourselves to bring justice to the victims and their families and to hold perpetrators accountable.

To read the full message, visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s website.
Below is a clip of Henriquez speaking at the SAAM event.

CALCASA's Denim Day CA 2010 event

Although sexual assault happens all year long, this month is a time to educate people about sexual violence. It is a month that we, at CALCASA, not only promote sexual assault awareness, but also remember those who are survivors. We strive to support, promote and contribute to strengthening the resources, access and continual health services to survivors.

Today, President Barack Obama proclaimed April 2011 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. He urges all Americans to support victims and work together to prevent these crimes in their communities. The proclamation says that this is a time to:

recommit to building a society where no woman, man, or child endures the fear of assault or the pain of an attack on their physical well being and basic human dignity.

To read the proclamation, click here.

Throughout their lifetimes, survivors re-experience the trauma they endured. Whether the re-vicitmization happens through the judicial process, questions from family and friends, or exposure to pop culture, the public doesn’t see the invisibility of the trauma and a survivor’s emotional scars. Let’s expand support and provide stronger responses. No one should face trauma alone, and as families, friends and mentors, we can empower survivors to seek the assistance they need.

Together — rape crisis centers, coalitions, and groups and communities around the world — are observing April by hosting events and speaking out about:

• how to end sexual violence;
• how to raise awareness about sexual assault; and
• how to take to away the blanket of silence, shame and secrecy that are endured by the survivors.

Sexual assault happens every day, everywhere around the world and to every background. It happens to everyone — children, men and women. It happens in different communities, colleges campuses and among people with disabilities and those living in senior care homes. An estimated 1 in 6 American women and men has experienced an attempted rape. Most of these go unreported.

We can help change insensitive attitudes and build stronger relationships when advocates come together to bring awareness to this very important issue. Encourage people to wear teal throughout the month of April. For more information and resources, visit CALCASA’s SAAM page.

-Villena Vega Koumis

On Monday, April 4, CALCASA’s Executive Director Sandra Henriquez and Judge Susan Carbon, Director from the Office on Violence Against Women with the U.S. Department of Justice, will speak at the Calif. National Guard Headquarters in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In observation of April, the California National Guard hosts an annual event to educate Soldiers, Airmen and civilians about the impact that sexual violence has on the military and civilian community, and how agencies, both civilian and military, are addressing this issue.

Speakers at Mondays event include:

• Sandra Henriquez, CALCASA Executive Director;
• Judge Susan Carbon, Director from the Office on Violence Against Women;
• Retired Chief Master Sergeant Robert J. May, California National Guard, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator;
• Major General Mary Kight, The Adjutant General, California National Guard; and
• Beth Hassett, WEAVE Executive Director.

CALCASA is grateful for the opportunity to speak at this event and recognizes that the military is a sector of society dedicated to changing the parts of culture that perpetuate sexual assault. As national leaders, men and women in the military are standing up and saying that this is an important issue, which will not be tolerated. CALCASA is thrilled to see that the military has made this a priority.

April is sexual assault awareness month and it is approaching at warp speed.  Rape crisis centers around California and the nation have various events planned.  Rape Crisis Intervention and Prevention in Chico, California is today’s featured agency and is doing their part to increase community awareness around violence against women issues throughout the counties of Butte, Glenn and Tehama.

With Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) just around the corner, Verity, formerly known as United Against Sexual Assault of Sonoma County, is excited to share some of the events they have lined up for SAAM 2011.  Verity’s Executive Director, Christine Castillo, talks about the various events they are hosting as well as the many collaboration efforts they are excited about this year. Some of those events include a traveling clothesline remembering victims/survivors of sexual assault as well as:

• April 5, 2011 – Sonoma County Board of Supervisor’s proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout Sonoma County
• April 12, 2011 – “Walk a Mile in her Shoes” event.  Participants include law enforcement, District Attorney’s office, and members of the Board of Supervisors.
• May 2011 – “Take Back the Night” event hosted by a Sonoma State University Sorority.

You can hear more Verity’s Executive Director, Christine Castillo, in the video below.

