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.

Hello Members!
I am excited to share new materials with all of you. Please feel free to take a moment to review the information of the materials (listed below).

I encourage all of you to take advantage in  helping me to update our library. You can do this by sharing with me the types of materials (DVD’s, curriculum, etc.) you use that has been helpful to you or your agency. What ideas would you like to share or find available in the library?

The goal is to update the library so that it can better serve as a place where you can share the tools or materials you’ve used or created to network with other members, find the information and the resources you are seeking. I welcome your ideas and look forward to working with all of you as we update the library.

Here are some examples I am looking for:

• Curriculum that was helpful for the training needs of your agency.
• Sharing materials you or your organization have created (electronic copies) that you’d like to see circulated in the library to others.
• Materials that you know will be helpful to develop new or existing skills within your staff or agency.
• Materials to learn the latest trends and techniques in doing the work within the movement.
• DVD updates, curriculum, etc.
• Bilingual materials

With deep appreciation of the all the work you do, I thank you in advance for your time. I look forward to hearing your comments.

Please contact me if you are interested in borrowing any of the materials the library. My email is villena@calcasa.org or call (916) 446.2520 ext. 320.

Thanks!
Villena

The Bro Code: How Contemporary Culture Creates Sexist Men
From the cover: The Filmmaker Thomas Keith takes aim at the forces in male culture that condition boys and men to dehumanize and disrespect women. Keith breaks down a range of contemporary media forms, zeroing in on movies and music videos that glamorize womanizing; pornography that trades in the brutalization of women; comedians who make fun of sexual assault; and a groundswell of men’s magazines and cable TV shows that revel in old-school myths of American manhood. The message Keith covers in virtually every corner of our entertainment culture is clear: It’s not only normal — but cool — for boys and men to control and humiliate women. In the end, The Bro Code challenges young people to question this dangerously sexist ideal of masculinity.

For more information:  http://www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=246#press-reviews

 Generation M: Misogyny in Media & Culture

From the cover: Despite the achievements of the women’s movement over the past four decades, misogyny remains a persistent force in American culture. In this important documentary, Thomas Keith, professor of philosophy at California State University-Long Beach, looks specifically at misogyny and sexism in mainstream American media, exploring how negative definitions of femininity and hateful attitudes toward women get constructed and perpetuated at the very heart of our popular culture.

The film tracks the destructive dynamics of misogyny across a broad and disturbing range of media phenomena including: the hyper-sexualization of commercial products aimed at girls, the explosion of violence in video games aimed at boys, the near-hysterical sexist rants of hip-hop artists and talk radio shock jocks, and the harsh, patronizing caricatures of femininity and feminism that reverberate throughout the mainstream of American popular culture.

Along the way, Generation M forces us to confront the dangerous real-life consequences of misogyny in all its forms — making a compelling case that when we devalue more than half the population based on gender, we harm boys and men as well as women and girls.

For more information:  http://www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=234

Asking For It: The Ethics & Erotics of Sexual Consent

From the cover: The line between sexual consent and sexual coercion is not always as clear as it seems — and according to Harry Brod, this is exactly why we should approach our sexual interactions with great care. Brod, a professor of philosophy and leader in the pro-feminist men’s movement, offers a unique take on the problem of sexual assault, one that complicates the issue even as it clarifies the bottom-line principle that consent must always be explicitly granted, never simply assumed. In a nonthreatening, non-hectoring discussion that ranges from the meanings of “yes” and “no” to the indeterminacy of silence to the way alcohol affects our ethical responsibilities, Brod challenges young people to envision a model of sexual interaction that is most erotic precisely when it is most thoughtful and empathetic. Ideal for classes in gender studies, communication and sociology, and especially useful for extra-curricular programs and workshops.

For more information:  http://www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=243

Understanding Hookup Culture: What’s Really Happening on College Campuses

From the cover: When it comes to intimacy and sex, young people today are apparently doing away with the old rules of romance and cutting straight to the chase. If recent reports are to be believed, the rise of hookup culture on college campuses is in the process of killing off dating and courtship, radically altering some of our most basic assumptions about heterosexual sex and gender. But for all the speculation, there’s been little beyond anecdotal evidence to back any of these claims up. This lecture by Stanford University’s Paula England, a leading researcher in the sociology of gender, aims to clarify what’s actually going on. England mobilizes a wealth of data to begin to chart whether the phenomenon of hooking up represents some kind of fundamental change, or whether we’re simply seeing age-old gender patterns dressed up in new social forms.

