Opportunity for survivors to be part of a Speaker's Bureau

Opportunity for survivors to be part of a Speaker's Bureau

Speakers wanted:

The Survivor Caucus of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance is recruiting presenters for its new Speakers Bureau,with a planned start up date of July 1, 2009.

Thriving survivors of adult sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, or intimate partner violence are invited to use this opportunity to tell their personal stories for public education and survivor support throughout Virginia .

Experienced speakers are wanted, but all willing survivors are encouraged to apply.

The first free speaker training session will be held June 4 at the VSDVAA Richmond office.

This is the website for VSDVAA http://www.vsdvalliance.org/index.html

For a speaker application or for more information, contact Mikele Knight, sparrowk@vsdvalliance.org

Any survivor wishing to join the Survivor Caucus can do so at the Web site

http://www.survivorcaucusva.org

Church Leader pleads guilty to sexual assault in Franklin County

Quick facts

• Police have said the acts did not occur on church property and are not connected to the church.



• Two men who held leadership positions in the same Vinton church entered pleas Tuesday in unrelated sex crime cases involving children.



• Stone initially had been indicted on 24 felony charges, but some of them were dropped as part of a plea agreement.



• Stone is scheduled to be sentenced June 29,Silverman's sentencing is scheduled for July 7.



• Stone turned himself in to police 11/08 after he stood before the congregation at Church admitting he was in fact a molester

As reported on Roanoke Times
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/202789


Dean Harold Stone, a former deacon at Heritage Baptist Church, pleaded guilty in Franklin County Circuit Court to 12 sex crimes. He faces up to three life sentences in jail.



Daniel Silverman, the church's former assistant pastor, pleaded no contest in Roanoke County Circuit Court to one count of aggravated sexual battery of a child. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Freedom For Survivors of Sexual Abuse:Forum

Received this in a email and thought someone can benefit from this. I also looked up a few websites with their links provided below:

http://www.tamarsvoice.org/
http://www.snap-network.net/
http://hopeforsurvivors.org/

Outreach for clergy sexual abuse victims, their families and loved ones.

Saturday May 2,2009 @12:15 p.m. St.Francis Convent 116 8th Ave. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345

Minnesota men who were sexually abused as children openly discuss their injuries and steps to recovery, survivors of clergy sex abuse and male victims of incest will discuss the following:

• decades long history and understandings of the Catholic Crosier Religious Order
• sexual abuse of area boys and the negative impact of the abuse on area families.
• the battles of stepping out of the shadows of silence of childhood rape and victimization
• the long-term ramifications of the abuse on the men, their families and loved ones.

The forum includes: a written questions and answer session (written questions are to insure anonymity)
sharing of survivor stories resources from area child advocacy centers and agencies established area support groups

*A private and confidential SNAP Survivor Support Group will follow the public presentation.

Listed below are just some of the reasons you should attend or take a loved one. Equally important, when left unchecked or talked about it will continue to affect our community, your personal environment. Please help spread the word about this!

Childhood sexual abuse is associated with a greater risk of: Suicide; Alcoholism; Drug abuse; Re-victimization; Unintended pregnancy; Eating disorders; Self-mutilation; Depression; Insomnia; Seductive behaviors, Prostitution; Confusion of sexuality and nurturing behavior; Relationship problems; Sexually transmitted disease; Identity disturbances; and Involvement in physically abusive relationships as adults.

Need more information?

contact any of the following or check http://www.snap-network.net/ website for updates.

Bob Schwiderski from Wayzata, MN SNAP Director, 952-471-3422, skibrs@mchsi.com

Craig Martin from St. Cloud, CMSAC, Male Services Coordinator, 320-251-4357

Julie Kapsch from Little Falls, Hands of Hope, Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, 320-632-1657

Homeless Minorities at greater risk for Sexual Violence among other things According to U of Washington Study

"People tend to think homeless are a homogeneous group. We are trying to show this isn't true," said co-author Ana Marie Cauce, a UW psychology professor.

"A lot of people believe homeless adolescents are on the street by their own choice. That usually isn't the case," said Bryan Cochran, lead author of the study and a UW doctoral student in psychology.