Guest post from Monica Ramirez from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

Migrant farmworker women and other low wage immigrant women face sexual harassment and sexual violence in the workplace at alarming rates.  Despite the gravity of the problem, few women have ever come forward to seek justice for the wrongs committed against them.  These women are often afraid, unfamiliar with their rights and isolated.  In an attempt to stop these abuses and to educate community members about their rights in the face of this problem, community groups, non-profit legal organizations, anti-sexual violence advocates, community activists, and many other groups throughout the United States will join together to speak out against this problem and to conduct educational programs to inform farmworker and low-wage immigrant community members of their rights and the community resources available to help victims.

I have never heard the women in my family talk about Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  The only time the conversation is forthcoming regarding sexual violence issues is when they want to know my opinion on a sexual assault incident that has made local or national headlines.  I have never heard SAAM mentioned at the neighborhood barber shop where getting a hair cut includes an open dialogue on current events as it relates to black people.  I did not hear anything about SAAM at Wednesday night bible study or Sunday morning worship service.  Is SAAM not being discussed in the African American community because it is not a “Black Issue” or has appropriate outreach not been done to impress upon a community of its importance?

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and there are many neighborhoods in which community events are being eagerly anticipated.  While there are still many communities where the message needs to be echoed and embraced; not because the community is more prone to violence but because the message has not been communicated effectively and appropriately.  If you have ways to promote SAAM in communities of color, please share your ideas in the comment box below.

Additional Resources

African American Women – Sexual Violence Awareness Fact Sheet

Sexual Assault: The Black Experience

Sexual Violence Prevention: Community Assessment Report

How can you increase the effectiveness of your Sexual Assault Awareness Month outreach efforts? How can you partner with agencies across the country to build a national “SAAM Brand”? Leverage the power of social media for collaborative marketing!

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center is asking YOU – someone who wants to raise awareness about Sexual Assault Awareness Month – to make an image of a clock (or take a picture of yourself with a clock) your profile picture on all of your social media accounts. Combine that with a Facebook post or a Tweet about your hard work on your SAAM efforts and activities, and stories about the SAAM activities of other agencies in your community, and together we will raise the profile of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to a new level! Then go national with your SAAM events by posting them on the NSVRC’s event calendar.

Do you work or volunteer for a California Rape Crisis Center or Prevention Education Program? If you do, link your efforts to other people across the Golden State! Please add your events to CALCASA’s SAAM Calendar (click here for the event form) and help us to highlight your work.

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is just around the corner, it’s time to hear a lot of talk about commitment. During the month of April, many agencies — CALCASA included — often say and write things such as, “For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let’s raise awareness and commit to end sexual violence in the community.” But what exactly is the commitment? Let’s be clear.

1. CALCASA is committing to bring the issues of sexual violence and the voices of rape crisis centers to the California State Capitol.
2. CALCASA is committing to walk into the offices of every California senator and assembly member to deliver information about Denim Day and the destructive attitudes about sexual violence.
3. And CALCASA is committing to support its membership by promoting SAAM events that are occurring across the state.

What are you committing — as an agency or as an individual — for SAAM? And equally important, what do you want your policy-makers committing for SAAM? CALCASA wants to take your voice and ideas to the Capitol with us on Denim Day: What do you want your legislators to commit for the month of April?

It’s not personal (if your name is Sam). Teal is not my favorite color, but that is not why I hate Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). But every April during SAAM there is suddenly an increase level of permission to talk about rape (in some circles); the media rediscovers the problem of sexual assault, and public officials make proclamations about the need to be aware of the impact of sexual violence.

All of these are fine activities – I want to see the media cover rape cases responsibly, policy makers to support meaningful legislation that will contribute to effectively addressing sexual violence, and for sexual assault to be recognized as the significant social problem that it is.

But what about the other eleven months? We all know that rape does not happen only in April. It is just a month to highlight the work that has to take place every day, every week and every month.

As we are planning for our SAAM activities for April, I am reminded of how many people and organizations actually care about ending sexual violence. And I am excited to see our efforts to prevent sexual abuse get well deserved recognition.

It is just that sexual assault deserves attention all year.

California Legislative Women’s Caucus is formed and ready to advocate on behalf of women and children throughout the state! The caucus has elected two new co-chairs, Senator Noreen Evans and Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal.

Every new session of the California Legislature brings changes in membership and leadership. The Legislature has many different caucuses such as the Republic or Democratic caucuses, as well as the Latino Caucus and the Black Caucus. However, the Legislative Women’s Caucus stands out as a true ally to CALCASA and it’s members.