For more information:  http://www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=244

 Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising’s Image of Women

From the cover: In this new, highly anticipated update of her pioneering Killing Us Softly series, the first in more than a decade, Jean Kilbourne takes a fresh look at how advertising traffics in distorted and destructive ideals of femininity. The film marshals a range of new print and television advertisements to lay bare a stunning pattern of damaging gender stereotypes — images and messages that too often reinforce unrealistic, and unhealthy, perceptions of beauty, perfection, and sexuality. By bringing Kilbourne’s groundbreaking analysis up to date, Killing Us Softly 4 stands to challenge a new generation of students to take advertising seriously, and to think critically about popular culture and its relationship to sexism, eating disorders, and gender violence.

For more information:  http://www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=241

New Book & Curriculum

InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform Lives [Hardcover]

Overview: Joe Ehrmann, the coach profiled in the national bestseller Season of Life, explains how coaches at every level, from Little League to high school to NCAA Division I and even the professional leagues, can use sports to transform lives. Coaches have a tremendous platform, says Joe Ehrmann, a former Syracuse University All-American and NFL star. Perhaps second only to parents, coaches can impact young people as no one else can. But most coaches fail to do the teaching, mentoring, even life-saving intervention that their platform provides. Too many are transactional coaches; they focus solely on winning and meeting their personal needs. They see sports as a simple exchange: the athlete performs to a coach’s demands and in return gets something, usually praise or a position in the starting lineup. Some coaches, however, use their platform. They teach the Xs and Os, but also teach the Ys of life. They help young people grow into responsible adults; they leave a lasting legacy. These are the transformational coaches. These coaches change lives, and they also change society by helping to develop healthy men and women.

Sports have become a secular religion, according to Ehrmann. Tens of millions of children play sports, and millions of coaches have the potential to influence the lives of these children — and through them to touch their parents’ lives as well. Children can be diminished and discouraged by their sports experiences, or they can be strengthened, uplifted, even in some cases redeemed. Sports can be a life-changing experience if coaches understand why they are coaching and redefine their measurement of success.

For more information: http://www.amazon.com/InSideOut-Coaching-Sports-Transform-Lives/dp/1439182981/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319505234&sr=1-1

Safe DATES: An Adolescent Dating Abuse Prevention Curriculum

 Description: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, 1 in 4 adolescents experience verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from a dating partner.

It is imperative to stop dating violence before it ever starts. Safe Dates, second edition, can help with that. This evidence-based program helps teens recognize the difference between caring, supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive relationships. It is during the critical pre-teen and teen years that young people begin to learn the skills needed to create and foster positive relationships. With Safe Dates, young people are given the tools needed to build these skills.

Highly engaging and interactive, Safe Dates reflects the issues faced by today’s teens. The curriculum includes:

• Updated statistics and facts
• Information on dating abuse through technology
• All handouts and parent resources on CD-ROM
• New Families for Safe Dates program to get families talking about healthy dating relationships and dating abuse

Safe Dates has been designated as a Model Program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and was selected for the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), receiving high ratings on all criteria.

For more information: http://www.hazelden.org/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=38103&sitex=10020:22372:US

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.

Wear denim as a symbol of protest against destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Today is Denim Day, an event across California and the nation in which participants wear denim to “speak out against sexual violence.” Today CALCASA will host the annual Denim Day rally at the California state Capitol. Legislators and victim advocates will have an opportunity to speak at the event and sign a pledge to work together to prevent and end sexual violence.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Denim Day is a an opportunity for rape crisis centers and rape prevention programs across the state to engage their communities, public officials and stakeholders, and shine the light on the issue of sexual assault.

In the 12 years that it has existed, Denim Day has galvanized public and private business, students, legislature, funders and the public at-large. It has symbolically helped this movement to build awareness, momentum and to engage new allies in the work of eliminating sexual violence.

Denim day was born in 1999, when 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.”

Please join the CALCASA staff and rape crisis centers across California and the nation and those committed to eliminating sexual violence, by wearing jeans as a symbol of protest against destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Week of April 11, 2011

Below is a summary of actions filed on legislation that CALCASA is currently tracking as of April 11th. The list includes bills that CALCASA is supporting and opposing. We included links to each bill, so that you can read the text. Visit our Legislation Agenda page to view all bills being followed at this time. Help CALCASA push our legislative agenda by signing up and Taking Action!