When you see these quotes above:
Does it motivate you to find out more?
Do you think all homeless females are prostitutes by choice?
Do you believe that your friend(s)may have been homeless at one point in their life?
Do you want to help debunk the myth that only Young White Heterosexual, Older African -American Males are the ones who live on the street?

Homelessness hits all of us in various ways and no one is hit harder then the parent of a child on the street.

“Homeless youths who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender have a perilous existence on the street. Compared to heterosexual homeless youth, they experience more physical and sexual violence, use more drugs and abuse them more frequently, have more sexual partners and have higher rates of mental illness”, according to a new University of Washington study.


*The study that was done by the University was multi-ethnic,of which Fifty-five percent were male and out of that an overwhelming majority, 71 of 84, identified themselves as bisexual.


I myself haven’t been homeless,but I had the pleasure as a youth to work on behalf of Homeless Adults. I also had a few friends growing up,just like many others out reading this who didn't think that it would be that bad to live alone, be free, have fun, chill with friends, not have to work, come and go as you please, be a free spirit and etc.. Not one of us knew the implications or the problems this new found freedom and glory would have in our lives. and like so many youth out there right now, we also had underlying reasons for walking or running away or may have felt at the time, in that very moment had no choice or recourse.


As I type this, I am still looking for and holding out for Jenny(my free spirit)who at the age of 17 decided to be a drifter. The last I heard of her was a year later, she was said to be teaching youth to rally,sounds just like Jenny! Man, I hope she made it and for those reading who may be in fact wondering, the answer is YES, she was a Libra. The last thing we did together was talk which lead to laughter, then dancing in a circle spinning 'til we fell down. She then told me she was into women,thinking of eating only cheese(as a protest) proceeded to kiss me then said,always remember to make ME happy and just F__ the world!

Well, to all my "Jenny's" may you be safe on your journey home & you will be happy to know I finally learned how to make me happy.

Hopefully by continuing to read this blog among other sources, you increase your awareness and sympathy to the fight we have ahead of us to make everyone save.

The study showed sexual minorities had nearly twice as many sexual partners in their lives than did heterosexual homeless youth, 24 vs. 13. Both groups reported having unprotected sex about half the time. However, Cochran said, the important factor is who street youth are having sex with and sexual minorities may be more likely to be having sex with partners who have HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

I think that it is important that we not only be aware of but address the different issues that may come when dealing with someone who was or currently is homeless. You never can know who come to your doorstep, clinic or group so for that alone we should learn not to be so technical, mechanical when it come to playing a supportive role, or assuming that everyone is a “clinical case”. We should follow the rule of thumb like we do when it comes to sexual violence,which is that no two Victims of a sexual crime or abuse will be alike, that is especially true of women and men who have been or continue to live on the street.

The study gave insight on what is a staggering scaling problem for each city.

Click the link for full article

http://uwnews.washington.edu/ni/article.asp?articleID=2400


if you are a runaway or know one who is call 1-800-RUN-AWAY(786-2929)

if you would like help or info check out these resources http://www.rachelmiller.info/linkso-africanamerican.htm

Gender Stereotyping-Assessment (Repost)

Gender Stereotyping

We want to provide information, assessments, exercises and relevant news in our blogs that you can use as an individual, amongst your friends,family or even as a aid.


*The goal of this assessment is to measure stereotyping in the context of relationships and responsibility.



Directions: Choose the best response according to your beliefs.

CLICK BELOW to take our Gender Stereotyping Assessment
http://www.%20surveymonkey.%20com/s.%20aspx?sm=D_2bDUMogWNZQvp11RUMbkQQ_3d_3d

**Higher score will denote a more stereotypical attitude**


If you have questions, call in to our show (347)215-9292. Tune in to BlogTalkRadio Starting May 10, 2009
http://www.blogtalkradio/build2blend

As always, send your feedback, questions or suggestions to blog@buildtoblend.org

Save The Date 4/20 starts week long”Awareness” for Men

I received this in an email and thought it was important to share with you. I'm not just saying this because I want everyone to be aware of, and speak out against, violence, but because this is something you can do that won’t cost you thing. Nevertheless I can guarantee you that value will be long-lasting.