This small and outspoken group of women, have been organized as a political force since 1985, but traces their origins back to 1918 when the first women were elected to public office in California. They currently make up 32 of the 120 legislators, which is above the national average of elected female legislators (CA: 27%; National average: 24%). Of the 32 legislators, eight are first-year officials and will need the assistance of organizations like CALCASA to highlight issues important to women.

The Women’s Caucus already advocates on a variety of issues including caregivers rights, sexual assault services, domestic violence, women’s health, and has been a consistent supporter and sponsor of Denim Day CA and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It’s most recent actions were advocating against budget cuts that disproportionately affected women and children.

Meet your 2011-12 Legislative Women’s Caucus:

Last month, CALCASA’s Director of Public Affairs Robert Coombs spent a weekend aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is the fifth Nimitz-class supercarrier in the United States Navy. He, along with bloggers and media, had the opportunity to explore the ship and meet with its crew.

While underway in the Pacific, Coombs learned about some of the initiatives the Navy has to deal with sexual assault. The timing was fitting because he was on board during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In the video clip, he interviews Lt. Cmdr. William J. Marks, the ship’s public affairs officer, who talks about the Navy’s commitment to victim intervention, prevention and response.

Coombs also met S.A.V.I. advocates — that’s Sexual Assault Victim Intervention. These individuals are doing some of the same work that advocates in California are working on, in addition to dealing with the special nature of working with sexual assault in the military.

Denim Day California 2010 was another big hit in the Capitol region with hundreds of legislators and staff participating to increase sexual assault awareness and to show that there is never reason or an excuse to rape.

On a wet and rainy day, CALCASA’s Capitol event brought together legislators, agency allies and crime victim representatives to stand together against sexual assault.

Please click through the photo slideshow to see great photos of the Capitol event and watch the video to see legislators taking leadership on sexual assault awareness.

News of other successful Denim Day events permeated through the media and we want to thank all of our members and allies for making Denim Day 2010 a success. Let us work together over the next year to make sure sexual assault awareness is not just in the month of April but throughout the year.

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to an end, here is a video of my talk to the California National Guard for their SAAM event on April 12, 2010. I talked about the importance of preventing sexual violence, the That’s Not Cool Campaign, and Denim Day.

Gov. Schwarzenegger's public observance.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger observed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and released to following public statement:

“Greetings to everyone observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As Governor, keeping our citizens safe is my highest priority, and I applaud all those who are devoted to stopping sexual assault and helping those who have been victimized by this horrible crime. …

“The perpetrators must answer to justice, and the victims must have resources and opportunities to heal. Your actions are ensuring that these goals become realities, and I commend you for  your dedication to your fellow Californians. Thanks to your concern, our Golden State is an even better — and safer — place to call home.”

“Please accept my best wishes for a memorable observance and continued success in your noble endeavors.  Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger”

CALCASA will continue to work with the Governor and the Legislature to meet our commitment to ending sexual violence in our communities.

Please comment and let us know about your Sexual Assault Awareness Month events.

As agencies and communities throughout the nation observed Denim Day 2010 today, Community Violence Solutions in San Pablo, CA was pleased to have received support from their local police department.  Below is a message from the Richmond Police Department to Community Violence Solutions:

The Richmond Police Department’s Investigative Services Bureau wants you to know we are in total support of “Denim Day” in protest of the 1999 Italian court ruling. As a show of support, we all broke out our jeans and dressed against Department policy.

We want to thank you all for the hard work and support you provide to our Victim’s.

Richmond Police Department showing their support for Denim Day 2010

Thank you to the Richmond Police Department and all the other law enforcement agencies, organizations and individuals who support the movement to end sexual violence, not just on Denim Day, but throughout the year!

**Guest post from Leslie Sena from the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County**

As part of  our Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) activities, on Saturday, April 17, 2010 the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County will host its 3rd Annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence at Banner Island Ballpark, home of the Stockton Ports. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® challenges men to walk one mile in a pair of women’s shoes to raise awareness and funds to support the Women’s Center’s services for sexual assault victims. The purpose of the marches is to create community awareness and involve men in ending rape, sexual assault and gender violence. Proceeds from this event will help to support the Women’s Center’s sexual assault services.

