National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)Relief Fund Design Contest |

In 2005, the Relief Fund for Sexual Assault Victims was established in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to collect donations that will aid sexual assault victims and advocacy programs that have been impacted by disasters in the United States.

To help support these efforts, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) will be releasing a set of blank greeting cards, and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these cards will support the Relief Fund.

Four designs will be chosen and then those designs will be transformed into greeting cards. In addition to helping survivors of sexual assault, winners will have their name printed on the back of the cards and have their design promoted via our social networking sites and website. As a thank you for pitching in, winners will receive a prize pack of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)-themed merchandise.

How to enter NSVRC contest:

Get creative. Come up with an original design that conveys the theme, “Lend a hand, heal a heart.” Artwork can be either portrait or landscape orientation, with the final note card size of 4.25 in. X 5.5 in. The design contest is for the front of the card. The inside of the cards will be blank and the back panel will contain information about the Relief Fund and artist.

• Save a copy of your artwork as a PDF, JPG or PNG. Keep in mind, the file you submit via email is for voting purposes only, so it should be 72 DPI. If your design is one of the finalists, we will ask you for high-resolution artwork (300 DPI).

• Email contact information, design(s) and a PDF of the completed release form to resources@nsvrc.org; please note in the subject line of the email that it is for the “Note card contest.” There is no limit to the number of designs you can submit, however each entry must be accompanied with contact info and a completed release form

• Deadline to submit a design is 5 p.m. EDT., Monday, April 30, 2012. Submission will be posted online for voting. Once your design is up for voting, feel free to promote your design via networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. On Twitter, we’ll be promoting the contest with #ReliefFund. Winning designs will be chosen and announced by Friday, May 18.

Relief Fund Design Contest | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Caroline County Hosts Walk to End Sexual Violence

1st Annual Teal Ribbon Walk to End Sexual Violence - tomorrow!!

Hosted By Caroline County Alliance Against Violence
In Support of Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault www.rcasa.org

April 14, 2012 at Caroline High School

Register on site tomorrow or call 540-371-6771
Cost per Individual: $25
Cost per Team Member: $15

All Funds support education, prevention, and intervention on sexual violence and abuse in Caroline County

                                                     *Central Virgina offers 24hr Hotline*
                                                              1-540-371-1666
               free crisis intervention, counseling, support and medical accompaniment
                                                       

Virginia to Offer 3,000 Small Grants for Teen Violence Prevention

The Virginia Department of Health is offering $3,000 mini-grants for community-based or youth-serving agencies to implement activities from the Choose Respect Playbook.

Applications must be received by 3:00PM Friday, January 28, 2011 via email, fax, or mail.

For more information, download the funding announcement and application materials at http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/datingviolence/index.htm under the “News and Events” heading at the bottom of the page.

For questions or submissions, contact:

Erica A. Williams, MS Violence Prevention Specialist
Division of Prevention and Health Promotion
Office: 804-864-7741 Fax: 804-864-7748
Email: erica.williams@vdh.virginia.gov


Office of Family Health Services
Virginia Department of Health
109 Governor St, 8th floor
Richmond VA 23219

Help Kiana Firouz Seek Asylum from Iran

The UK Home Office recently rejected the asylum appeal of lesbian filmmaker and actress Kiana Firouz—a move that could lead to her deportation to Iran, where she faces a minimum sentence of 100 lashes or even the death penalty for “unrepentant” homosexuality.

The UK ruling has put the life of the 27-year-old in serious danger. Firouz starred in the film Cul de Sac, which is loosely based on her life. In it, she portrays the struggle of lesbians under the Iranian regime. The movie, which premiered in London on May 20, could cause serious problems for Firouz in Iran, where homosexuality is illegal.

The UK Times Online reports that the Home Office, in defending the rejection of Firouz’s appeal, acknowledged the danger she would face as a lesbian in Iran but argued that Firouz could escape harm by being discreet about her homosexuality.

Given the public nature of Firouz’s activism, however, there is little chance that she could fly under the radar in her home country.

You can help Kiana Firouz fight this ruling by urging the Home Office to reverse its decision. Send a letter to the Home Secretary Theresa May in support of Firouz’s case for asylum, and help Kiana Firouz remain in the UK.