In the state of Virginia during the week of April 20th-27th marks the White Ribbon Online Campaign which is held in recognition of Sexual Assault Month (April)

Participants are asked to keep the White Ribbon image as their profile picture on social networking sites for at least one week. They are also are asked to explain the meaning behind white ribbon should anyone inquire about it and to encourage others to change their profile picture as well.

Visit the White Ribbon Campaign website at http://www.whiteribbon.ca/to learn more about the campaign, men’s violence against women and how they can help with prevention.

The goal of this campaign is to show your friends online that you have had enough and are taking a stand against men’s violence against women.

I am definitely joining in, Will you do your part fellow Facebook and MySpacers? You can make a bold statement against the Violence of Women. Interested? Here’s how to do what I just did, Simply clink the link http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/sexualviolence/whiteribbon.htm

By participating in this campaign you are pledging that you will never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women.

Be sure to check out Our group pages:

Facebook: BUILD to BLEND
MySpace www.myspace.com/build2blend
BlogTalkRadio: www.blogtalkradio/build2blend

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2009

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum 2009
(coordinated evidence-based responses to end sexual violence)

The conference is aimed at promoting research on sexual violence, highlighting innovation and encouraging sharing and networking in the area of sexual violence.



This global event will bring together over 200 participants working on sexual violence as researchers, gender activists, funders, policy makers, service providers, survivors and others.




This conference will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from July 6th to 9th 2009 and is sponsored by Sexual Violence Research Initiative


For more info on SVRI-Sexual Violence Research Initiative check the main website: www.svri.org



Accommodations:

Avianto-Tel: 27 11 668 3000
Web: http://www.avianto.co.za/

Heia Safari-Tel: 27 11 919 5000
Web: http://www.heia-safari.co.za/

Glenburn Lodge-Tel: 27 11 668 1600
Web: www.glenburn.co.za

Kloofzight- Tel: +27 11 317 0600
Web: www.kloofzicht.co.za

Garden Lodge- Tel: +27 11 745 0400
Web: www.gardenlodge.co.za

Aloe Ridge Hotel- Tel: +27 11 957 2070
Web: www.aloeridgehotel.com

La Terrasse- Tel: +27 (0)11 561 3111

Attitudes towards women assessment Part 1 and 2(repost)

We want to provide information, assessments, exercises and relevant news in our blogs that you can use as an individual, amongst your friends,family or even as a aid.





Attitudes towards women assessment Part 1 and 2



** This scale helps measure gender stereotyping**







COPY,THEN PASTE LINK IN A NEW BROWSER IF UNAVAILABLE FROM YOUR PAGE





Directions:

Choose the best response according to your beliefs.

In order to have an accurate score, complete Parts 1 & 2 for sum total.

A high score will indicate a high level of gender stereotyping; a low score will indicate a low level of gender stereotypes





Part 1 of 2 attitudes towards women





http://www. surveymonkey. com/s. aspx?sm=ygir6NBxZrsLcPMwYkri_2fQ_3d_3d


Part 2 of 2 attitudes towards women

http://www. surveymonkey. com/s. aspx?sm=_2bCW8yLzxZGLbFNhvjllbhg_3d_3d




Point Value as assigned: Scale 1 to 4 points



1= Strongly Disagree 2= Disagree 3= Agree 4= Strongly Agree (Except questions 3,5, 7,9 & 12 where value is reverse)



Ex. Strongly Agree would now equal 1pt. instead of 4pts.





If you have questions, call in to our show (347)215-9292 or email us about this blog at
blog@buildtoblend.org


Tune in to BlogTalkRadio Coming this May 2009

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/build2blend


As always, send your feedback, questions or suggestions to build2blendgmail.com

Abuse of young women fuels the HIV epidemic in Jamaica - JamaicaObserver.com

Abuse of young women fuels the HIV epidemic in Jamaica - JamaicaObserver.com

Quick facts:

• Sex crimes alone account for 827 of the more than 5,000 major crimes reported between January and September 2008.





• Rape accounted for more than half (536) of the sex crimes reported between January and September 2008.





• 485 incidents of rape between January and September 2007.





• In Jamaica(as in other parts of the world) a significant number of women experience other forms of gender-based violence, such as physical violence and sexual coercion





• Government began implementing its third National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS/STIs from 2007 to 2011. The plan focuses on achieving universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support.