Last year, more than 160 courageous men participated in the local march, helping to raise funds and awareness, and encouraging more men to speak out against rape and sexual assault. The Women’s Center anticipates even more walkers at this year’s event.

This event has two very important objectives:

1) Create a fun opportunity to raise community awareness on a very serious issue: sexual assault.
2) Raise funds to support the Women’s Center’s sexual assault services.

The Women’s Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a wide range of supportive, educational, and crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, enabling them to regain control of their lives. For 34 years, the Women’s Center has been the lifeline to help and hope for thousands of women, children and men in San Joaquin County, and now reaches over 28,000 individuals each year. Proceeds from Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will help the Women’s Center continue its critical programs and services.

Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. and the walk begins at 3:00 p.m. To learn more about this event, visit our website here.

© jurvetson's photostream

Yesterday marked the first day of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. President Obama signed a proclamation, which stated that the month of April is a time to “recommit ourselves not only to lifting the veil of secrecy and shame surrounding sexual violence, but also to raising awareness, expanding support for victims, and strengthening our response.”

One prescription for change provided in the proclamation is to confront the social norms that perpetuate such behaviors. The proclamation read:

As we continue to confront this crime, let us reaffirm this month our dedication to take action in our communities and stop abuse before it starts. Together, we can increase awareness about sexual violence, decrease its frequency, punish offenders, help victims, and heal lives.

To read the full proclamation, visit the Office of the Press Secretary.

© Henderson Images' photostream

The month of April is designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal is to raise public awareness about sexual violence (focusing on sexual assault and rape) and to educate communities and individuals how to prevent sexual violence. By working together, we can highlight sexual violence as an important public health issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.

What can you do to participate?

• Contact CALCASA if you wish to participate SAAM events taking place throughout California. CALCASA can connect you with any of the state’s 85 rape crisis centers.
• Informing friends and family via social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Inviting people in your community to join you at crisis center events.
• Participate in Denim Day – April 21
  

Facts and figures
A study by the Centers for Disease Control in 2008 found that:

• 11 percent of women and 2 percent of men reported experiencing forced sex at some point in their lives.
• 1 in 4 women reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape while they were in college.
• 60 percent of female and 70 percent of male victims were first raped before the age of 18.
• Sexual assaults represented 10 percent of all assault-related injury visits to emergency departments by females in 2006.

For more information about what you can do to participate, visit CALCASA’s SAAM 2010 page.

Ending sexual violence takes more than being against rape.  We have must be for something.  The Washington Coalition Against Sexual Assault Programs has a wonderful Sexual Assault Awareness Month project asking people to share what they stand for.

To join this campaign print out a flag saying “I am anti sexual violence and pro _______” and then send a picture to a great Flickr photostream.  Examples of what people are pro include consent, slippers, s’mores and Joey Ramone.

Check it out here.

As the month of April fast approaches, agencies are putting together the final details for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day. Liza Rodriguez, program manager, from Valley Oasis explains the various events that her agency is planning. Ellen Hong, director of programs, from the Center for Pacific Asian Family discusses how her agency is approaching some of the taboos in talking about sexual violence.

Since 1999, Peace Over Violence has has organized Denim Day in LA & USA as a rape prevention education campaign. Emily Austin, division manager of prevention services at Peace Over Violence, explains in the above video that Denim Day’s history began in 1998 when an Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans, reasoning she must have helped her attacker remove them. Annually on Denim Day, people everywhere are encouraged to wear jeans as a sign of protest against the myths that surround sexual assault.

For 2010, Peace Over Violence has various plans to raise awareness about the need to end sexual violence. The agency is bringing Denim Day to the Los Angeles Unified School District by distributing materials that will allow students to become empowered advocates for justice. Additionally, each year it creates buttons for Denim Day, adding a new language each year. This year, there will be buttons in Sign Language. One event that is still in the works is the possibility of organizing a flash mob in order to bring attention to a topic that bystanders may not be familiar.

Last year, 1 million people signed up for the cause. With an increase in its online presence, Peace Over Violence hopes to double that number this year. For more information or to sign up, visit Denim Day in LA & USA.