AB 13 (Knight R)   Public school volunteers.
Status: 4/13/2011-In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Location: 3/25/2011-A. ED.
Summary:
Would specify that each of these provisions applies to charter schools. The bill would also authorize a school district, county office of education, or charter school to request a local law enforcement agen cy to conduct an automated records check of a prospective nonteaching volunteer aide in order to ascertain whether that person has been convicted of a felony controlled substance offense or a violent or serious felony, as specified. The bill would additionally prohibit persons who have been convicted of violent or serious felonies, specified sex offenses, or felony controlled substance offenses, as specified, from serving as nonteaching volunteer aides . This bill contains other existing laws.

AB 142 (Fuentes D)   Criminal procedure: pleas.
Status: 4/14/2011-Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
Location: 4/14/2011-S. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would additionally require the court to advise the defendant that, if he or she is deported from the United States and returns illegally, he or she could be charged with a separate federal offense. The bill would make other conforming changes.

AB 179 (Gorell R)   Electronic monitoring: removing or disabling: offense.
Status: 4/13/2011-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. (Refers to 4/12/2011 hearing)
Location: 2/3/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would provide that unauthorized removal, as specified, of an electronic, GPS, or other monitoring device affixed for purposes of a criminal sentence, juvenile court disposition, parole, or probation is an offense punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for one year, or a $1,000 fine, or both, if the underlying offense was a misdemeanor, or by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, 2 year, or 3 years if the underlying offense is a felony. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 219 (Portantino D)   California Recidivism Goals Development and Achievement Act.
Status: 4/13/2011-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (April 12). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR.
Summary:
Would declare the Legislature’s intent regarding the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s role in reducing criminal recidivism. The bill would require the department to develop targets approved by the California Rehabilitation Oversight Board and to implement a plan based on those targets to achieve the goal of a reduction in the statewide criminal recidivism rate from 2010 of 20% by 2015 and 40% by 2020. The bill would provide that success towards meeting that goal would be reviewed as part of the annual budget process for the department’s budget. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations to require the reporting and verification of the statewide recidivism rate, as specified. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 288 (Fong D)   Public postsecondary education: community colleges: expulsion hearing.
Status: 4/14/2011-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Location: 4/14/2011-S. RLS.
Summary:
Would authorize the governing board of a district to either deny enrollment, permit enrollment, or permit conditional enrollment to any individual who has been expelled from a community college within the preceding 5 years, or who is, at the time of the application, undergoing expulsion procedures, for certain offenses, as provided, if the board determines that the person continues to pose a risk to the safety of others. This bill would require the board or a delegate to hold a hearing , before taking action to deny enrollment or permit conditional enrollment, before making the determination as to whether the person continues to pose a risk. The bill would authorize a governing board of a district to delegate its authority under these provisions to the superintendent or president of the district, or to his or her designee. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 308 (Ammiano D)   Criminal investigations: eyewitness identification: lineups.
Status: 4/13/2011-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (April 12). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR.
Summary:
Would declare the legislative intent that law enforcement officials adopt and implement the policies and procedures regulating eyewitness lineup identifications that are recommended by the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice in order to ensure that eyewitness identification procedures in California minimize the chance of misidentification of a suspect. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 321 (Hernández, Roger D)   Juvenile offenders: obscene material.
Status: 4/13/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would authorize a school district to provide instruction regarding the potential risks and consequences of creating and sharing sexually suggestive or sexually explicit materials through cellular telephones, social networking Internet Web sites, computer networks, or other digital media. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 322 (Portantino D)   Forensic evidence: rape kits.
Status: 4/12/2011-Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Location: 4/12/2011-A. APPR.
Summary:
Would require local law enforcement agencies responsible for taking or collecting rape kit evidence to annually report to the Department of Justice statistical information pertaining to the testing and submission for DNA analysis of rape kits, as specified. The initial report would be due by July 1, 2013. The reports received by the department would be subject to inspection under the California Public Records Act. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 364 (Bonilla D)   Restitution: asset seizures: fraud and embezzlement.
Status: 4/14/2011-Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
Location: 4/14/2011-A. CONSENT CALENDAR
Summary:
Would in addition, provide for the preservation of assets and property by the court in order to pay all restitution and fines, and would apply those preservation of assets provisions in the case of a person who commits a single felony, a material element of which is fraud or embezzlement, if that conduct involves the taking or loss of more than $100,000. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 420 (Davis D)   Inmates: electronic monitoring.
Status: 4/12/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Location: 3/3/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would provide that, until January 1, 2016, upon determination of the correctional administrator that conditions in a jail facility warrant the necessity of releasing inmates being held in lieu of bail, the board of supervisors of any county may authorize the correctional administrator to offer a program under which these inmates may be placed in an electronic monitoring program, as specified. The bill would provide separate authority for voluntary and involuntary electronic monitoring programs. The bill would establish criteria for inmates to be eligible for programs established pursuant to its provisions and would specify circumstances under which inmates may be placed in these programs. The bill would also provide that defendants arrested for a bailable offense who are without any other warrant and who meet certain criteria may apply, after 10 court days from the date of arraignment, for release on reduced bail if the defendant agrees to be placed in the voluntary electronic monitoring program and the court and correctional administrator determine that the defendant is eligible to participate in the electronic monitoring program. The bill would make it a misdemeanor for any inmate who is a participant in an electronic monitoring program to fail to comply with the prescribed rules and regulations. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would specify, for persons pending disposition of charges, that electronic monitoring programs authorized pursuant to this bill include, but are not limited to, home detention programs, work furlough programs, and work release programs. The bill would make other conforming changes. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 434 (Logue R)   County penalties: forensic laboratories.
Status: 4/11/2011-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Location: 4/11/2011-S. RLS.
Summary:
Would provide that, if authorized by a resolution of the board of supervisors, a local sheriff or police department, or the district attorney’s office, may use funds remaining in the county’s DNA Identification Fund , either independently or in combination with remaining funds from another county, to provide supplemental funding to a qualif ied local or regional state forensic laboratory , as defined, for expenditures and administrative costs made or incurred in connection with the processing, analysis, and comparison of DNA crime scene samples and forensic identification samples, and testimony related to that analysis, as specified. The bill would declare that its provisions further the initiative act, and are consistent with its purposes.