Links about Kiana Firouz's story and petition online

Sign the petition!
http://www.petitiononline.com/kianaf/petition.html

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7131310.ece

Cul De Sac movie trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lbQiB3rkh4

Women Living With HIV Launch Human Rights Survey

Call for Integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health Services With HIV Services to Address Epidemic Among Women



Please take the survey and spread the word!


National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2010 comes just weeks after the United Nations announced that HIV is the leading cause of death among women globally.


In the U.S., a woman tests positive for HIV every 35 minutes, and nearly one-third of all domestic HIV infections are among women -- up from 8% in 1987. AIDS continues to be the leading cause of death among African-American women ages 25 to 34. Yet the general perception is that women are not vulnerable to contracting HIV -- and women are dying as a result.



Multiple members of the U.S. Positive Women's Network (PWN), a national membership body of women living with HIV in the United States, have personal experience with this issue. "Everyone is at risk for HIV," says Demetra Tennison, Peer Educator at Women Rising Project in Austin, TX. "But many providers don't perceive women as being at risk or are uncomfortable talking about it. I told my doctor that my husband was positive, and he didn't offer me a test. I was diagnosed late and got into care late, because of a missed opportunity on my physician's part."

Advocates specifically call for integration of sexual and reproductive health services with HIV services. "Early HIV diagnosis means less transmission and better health outcomes. Yet we see missed opportunities for HIV prevention and diagnosis throughout the medical system," says Dr. Monica Gandhi, director of HIV Consult Services at San Francisco General Hospital. "Women show up for sexual and reproductive health services multiple times a year. Every one of those appointments -- for pap smears, contraception care, and routine check-ups -- is an opportunity for HIV education, screening for HIV risk factors like domestic violence, and testing."

The PWN also notes that over half of all people living with HIV are not in regular medical care, and that co-location of sexual and reproductive health services with HIV services has enormous potential to transform women's ability to access care.

HIV-positive women across the United States have organized to urge the Obama Administration to finish health care reform, demand a gender-sensitive National HIV/AIDS Strategy, declare HIV an urgent crisis facing women and demand, the immediate appointment of an openly HIV-positive Black woman to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). Events will occur in locations as diverse as Philadelphia, PA; Oakland, CA; San Diego, CA; Washington, NC; Washington, DC; and Boulder, CO.

Advocates also stress that an effective response to the domestic HIV epidemic must address social factors that put some communities at disproportionate risk. "We have the tools to end the HIV epidemic. What we need is political will to address structural issues including homophobia, gender inequity, and the deep racial and economic disparities that drive the rising rates of HIV among our most marginalized communities," says Waheedah Shabazz-El, a Muslim and Philadelphia-based trainer with the Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project, who was diagnosed in 2003.


In honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the PWN has launched a survey to track the extent to which HIV-positive women's human rights are being realized in the United States. This survey is the first in a series, and focuses on testing and disclosure, reproductive justice for women with HIV, and the criminalization of HIV.


Please take the survey and spread the word!


Learn more about the PWN -- and join the PWN's mailing list.


This article was provided by Positive Women's Network USA.

Sexual Health Report Card - full list - Sperling's Best Places

What a Gem!

Good Afternoon,

As I continue on my search for comparing cities that I and a few of my collegues may potentially want to live in I came across this Sexual Health Report Card - full list - Sperling's Best Places
and thought not only is this a great concept but I wish I knew about this sooner.



I am anticipating the next report,not just for the details but for the ability it provides of choice making and awareness.



If we can make a conscious effort to do something better, different, helpful or proactive when we do make our moves in turn each step can help create a environment where Sexual Violence is not tolerated but more importantly Sexual Violence is talked about.


Take a look to see how you city or neighborhood ranks and upon doing so stay encouraged to get involved.

You can start today! Look locally to help move your State, City, School,Community Program move forward.