Goleta, CA – The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women Campus Grant program has four flagship systems that work towards meeting the minimum standards set by the grant.  The University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) is part of the University of California system, a 10 campus system that focuses efforts on research, teaching and public service.

UCSB’s Rape Prevention Education Program (RPEP) is led by Melanie Matson, Director, who brings a wealth of experience in the field of sexual assault having worked for several years in Minnesota.  RPEP’s efforts are supported by Kari Mansager, the Assistant Director of the RPEP, as well as student interns.

Recently, I came upon a story entitled, Women Workers Organizing Against Sexual Harassment, which featured a short video of female women who had organized against issues of sexual harassment at Guimarra Vineyards, where they are employed.  They were successful in gathering a petition of support signed by over 16,000 people and, as shown in the video, proudly submitted it to the Vineyards.

With SAAM 2010 quickly approaching, it’s important to keep in mind and highlight local movements such as these across the State.  One way that the Southern Poverty Law Center has been bringing attention to the issue of sexual harassment against farmworking women is through the Bandana Project. You can learn more about the Bandana Project here.

You can also read the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) press release regarding the Giumarra Vineyards case, here.

As SAAM 2010 quickly approaches, CA rape crisis centers are gearing up and preparing their various SAAM awareness events for 2010. We were excited to hear from Stephanie Mesones, client services specialist at the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center, about  their plans for SAAM 2010:

For more information about SAAM 2010, including resources, events and other Highlights, please visit our SAAM 2010 page.

As agencies gear up for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, CALCASA  had the opportunity to speak with advocates from the YWCA-Greater Los Angeles about their preparations for SAAM 2010.  Alice Corona, Volunteer Coordinator; Vanessa Cardona, Site Manager; and Mikki Melton, Senior Site Manager, all share their agency’s plans for SAAM 2010:

For more information about SAAM 2010, including resources, events and other Highlights, please visit our SAAM 2010 page.

Oakland, CA – Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an especially exciting yet challenging time for advocates by investing concerted and heightened efforts to raise the level of awareness and education surrounding sexual assault across on the individual, community, organizational and public policy levels.  How to draw additional attention to sexual assault, advocates often ponder?  Art has long served as a medium through which to share ideas/events and elicit a variety of reactions from inspiration to provocation in order to create social change.

Breaking Silence

Inspired by the stories he heard while interviewing people, Bay Area-based artist Joe Schneider developed “Breaking Silence” an exhibition using photography and interviews that revolves around survivors of sexual assault.  The exhibition toured college and university campuses across the country where attendees, given a portable cd player, would walk through the room to see portrait photographs of survivors mounted and displayed on easels while listening to interviews where the survivors share their experiences.  ”There is a real range of the healing process [that comes appears in the exhibition].  I think some of these people are very evolved and others are much more raw.  Talking about it is a good thing no matter what.”

The exhibition is meant to serve as a space where people can individually connect with stories thereby reiterating how sexual violence is an issue that impacts diverse communities.  ”There’s something intimate about listening to the stories on a headset,” Joe adds.

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) April 2010 approaches, CALCASA wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the events that California Rape Crisis Centers have hosted during the month of April to raise awareness about sexual violence.  Every week we will be featuring a new Rape Crisis Center’s SAAM events in order to highlight what events are taking place throughout the State during SAAM.  It is also an opportunity for Rape Crisis Centers to share ideas and suggestions for SAAM events as well as the resources used or needed to put the event together.

This week we are excited to highlight Community Solutions in Morgan Hill, CA. Community Solutions offers supportive services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence to residents of South County, which include South Santa Clara County and San Benito County.  Emma Lucas, Debbie Ruiz and Louisa Velazquez share some of the events that Community Solutions hosted during SAAM 2009 and will be hosting for SAAM 2010:

To learn more about the Bandana Project, you can read our blog post here.

For more information about SAAM 2010, including resources, events and other Highlights, please visit our SAAM 2010 page.

As we are half way through Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and planning for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I have been thinking about the role of awareness in prevention efforts. In a recent post, The Social Butterfly blog asks

So, why, fellow health marketing and do-gooders do we settle with “awareness-building?” To be frank, every time I’m in a meeting and I hear the word awareness, my skin crawls. Awareness is great–but there’s a time and place for it. I’m aware of Ritz crackers, but I buy Wheat Thins. I’m aware of Powerade, but I buy Gatorade. There are times I might know about your cause–but I won’t donate. Other times I might know you need help, but I won’t volunteer. I know exercise is healthy, yet I’m still sitting here typing this blog post. There is a reason to these behaviors and decisions. There are motivations, barriers, incentives, costs, and more.