AB 520 (Ammiano D)   Sentencing.
Status: 4/14/2011-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. (Refers to 4/12/2011 hearing)
Location: 3/3/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would additionally 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 543 (Torres D)   Sex offenders: social networking prohibition.
Status: 4/13/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would in addition, make it a misdemeanor for any person who is granted probation or placed on parole for the conviction of a crime that requires him or her to register as a sex offender to use any Internet social networking Web site, as defined, during that period of probation or parole if the victim of the offense was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense and the Internet was used in the commission of the crime. The bill would authorize the person to seek an exception to the prohibition for legitimate professional purposes by applying through the appropriate parole or probation supervising agency. Approval would be valid for one year, unless revoked. The bill would authorize an annual application for renewal. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 545 (John A. Pérez D)   Domestic violence: corporal injury.
Status: 4/13/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would make those provisions apply to the infliction of that type of injury on the fiancé or fiancée of that person or on someone with whom the person has, or previously had, a dating or engagement relationship. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 648 (Block D)   Clemency.
Status: 4/14/2011-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 4/14/2011-A. THIRD READING
Summary:
Would require that, at least 30 days before the Governor acts upon any application for a commutation, the application signed by the person applying be served upon the district attorney of the county where the conviction was had. The bill would authorize the district attorney to submit a written recommendation to the Governor for or against commutation of sentence. The bill would further require the district attorney to notify the victim or victims of the crime or crimes related to the application for commutation of sentence and those persons’ family members, and allow those persons to submit a recommendation to the Governor for or against commutation of sentence. By imposing additional duties on the district attorney, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 757 (Blumenfield D)   Sex offenders: public information.
Status: 4/12/2011-In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Location: 3/7/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would provide that with respect to those persons whose application for exclusion was granted by the department pursuant to the provisions specified above, if at any time after exclusion, any law enforcement agency notifies the department that, based on facts known to the agency about the offender, the agency believes that public safety may be compromised by the continued exclusion of the offender from public posting on the Internet Web site, the department shall, 30 days after notifying the offender, make information about the offender available to the public on the Internet Web site, as specified.