CVS PETITION to UNLOCK CONDOMS in CONCENTRATED MINORITY AREAS

I received this in a personal email and think it's important to share, not only because I do know some people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS but because this has been an important issue for me from my days of having a candy dish/plate full of condoms in my room for my friends and family alike to take--no questions asked--to attending college and passing out Condoms on campus. Listen, Minorities will always be in a loosing battle if we are not equipped or willing to take care of ourselves and our families.

You can show you care by reading this blog, passing the info on to family, friends and colleagues. signing the petition, http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/curecvs

CVS is one of the nation's largest pharmacy and drugstore chains. With more than 6,000 stores across the country, they are a major provider of condoms to people of all ages. However, a recent study showed that CVS stores in low-income and minority neighborhoods tend to lock up condoms. Often times these stores are in communities where the rates of HIV infection are the highest.

Advocates for Youth, in partnership with the Cure CVS Campaign, is working with college organizations to push CVS to adopt a policy that would prohibit stores from locking condoms behind glass. CVS's largest competitor, Walgreen's, already has a policy in place forbidding locked condom cases. It's time that CVS does the same!

Report taken from Amplify.org:

a report released by Change to Win highlights the fact that in many low-income and minority neighborhoods CVS stores display condoms only in locked cabinets. Those who want condoms must find a store employee and wait for them to unlock the cabinet – which might make some people turn right around and not buy the condom at all. The study looked at stores in Detroit, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, New York City and Miami between September 2007 and January 2008. In some cities, the percentage of CVS stores with locked condoms was more than three times higher in communities of color than in areas that are predominately white.The cities listed also have some of the highest numbers of AIDS cases in the country.

CVS says they lock up condoms “based on whether shoplifting is to such a degree that they’re becoming unavailable for customers to purchase.” However, competitors Rite Aid and Walgreen's both have policies against locking up condoms.

Don’t let CVS create barriers for young people who want to act responsibly and protect themselves. Join Advocates for Youth and Change to Win in demanding that CVS adopt a corporate policy against locking up condoms!

Want to help make a difference Like I just did , sign the petition:

http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/curecvs

learn about Advocates for Youth, Click Here! http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/

Middle-School Teens in Tampa being tried as Adults in Sexual Assault Case

Randall Raymond Lee Diemante

This is very sad and developing story, going on in my Hometown(Tampa). I sat here pushing back a few tears, having trouble typing because it not only hurts me, but disturbs me deeply. I will keep you posted and follow this as much as I can. I posted pictures of the accused for principals that I hold dear.

I also would like all to understand a fundamental factor that is present in most cases involving victims of violence, that we as people(the public) tend to forget, It is "our"own who commit acts of violence against one another not random strangers as we would like to believe and conveniently hold .


Four Tampa middle-school students names listed below, will be tried as adults for Sexual Assault and Battery.

Randall John Moye, 14;
Raymond A. Price-Murray, 14
Lee Louis Myers, 14
Diemante J. Roberts, 15

When school officials questioned the defendants, all four admitted in a written statement that they had sexually assaulted the victim. it's important to note there was actual ongoing bullying investigation going on with the named individuals,but no one knew the extent and that it would later include rape(s) of the13yr. old they ganged up on. The victim didn't acknowledge being sexually assaulted until questioned.

What is equally sad is that several students and others were aware that he was being bullied for over two months and on one of the days in question April 30th,students heard the screams as he was attacked in the locker room but no one did anything about it. School Officials contacted the Authorities which led to the arrest of the Eight Graders. The victim finished out the school year at home.

On another note one of the accused students, who is represented by Atty. Tim Taylor made the statement that his client was from one of the finest in the community and brought several character witnesses forward to speak on his behalf including Raymond Moyle's mother Jeanne Meyers who wanted it known that her son wants to attend college and when asked about his confession statement, she dumbed it down by describing it as just "the guys clowning around in the locker room with a HOCKEY STICK , but added her son did say he held the victim down for a few seconds."

State Attorney's office Spokeswoman Pam Bondi said Wednesday that each boy faces four counts of sexual battery, stemming from "multiple incidents on different dates." Each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A 15,000 bond was set for each individual and automatic home monitoring (ankle monitors) on all except one, Moyle who relocated to live with his father. Diemante Roberts who remains in jail, will wear a monitor as well, he's the only one has not posted bail.