For sexual violence and domestic violence prevention, I think we need to build our prevention efforts upon our successful awareness efforts.  30 years ago, people did not know about domestic violence and saw rape as only being committed by strangers. Today, our awareness efforts have made significant changes, but we still have work to do to prevent rape and domestic violence.

What do you think?

(Click here to see the entire Social Butterfly blog on “Questions to Prevent Awareness Fever.”)

Proclamations and resolutions can help you involve local government leaders in your work to raise awareness about sexual violence.  You can build an event around the public presentation of a proclamation or resolution.  In some situations, a resolution or proclamation can help “legitimize” your story idea in the minds of media representatives as they hear your pitch for coverage of Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities.

In the document, Proclamations and Resolutions, you will find sample documents to help you format and draft your own proclamation or resolution.  We recommend that you use the proclamation for a mayor or county commissioner, and the resolution for a legislative body such as your city council or county board of supervisors.

The text from the State of California’s Resolution designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month is included for your information and use.

For more information about SAAM 2010, including resources, events and other Highlights, please visit our SAAM 2010 page.

CALCASA encourages all centers across California to sponsor Denim Day in your community on this date, as we all join together to increase awareness about sexual assault. For example, centers in California already have organized Denim Day L.A., Denim Day Hemet, Denim Day East Kern County, and Denim Day Nevada County among others. Let’s have a Denim Day in every area of California!

In the document, Denim Day Materials, you will find tools to help you prepare for your local Denim Day activities. Included are the following:

• Sample Flyer to advertise Denim Day and your center’s event
• Sample Letter to the Community (i.e. local agencies and businesses)
• Sample Letter to the Mayor regarding Proclamation
• Sample Letter to County Supervisor regarding Proclamation
• Sample Proclamation
• Denim Day California Resolution

Please remember to personalize these materials with your agency’s information and educate yourself on the meaning behind Denim Day. You may also want to develop posters from the flyers to post in your community to generate more publicity for the event. A special thanks to the Center Against Sexual Assault of Riverside County for developing these materials and sharing them with the field and to Peace Over Violence for helping to develop Denim Day in California.

For more information about SAAM 2010, including resources, events and other Highlights, please visit our SAAM 2010 page.

April is recognized nationally as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  This is an excellent opportunity for your rape crisis center (RCC) to have events that raise awareness of the issues concerning sexual violence, spotlight your agency and collaborative partnerships and the great work that you are doing in the community, and emphasize what invaluable services are available for survivors of sexual assault and their families.

Below is a short list of activities that some rape crisis centers have used in their communities with varying success to engage the community for  SAAM events:

• Community march – ‘Walk a mile in her shoes”
• Take back the night rally
• Clothesline project
• Public Service Announcement (PSA)
• Vagina Monologues
• Poetry Slam
• Community pledge signing of violence free living
• Pair of shoes displayed to represent the number of reported rapes in your community

CALCASA has a SAAM events document that gives a brief example of a few community events that RCC’s have used before.

If your agency is holding SAAM events  please click here to include them on the events calendar.

For more information about SAAM, including resources, events and other Highlights, please visit our SAAM 2010 page.

Recently, I received a call from a local Rape Crisis Center regarding where they could find posters and other items they could use to decorate their main office.  The advocate mentioned that they were looking for things that clients could relate to and would make them feel welcomed.  My initial thought was, “Where can I refer her to purchase posters?”  As I referred her to some sites I began to think, “How practical is it for Rape Crisis Centers to have the funds to purchase posters in theses tough economic times?” For many centers, it’s just not practical at all.

Providing a welcoming and representative environment for clients can cost little to no money. Something that came to mind is Arte Sana’s Corazon Lastimado (Healing the Wounded Heart) art project.  Arte Sana began this art project in 2003 as a therapeutic and creative way for survivors to express the impact of sexual assault in their lives, including their journey towards healing.