AB 764 (Swanson D)   Personal income taxes: voluntary contributions: Victim-Witness Assistance Fund.
Status: 4/13/2011-Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR.
Summary:
Would allow an individual taxpayer to designate on the tax return, that a specified amount in excess of the tax liability be transferred to the Victim-Witness Assistance Fund. This bill contains other related provisions.

AB 765 (Achadjian R)   Crimes: rape.
Status: 4/14/2011-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 4/14/2011-A. THIRD READING
Summary:
Would instead provide that this type of rape occurs where the person submits under the belief that the person committing the act is the victim’s spouse or cohabitant , as provided. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 799 (Swanson D)   Commercially sexually exploited minors.
Status: 4/14/2011-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Location: 4/14/2011-S. RLS.
Summary:
Existing law, until January 1, 2012, authorizes the District Attorney of Alameda County to create a pilot project, contingent upon local funding, for the purposes of developing a comprehensive, replicative, multidisciplinary model to address the needs and effective treatment of commercially sexually exploited minors, as specified. This bill would extend the repeal date of these provisions to January 1, 2017. This bill would also require the district attorney to submit, on or before April 1, 2016, a prescribed report to the Legislature, contingent upon specified events.

AB 855 (Ma D)   County penalties: forensic laboratories.
Status: 4/12/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Location: 3/22/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would provide that, if authorized by a resolution of the board of supervisors, funds remaining in the county’s DNA Identification Fund may be used to reimburse a local sheriff, police, district attorney, or regional state crime laboratory for expenditures and administrative costs made or incurred for utilizing an authorized laboratory for the processing and analysis of forensic identification samples and testimony related to that analysis, as specified. This bill contains other related provisions.

AB 884 (Cook R)   Sexually violent offenders: notification of offender registration by law enforcement.
Status: 4/12/2011-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Location: 3/14/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would provide, in addition, that any law enforcement entity that is notified of the registration of a sex offender who was convicted of a sexually violent offense or a sex crime against a child under 14 years of age shall, within 5 days of the offender’s registration, be required to provide, in writing, notice and information, as specified, to all persons living within 1,000 feet of the residence of the convicted sex offender and all schools and day care centers, the services of which are available to the residents of the area where the convicted sex offender resides. By requiring local law enforcement to provide specified notice regarding specified sex offenders to specified persons and entities, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 885 (Cook R)   Vehicles: driver’s licenses and identification cards: issuance and renewal: registered sex offenders.
Status: 4/11/2011-Action From TRANS.: Failed passage.
Location: 4/11/2011-A. TRANS.
Summary:
Would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to comply with certain requirements when issuing an original driver’s license or identification card, or a renewal of that driver’s license or identification card, to a person required to be registered as a sex offender, if the person was adjudicated to be a sexually violent predator or was convicted of a sex offense against a minor. The bill would require the metallic strip of the license or identification card to contain that information. In addition to any other requirement, the bill would require the applicant to provide a current photograph and address verification to the department for the original license, identification card, and each renewal. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 886 (Cook R)   Victim’s rights: victim impact statement.
Status: 4/14/2011-Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
Location: 4/14/2011-A. CONSENT CALENDAR
Summary:
Would prohibit the court from releasing the statements to the public prior to being heard in court.

AB 918 (Block D)   Crimes: felonies.
Status: 4/13/2011-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (April 12). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR.
Summary:
Would add pimping, pandering, and human trafficking as offenses that may be used to establish a pattern of criminal activity for those purposes. Because this bill would amend Proposition 21 it therefore requires a 2/3 vote. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 1022 (Fletcher R)   Sex offenders: registration.
Status: 4/12/2011-Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Location: 4/12/2011-A. APPR.
Summary:
Would expand the provisions described above relating to community notification regarding a registered sex offender by way of an Internet Web site to include, upon request, e-mail or other electronic notification. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

AB 1087 (Brownley D)   Cities and counties: public safety services: contracts.
Status: 4/11/2011-In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Location: 4/5/2011-A. L. GOV.
Summary:
Would commencing January 1, 2012, require a city that contracts with a county for public safety services through the county sheriff’s department to notify the county at least 6 months prior to the date the contract is to terminate , unless otherwise stipulated, of the city’s intent to terminate the contract, and would authorize the county to require the city to provide a comprehensive fiscal analysis relating to the ability of the city to provide public safety services, as specified. The bill would provide that if the city’s plan is not feasible, the contract may not be terminated until the city can provide a feasible plan.