If you know someone who is being bullied or you suspect may need help please report! Ask for guidance on how to help a friend. The tauting and/or abuse of another is never okay and as you can see can lead to possibly more heinous crimes. It is often said that individuals feel more powerful and will act out more aggressively with intent when in pairs, groups or crowds compared to when acting out on violence alone. No Matter your age,
DON'T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO or WALK AWAY FROM YOUR FRIEND


Here are links reporting on this story:

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Three-teens-accused-of-raping-classmate-released/RnsBPnfEsEav4QrGvKYi3g.cspx?rss=794

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/06/04/florida.sexual.assault/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/04/4-teens-charged-as-adults-in-Fla-attacks/UPI-55151244124490/

This link has good discussions points, interest and commentary on the case, Add your two cents at:
http://www.queerty.com/disgust-4-teens-rape-classmate-with-hockey-stick-and-broom-20090511/

Man Beaten Over Girl's Rape is Stable

Jose Carrasquillo

Man Beaten Over Girl's Rape In Stable Condition

Jose Carrasquillo, 26, has progressed from critical, to stable condition at Temple University Hospital after experiencing a brutal mob attack. Carrasquillo was badly beaten after his picture was shown by police for questioning in the rape of a 11-year-old girl in Philadelphia. A neighborhood mob took matters into their own hands after recognizing him and decided not to wait for formal charges or evidence. They just pummeled him. Police eventually arrived on the scene, only to arrest him on a unrelated bench warrant.

Interesting to note that no one has been named or charged in the vicious rape as of yet. Authorities are looking into whether to file charges against any of the neighbors,as of today no charges have been filed.

The girl in question dropped her sibling off at daycare,proceeded to walk to school when she was approached by a man who then started to walk with the victim, then threaten her.He took her to a nearby backyard and raped her repeatedly, authorities said.

Do you agree with the police sharing photos of possible"interested persons"when conducting a case?

Do you think there is a time when it's ok to take the law into your own hands?

Do you agree that Jose has rights, as a person,like me and you not to be violated despite his record of arrest that has been called out on the news and in print.

Questions I would like answered are:

Who will pay or help pay his hospital bill? What victim services will be provided to him?

I am not being funny, I am asking because whether Jose committed that crime in question he himself is now a victim and may be in need. I must admit and I am still thinking on why that was my first reaction upon learning of this unfortunate act,I chuckled and gave a personal silent head nod with a smile, not at the beat down, just at the fact that someone can feel so strongly and more importantly is willing to step up and out to do SOMETHING about it. now what they decided to do is wrong on many levels and accounts but I personally understand and can relate to the motivation behind it.

I hope that we are all aware that you can find many ways to channel your anger and outrage at the actions of someone else,but in life there may come a time when you sense of responsibility and your sensibility separate. To put it plainly,I think this was one of those times

For more info on this story check out these links:

http://newsone.blackplanet.com/nation/crowd-beat-man-accused-of-raping-11-year-old-in-philadelphia/

Man Post Rape from his Laptop onto the Internet

Johnathan Richard Huck




Man Videotapes Rape from his Laptop PC


Quick Facts:

• Feb. 26, 2009, at about 5 a.m., 20-year-old Jonathan Hock set up the web cam built into his laptop and broadcast live as he sexually assaulted as she lay in bed unconscious
• booked him on charges of sexual assault and surreptitious video taping
• Hock is very popular on site for his Sexual Behavior and antics.
• The victim had reportedly been asleep for up to six hours before the assault occurred.
• woman found pictures on the Web site of Hock lying next to her as she was asleep and naked from the waist down friends sent text messages after seeing it.
• Hock reportedly made comments about him being able to commit the assault without her knowledge while he performed various sexual acts

Anyone who may have information about this incident or other possible victims are urged to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (942-6377)

for more info on this developing story

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/06/02/20090602abrk-webassault0602.html

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Rape-Streamed-Live-On-Internet-Johnathon-Richard-Hock-From-Surprise-Arizona-Charged/Article/200906115294491?f=rss

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2009/jun/03/internet-video-sexual-assault

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.

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

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