Some centers have already begun to do this with clients.  For instance, centers are using client’s artwork  (with written consent) during Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April at events or as displays in their offices.  Using client’s art can be a great way to personalize your center, provide inspiration for staff and clients and help clients on their journey toward healing.

If you are interested in showcasing your client’s art work, below are some resources that may help you with various ideas to get you on your way.

Arte Sana

A Window Between Worlds

The Bandana Project

Putting a Face on Abuse

Has your agency worked on a similar project? Please feel free to share your experiences with others in the comments section below.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, AL, launched the Bandana Project through their program Esperanza: The Immigrant Woman’s Legal Initiative. Esperanza, which means “hope” in Spanish, focuses on the issues of harassment and sexual assault of farmworker women. The National Initiative provides education on workplace rights to farmworking women and works to raise awareness of this issue in communities throughout the United States.  Monica Ramirez, an attorney at the SPLC who directs the initiative,  began this program while working as an Equal Justice Works fellow in Florida.  She states:

“For a long time, no one was talking about this. Women were too often afraid to come forward. No legal services program was focusing on this issue, and few organizations had expertise or resources to dedicate to it. But we need to know about it, and we need to be outraged. We want these women to have a voice, and we want these companies to pay for the illegal behavior that’s being committed in their workplace.”

The program not only focuses on farmworker women but also on all immigrant women working in low-income sectors such as meat-packing plants, canneries, and  hotel and service industries. From the experiences of these women, the Esperanza Initiative decided to launch the Bandana Project as a campaign to help raise awareness of the exploitation of farmworking women. The reason for using the Bandanas came from the experiences of farmworker women who say that they use the bandanas, as well as over sized clothing, to try to hide their gender to protect themselves from sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace.  The campaign also uses the bandanas as a public display of solidarity and support for victims and survivors of this violence.

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, many cities across the Nation invite their communities, including members of the farmworking communities, universities and other agencies, to decorate bandanas. These decorated bandanas are then displayed in public areas such as museums, libraries, and community centers throughout the month of April. Many Rape Crisis Centers in California are now including displays such as these during their SAAM activities and events.  Monica Ramirez adds,

“Through this project, we try to bring a sense of hope, confidence and the will to be brave. It is our wish that these women will see our encouragement as a sign that they no longer have to suffer in silence.”

Watch a video about Campaign here: Bandana Project

For more information about the Bandana Project and how you can begin a campaign in your community, visit the Southern Poverty Law Center’s website .

Arte Sana's Existe Ayuda National Project

CALCASA had the privilege to host the second phase of Arte Sana’s Existe Ayuda (Help Exists) National Outreach Project this year during our Leadership Pre-Conference day on August 17, 2009 in Sacramento.  About 23 Bilingual, Spanish-Speaking advocates from California and neighboring states such as Oregon and Nevada participated in the National Outreach Project this year.  Arte Sana’s National Outreach Project is a outreach and training product demonstration of Spanish language materials. Laura Zarate, Executive Director for Arte-Sana, facilitated the day long project and provided participants with the existing outreach materials to review. Participants had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on grammar, content and language pertaining to these outreach materials.

Participants discussed the complexities that come with the development of culturally appropriate Spanish-language materials due to the diversity of the language as well as the generational differences in Spanish-Speaking communities. The Outreach Project participants, who were from communities from different areas of Mexico and Central America, shared their individual experiences working in communities were services for Spanish-speaking survivors are not offered in culturally appropriate ways. Arte Sana thanks all the participants who devoted their day to attend this training and for being a part of this project. Your feedback and dedication towards providing the best and most culturally appropriate information and services to your communities is greatly appreciated.

For more information on Arte Sana’ and their Existe Ayuda National Outreach Project, please go to www.arte-sana.com

CALCASA hosted Denim Day 2009 on April 22nd. More than 40 legislators and policymakers stood up and spoke out to end sexual violence. Here you’ll see those activities along with a pledge signing:

CALCASA is pleased to release the CALCASA 2009 Selected Findings Report. The report is a brief highlight of recent statistics on sexual violence and is meant to serve as a supplement to our 2008 Report.

Also, the tenth annual edition of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Information Packet for 2009 takes on a new look this year.