AB 1373 (Fong D)   Pupils: healthy relationships promotion and teen dating violence prevention.
Status: 4/13/2011-Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Location: 4/13/2011-A. APPR.
Summary:
Would authorize school districts to provide education programs that promote healthy relationships and prevent teen dating violence to pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, through curricular, extracurricular, and school climate improvement activities. The bill would authorize school districts to work in partnership with parents , caregivers , and youth , domestic violence, sexual assault, and other appropriate community-based organizations to provide these education programs. The bill would require school districts that choose to provide education programs that promote healthy relationships and prevent teen dating violence to use research-based materials that are appropriate for pupils of all races, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and for pupils with disabilities. The bill would require the Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide information about model education programs that are designed to promote healthy relationships and prevent teen dating violence on the department’s Internet Web site, as specified.

ACA 14 (Silva R)   Governor: pardons and commutations.
Status: 4/14/2011-Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
Location: 4/14/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would further prohibit the Governor from granting a pardon or commutation during the 30-day period immediately preceding the end of his or her term of office. The measure would provide that any pardon or commutation issued in violation of these provisions is void.

ACA 15 (Mansoor R)   Governor: pardons and commutations.
Status: 4/14/2011-Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
Location: 4/14/2011-A. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would require the Governor, at least 30 days prior to granting a pardon or commutation, to provide written notice of the pardon or commutation to the agency that prosecuted the case in which the person was convicted, and to each victim of the crime or crimes for which that person was convicted. The measure would provide that any pardon or commutation issued in violation of these provisions is void.

ACR 32 (Harkey R)   Child sexual abuse awareness.
Status: 4/14/2011-Be adopted, to Consent Calendar.
Location: 4/14/2011-A. CONSENT CALENDAR
Summary:
This measure would declare April 29, 2011, as the day of the annual TAALK-a-Thon sponsored by Talk About Abuse to Liberate Kids (TAALK), and would encourage all adults in California to be knowledgeable and outspoken about the prevention of child sexual abuse.

SB 13 (Correa D)   Pupils: teen dating violence prevention.
Status: 4/8/2011-Set for hearing April 27.
Location: 1/20/2011-S. ED.
Summary:
Would authorize a school district to provide teen dating violence prevention education consisting of age-appropriate instruction, as developed by the state board pursuant to the bill, as part of the sexual health and health education program it provides to pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. The bill would authorize a school district to use school district personnel or outside consultants who are trained in the appropriate courses to provide this additional instruction. The bill would specify the required content and criteria for this additional instruction and any associated materials if a school district elects to provide it. The bill would provide that a parent or guardian of a pupil has the right to excuse his or her child from all or part of the teen dating violence prevention education and any assessments related to it, and would prescribe the procedure for a parent or guardian to exercise that right. This bill contains other related provisions.

SB 26 (Padilla D)   Prisons: wireless communication devices.
Status: 4/11/2011-Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Location: 4/11/2011-S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Would provide, with exceptions, that a person who possesses with the intent to deliver, or delivers, to an inmate or ward in the custody of the department any cellular telephone or other wireless communication device or any component thereof, including, but not limited to, a subscriber identity module or memory storage device, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 6 months, a fine not to exceed $5,000 for each device, or both that fine and imprisonment. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 54 (Runner R)   Sex offenders: residency restrictions: petition for relief.
Status: 4/12/2011-From committee with author’s amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
Location: 4/12/2011-S. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would provide that the 2,000 feet shall be measured by the shortest practical pedestrian or vehicle path. The bill would permit a person who is subject to the residency restriction to petition the superior court of the county within which he or she resides for relief from the requirement. The bill would provide that original jurisdiction for the petition would lie with the appellate division of the superior court in which the petition is filed. The bill would require the petitioner to establish by clear and convincing evidence that there is a pervasive lack of compliant housing in the county and that a substantial percentage of sex offenders are unable to comply despite good faith efforts. The bill would require that, if relief is granted, it shall be narrowly crafted in order to substantially comply with the intent of the people in approving the residency requirements. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 57 (Runner R)   Sex offenders: social networking and online address notification requirement.
Status: 4/12/2011-From committee with author’s amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
Location: 4/12/2011-S. PUB. S.
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 existing laws.