• Men and women between 20 and 39 years old account for 54%of reported AIDS cases in Jamaica.
  

It was stated and I believe it is true for most if not all Multi-ethnic Minorities that

"the primary contributors to the HIV epidemic in Jamaica are said to be socio-cultural, behavioural and economic factors that result in risky behaviours such as multiple sex partners, older men having sex with younger women, and early sexual engagement."- Jamaica Observer

What hinder progress ? What aids cultural acceptance of women being exposed to violence ? The writer expressed these themes listed,the question I would ask is if you agree or would you add to what is stated in the article?

unequal gender roles with women,often in subordinate and dependent relationships

dependence on a man for your economic well-being

Men are also at risk because of the idealised images of masculinity, which dictate that the man should have a lot of women, and can take risk without fear of the consequences.

Marriage has a certain meaning in this society."The woman is seen as belonging to the man. The man is seen as the master of the woman."

shackles, anyone?

Because of that, marriage is seen as this precious institution designed for people to have children - they [women] are not capable of negotiating safe sex even when they suspect the man is playing around. The tragedy is that husbands cheat with women and with men as well."

when I was reading I wasn't discouraged just disappointed but oftentimes like in my personal life I can be encourage or give hope in the form of words, like this article gave to me.

"the culture that facilitates violence and abuse, and strips women of negotiating power, is changing.It is changing because people are more aware. The laws now say that those who are aware of abuse and do not report it are liable, so people are more likely to intervene on behalf of affected women and children. I have noticed a greater willingness to report and to intervene. We still have a long way to go but the increase in awareness has helped."

Man, doesn't that feel good, but I agree we have a long way to go not just in Minnesota but in the world when it come to violence against women and the readily accepted practices of keeping women in the position of less power.

READ THE ARTICLE - STAY INFORMED - SEEK HELP - SPEAK OUT

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG

We here at BUILD to BLEND want to give you information about issues surrounding Sexual Assault from many positions for instance; we will report on things going on in the community, around the state of Minnesota, news from around the US and abroad. We will also give you B2B's standpoint and survivor(s) point of view.






I personally think it's more important that we try to give you steps or ideas on how you the individual, your community can be a support to someone affected by the abuse and or assault. Our ultimate goal is for you to be equipped and ultimately ready and willing to help prevent Sexual Violence.

We think it is important for us to discuss in this format, social networks, in person for many reasons but I will share my personal view by giving you a couple reason that are important to me and why I step out continuously .

• there are women everywhere and with that potential for greatness and for exploitation of some kind due to Socio-Economic factors, cultural influence, Religious factors, outdated stereotypes and roles affixed on to women and young girls.
  





• We are not alone Sexual Violence and Sexual Abuse at the hands of someone else does not just happen in Minnesota, the U.S. but it's a epidemic that affects us Worldwide.
  





• Men are everywhere as well with the same potential for greatness but just like women run the risk of being exploited or having to live up to outdated stereotypes and roles because of Socio-Economic factors, Cultural influences, Religious Doctrine, outdated stereotypes and roles affixed to young boys.
  
  




• Minorities are unfortunately consistent, with the help of those same factors listed above over time to be an under-served community affected by Sexual Violence.
  





• All survivors are not shaped in a little neat box. We are all different shades and sizes, we don't all forgive, fight, cry, forget, move, heal, create or e even dream at the same time. We don't identify the same or even have the same issues before we were hurt, so why would that change.
  





• As a African-American Woman who has been abused and sexually assaulted I am pinch-able, living proof that it does happen to Minorities. I am unafraid to speak because for a long time I felt I couldn't...imagine that.
  





• People personally tell me and others what we do and say is necessary, someone is helped, you can make a difference, you are changing attitudes, you do make people talk about it (even if behind closed doors) they are still talking...now I say OPEN THE DOOR- so that we can come in and you let all that hurt, speculation, negative attitudes, apprehensions and pain out.
  
  

There is more, if you like, I can elaborate on those concepts or ideals stated above.

If anything, what I would like you to take from this particular blog or any that I or BUILD to BLEND may post is that sometimes violence does happen and often, more then any of us would like, those things are or can potentially be of a sexual nature.



Thank You,



Jamila and Everyone else here who supports BUILD to BLEND