It will continue to offer comprehensive, user-friendly, theme-based event suggestions, media and public advocacy tools, but in a format that is more easily accessible and usable. We offer this year’s “SAAM Toolbox” in the spirit of strengthening our collective ability to “Decide to End Sexual Violence.”

Please visit our website often. We will be adding tools, updating a calendar of statewide SAAM events and information on Denim Day to be held on Wednesday, April 22nd.

Californians can join national efforts to “Decide to End Sexual Violence.” The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault is providing information, tips and tools to maximize successful Sexual Assault Awareness Month planning in California, including action steps that community members, activists, and professional industries can take to end sexual violence.

The tenth annual edition of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Information Packet for 2009 takes on a new look this year. It will continue to offer comprehensive, user-friendly, theme-based event suggestions, media and public advocacy tools, but in a format that is more easily accessible and usable. We offer this year’s “SAAM Toolbox” in the spirit of strengthening our collective ability to “Decide to End Sexual Violence.”

Please visit our website often. We will be adding tools, updating a calendar of statewide SAAM events and information on Denim Day to be held on Wednesday, April 22nd.

The Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center, one of CALCASA’s member agencies had an excellent turnout for a fundraiser they hosted last week.

Over 100 men put on “high heels for a one-mile walk through San Luis Obispo to raise money and awareness about sexual crimes.”

Jennifer Adams, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center, said:

“It is an opportunity for men to come out and show their support and to speak out against sexual violence.”

Click here to watch the television clip of the story.

Legislators, elected policy makers, state agencies and associations from across the state joined sexual assault advocates in recognizing Denim Day California today, an event in which participants wear denim to “break the dress code and speak out against sexual violence.”

The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) hosted the Denim Day Pledge signing today on the South Steps of the state Capitol. The event was sponsored in part by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. Over 40 legislators and policy makers turned out for the event and pledged their support for ending sexual violence.

Legislators and Elected Policymakers who supported Denim Day:

• Assemblemember Lois Wolk
• Assemblmember Jean Fuller
• Assemblymember Betty Karnette
• Assemblymember Bill Maze
• Assemblymember Cameron Smyth
• Assemblymember Fiona Ma
• Assemblymember Hector De La Torre
• Assemblymember Lois Wolk
• Assemblymember Loni Hancock
• Assemblymember Lori Saldana
• Assemblymember Mike Eng
• Assemblymember Nicole Parra
• Assemblymember Noreen Evans
• Assemblymember Wilma Amina Carter
• Assemblymember Jose Solario
• Assemblmember Patty Berg
• Assemblymember Martin Garrick
• Assemblymember Doug Lamalfa
• Assemblymember Sharon Runner
• Assemblymember Anna Caballero
• Senator Elaine Alquist
• Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod
• Senator Gloria Romero
• Senator Jeff Denham
• Senator Jenny Oropeza
• Senator Patricia Wiggins
• Senator Sheila Kuehl
• Judy Chu, PhD, Chair State Board of Equalization
• Secretary of State Debra Bowen

State Agencies and Associations who Supported Denim Day:

• Office of the Governor
• Office of the Secretary of State
• Office of Emergency Services
• California Department of Justice
• California Attorney General’s Office
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• California Board of Equalization
• Commission on the Status of Women
• Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board
• California Victim Witness Program
• California State Sheriff’s Association
• Crime Victims Action Alliance
• Crime Victims United

Inside the Capitol, many staffers broke out of their traditional formal dress code for the day and wore denim.

WHY DENIM?

Denim Day events are held throughout the nation in an effort to raise awareness about sexual violence and highlight the myths that are so prevalent around this crime. In 1998, an Italian Supreme Court overturned the verdict of a convicted rapist because the 17 year-old victim “wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them…and by removing the jeans…it was no longer rape but consensual sex.” Within hours, women from the Italian Parliament showed solidarity in outrage over the decision by breaking the dress code and wearing jeans to work.

Referring to the advancements in efforts to combat sexual violence, CALCASA’s Executive Director, Suzanne Brown-McBride notes: “Denim Day is an important opportunity for legislators and policy makers to stand up and speak out against sexual assault. CALCASA works with these leaders all year in trying to bring an end to sexual violence and we are proud to stand with them today commemorating this event.”

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and throughout the state, rape crisis centers are hosting activities to organize their communities to address rape and sexual assault.

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