SB 119 (Lowenthal D)   Emergency youth shelter facilities.
Status: 4/14/2011-Set for hearing May 2.
Location: 4/12/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would include with the definition of a community care facility an emergency youth shelter facility, as defined, for specified minors under 18 years of age , except as specified, who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The bill would require the department to adopt regulations for these facilities by January 1, 2013 , as specified, which would be the only licensing standards applicable to emergency youth shelters. This bill would allow an emergency youth shelter that is operating under a group home license to apply for an immediate transfer to an emergency youth shelter license, upon adoption of the regulations required under the bill . This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 123 (Liu D)   California Runaway, Homeless, and Exploited Youth Act.
Status: 4/13/2011-Set for hearing May 2.
Location: 4/12/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would enact the California Runaway, Homeless, and Exploited Youth Act, and would require, subject to the availability of adequate resources, the California Emergency Management Agency to develop , in collaboration with the Senate Office of Research and various interested parties, a statewide plan for runaway, homeless, and exploited youth, as specified. The bill would make related findings and declarations.

SB 139 (Alquist D)   Corrections: Inspector General.
Status: 4/14/2011-Set for hearing May 3.
Location: 2/10/2011-S. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would require the Inspector General 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 179 (Pavley D)   Sex offenders: parole.
Status: 4/11/2011-Placed on APPR. suspense file.
Location: 4/11/2011-S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE
Summary:
Provides that for any person subject to a sexually violent predator proceeding, as specified, an order issued by a judge pursuant to specified provisions, finding that the petition supports a finding of probable cause to believe that the person is likely to engage in sexually violent criminal behavior upon his or her release, shall toll the period of parole of that person, from the date that person is released until a specified court order is entered. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 233 (Pavley D)   Emergency services and care.
Status: 4/14/2011-Hearing postponed by committee. (Refers to 4/13/2011 hearing)
Location: 3/31/2011-S. HEALTH
Summary:
Would expand the definition of emergency services and care to include care, treatment, and surgery by a physician assistant in compliance with prescribed provisions. This bill would also expand the definition of consultation to authorize physician assistants to provide a consultation. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 291 (Vargas D)   Bail.
Status: 4/14/2011-Set for hearing April 26.
Location: 4/12/2011-S. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would provide that after a person has been brought back to this state by extradition proceedings, the person shall be committed to a county jail with bail set in the amount of $100,000 in addition to the amount of bail appearing on the warrant. A 48-hour noticed bail hearing, excluding weekends and holidays, would be required to deviate from this prescribed bail amount. The bill would not preclude the application of other provisions of law that authorize enhancing the bail amount for felony charges appearing on the warrant.

SB 453 (Correa D)   Pupil rights: bullying: suspension and expulsion.
Status: 4/8/2011-Set for hearing April 27.
Location: 3/31/2011-S. ED.
Summary:
Would also define bullying to include acts motivated by specified actual or perceived characteristics of the victim. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 480 (Vargas D)   Public social services: domestic violence.
Status: 4/12/2011-Set for hearing April 26.
Location: 3/3/2011-S. HUM. S.
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 existing laws.

SB 490 (Hancock D)   Corrections: Office of the Inspector General.
Status: 4/12/2011-Set for hearing May 3.
Location: 3/3/2011-S. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would remove the Inspector General and the other employees from peace officer status, and authorize the Inspector General and certain other employees to exercise the powers of arrest and serving warrants, as provided. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 492 (Correa D)   Sexually violent predators: civil commitment.
Status: 4/12/2011-Withdrawn from committee. Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
Location: 4/12/2011-S. PUB. S.
Summary:
Would require the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation instead to refer to the State Department of Mental Health (DMH) for assessment any person in the custody of the CDCR, including the Division of Juvenile Facilities and persons on parole or for whom a warrant of arrest is outstanding, who has committed a sexually violent offense, as defined. The bill would also require the Director of Mental Health to identify and evaluate individuals who are in custody under the jurisdiction of the DMH and who have convictions for sexually violent offenses at least 6 months prior to their release. By increasing the responsibilities of local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 531 (Rubio D)   Search warrants: HIV testing.
Status: 4/8/2011-Set for hearing April 26.
Location: 3/24/2011-S. PUB. S.
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 information or indictment is presented. The bill would require the victim or, if the victim is a minor, his or her parents, to be notified of the testing results as soon as practicable. The bill would require followup HIV tests to be administered as may be medically appropriate. 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 existing laws.

SB 534 (Corbett D)   Victims of sexual assault.
Status: 4/13/2011-Set for hearing May 2.
Location: 3/29/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would provide that victims of sexual assault are not required to participate in the criminal justice system or cooperate with law enforcement in order to be provided with a forensic medical exam. Because this bill would expand a victim’s right to a medical exam paid for by a local agency, it would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 576 (Calderon D)   Sentencing.
Status: 4/13/2011-Set for hearing May 2.
Location: 4/5/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Existing law provides that most felonies are punishable by a triad of terms of incarceration in the state prison, comprised of low, middle, and upper terms. Previous law that required the court to impose the middle term, unless there were circumstances in aggravation or mitigation of the crime, was amended to provide that the choice of the appropriate term rests within the sound discretion of the court. Existing provisions related to sentence enhancements involving criminal street gang activity, firearms, and sentencing, operative until January 1, 2012, generally specify that the appropriate term rests within the sound discretion of the court. Existing law, operative on and after January 1, 2012, instead requires the court to impose the middle term, unless there are circumstances in mitigation or aggravation of the crime. This bill would extend to January 1, 2016, the provisions of law that provide that the court shall, in its discretion, impose the term or enhancement that best serves the interests of justice. The bill would also make conforming changes. This bill contains other related provisions.

SB 601 (Hancock D)   Corrections: prisons: warden report card.
Status: 4/12/2011-Do pass as amended, and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations
Location: 4/12/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would require the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to develop a warden report card containing specified information regarding each warden and the warden’ s prison, including, among other information, the number of inmates disciplined and the number of inmate appeals related to disciplinary actions, on a monthly basis and to post the warden report card once a month on the department’s Internet Web site.

SB 622 (Corbett D)   Sex offenders: registration.
Status: 4/13/2011-Set for hearing May 2.
Location: 4/7/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would instead require registration for any person who has been convicted in any other court, including any state, federal, or military court, of any offense that, based on the elements of the conviction offense or proven or stipulated facts in the record of conviction, as specified, would have been punishable as one or more of the above-referenced specified sex crimes. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 852 (Harman R)   Corrections: victim notification.
Status: 4/14/2011-From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 544.) (April 5).
Location: 4/14/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would authorize providing that notice by telephone, certified mail, or electronic mail, as specified. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws.

SB 861 (Corbett D)   Public contracts: contract eligibility: conflict minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Status: 4/14/2011-From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 1. Page 618.) (April 12).
Location: 4/14/2011-S. APPR.
Summary:
Would prohibit a scrutinized company, as defined, from entering into a contract with a state agency for goods or services, as provided. This bill contains other related provisions.

SCR 15 (Evans D)   Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Denim Day California.
Status: 4/13/2011-Withdrawn from committee. Ordered to third reading.
Location: 4/13/2011-S. THIRD READING
Summary:
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.

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.

Recently, CALCASA’s Campus Department held it’s first Campus Institute for 2011 in New Orleans, La. Having never been to a campus institute before, it was great to watch the campuses committed to working with other agencies such as local law enforcement, local DV/SA agencies, and the various departments within their campuses to provide the best support to survivors, as well as raise awareness about violence on college campuses. With Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) just around the corner, it was a great opportunity to hear from these same campuses/agencies about their commitments for SAAM 2011.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Throughout the country, organizations are planning for upcoming “awareness” months, such as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in February, Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April and Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Most people are making decisions about what collateral items (also known as “stuff”) should be used.

The stuff includes many items such as ribbons, teeshirts, wristbands, water bottles, bumperstickers and temporary tattoos. PreventConnect recently distributed branded flash drives (preloaded with some of our podcasts).

Do these items make a difference to create the change we are seeking? In Craig Lefebvre’s blog Social Marketing and Social Change, he addresses this question with “four things that ‘stuff’ can do:”

1. mark tribal or brand identity (“I am one of us”) – if I self-identify as one, I will be more likely to act as one.
2. become a social object (‘I want to talk about this with you’) – when you see it, ask me about it. I want to share what I know or passionately believe in.
3. create ubiquity (‘It’s everywhere I go’) – raises the salience (not the same as awareness) of the issue/product/service/behavior and thus the normative judgment.
4. cue action (Whoops, almost forgot to do it’) – the best intentions still need prompts for behavior.

(click here for the full blog)

What stuff do you find helpful in prevention of domestic violence and sexual violence?

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.