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
                                                       

The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (CICF), and University of Richmond are co-sponsoring the fifth Basic Virginia Victim Assistance Academy from June17-22, 2012 at the University of Richmond. Applications are being accepted through Monday, March 19, 2012.

The Virginia Victim Assistance Academy is a week-long intensive course of study that requires a substantial commitment on the part of all faculty, staff and student participants. The Academy offers a rare opportunity to live, work, study and interact with allied professionals and victim service providers.

The Academy is open to individuals who live or work in Virginia and potential students are required to submit applications to attend the Academy. Successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions of the Academy, and will also be required to complete some work prior to the Academy. This Academy is designed for students with less than three years of experience working with victims.

The Academy registration fee is $150.00 and includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, refreshment breaks in addition to training materials and lodging.

To be considered for admission, interested individuals should submit applications to DCJS by 11:59 p.m. on March 19, 2012. The application is available online at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/trainingevents/victims/vvaapp/index.cfm

Assurance Offers Free Wireless

Do you know any homeless teens or adults? Do you know any former inmates? Do you have a loved one or a friend who needs a phone but just can't afford one, then mention Assurance Wireless to them which could help create a new sense of normalcy.

Having access to a reliable phone is a great start for some who are low-income or for ones who may be starting over after fleeing domestic violence or assault. It also proves beneficial for communication, employment and survival for families and/or individuals when pay-phones, calling cards and landlines are becoming non-existent almost obsolete in many neighborhoods.

Taken from Website:

Assurance Wireless is FREE to eligible customers. Assurance Wireless offers a FREE phone and 250 FREE minutes of wireless voice service each month. There are no bills, long-term contracts, activation fees, recurring fees, or surcharges for Assurance Wireless customers. Additional upgrades are available for phone

For more information call 1-888-898-4888 for a advisor to assist you in the application process. Or print application online http://assurancewireless.com/Public/CustomerInformation.aspx
(provides application link to each state)

Assurance Wireless comes with a one-year warranty from the original equipment manufacturer. If you experience an equipment malfunction, lost or stolen call at 1-888-321-5880

Assurance Wireless is currently available in these states : Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

Disparities Still Exist for Women in Minnesota-Three Reasons For Gap

Among women of color, the disparities are more extreme, with some
making 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white man

St. Paul, Minn.

Women's Foundation of Minnesota and The University of Minnesota's Center on Women and Public Policy released research today that states, Minnesota women on average are paid $11 dollars less each year than men with the same jobs.

*The gap exists in every occupation, including those dominated by women

THREE REASONS FOR GAP

Lee Roper-Batker, the president of the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, said economists site three reasons for the income gap. She said women often choose careers that pay less and employers sometimes punish women who take time off to have children. "And the third thing economists say is just unexplainable," she said. "We don't know to attribute the wage gap to so we just call that good old fashioned sexism." The report said Minnesota women are clustered in low-wage jobs.

MOST HOMELESS ARE WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Families headed by single women are most likely to live under the poverty line. On an average night, women and children make up two-thirds of the state's homeless population.

That statistic is played out every day, said Liz Kuoppala, the executive director of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. She works in northern Minnesota, on the Iron Range. "We talk to homeless women in rural areas who are staying up in a tent," she said. "Up in my part of the state, they climb down steep embankments to mine dumps where there's access to water."

DANGER OF ASSAULT

The research shows girls and women also live in danger of assault. It said one in every three women in Minnesota will be the victim of sexual or physical assault by middle age.

According to the Women's Foundation of Minnesota, that adds up to 250,000 women at any given time, a population that could fill the Metrodome four times. "It has become so normalized that many of our young girls believe it is inevitable," said Suzanne Koepplinger, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center in Minneapolis.

Indian women have the highest rate of sexual assault in the state -- 42 percent of Indian women are victims. "I heard a story about an elder giving instructions to working with young girls and she said don't tell them if they're raped this is what they should do, tell them when they're raped, this is what they should do," she said.

POOR HEALTH

The study also found women and girls in Minnesota have poorer health than men and boys.
Girls are less likely to be physically active than boys. Forty-eight percent of 12th grade girls participate in sports, compared to fifty-nine percent of boys. A majority of the state's women are now considered obese or overweight and women in northeastern Minnesota have disproportionately high cancer rates.


Links:

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center
http://www.miwrc.org/

University of Minnesota's Center of Women and Public Policy
http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/wpp/

Women's Foundation of Minnesota
http://www.wfmn.org/

Minnesota Coalition of the Homeless
http://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/

Minnesota Public Radio
http://minnesota.publicradio.org

World Pulse
http://www.worldpulse.com/node/22009

Art Work for Change:Women and Violence

This is an ongoing exhibit coming to a city or country near you. if you are in any of the areas listed below take some time and go see it!

Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art An International Contemporary Art Exhibition


Thirty-two contemporary artists from 25 countries address violence against women and girls globally and their basic human rights to a safe and secure life.


The beauty of this project is that it combines the highest integrity of art with important social messaging and storytelling to help create awareness, inspiration, and address systems for positive social change and action.


Exhibition curated by Randy Jayne Rosenberg



Remaining Dates:

Museo Universitario del Chopo, Mexico

September 8 – November 7, 2010

Chicago Cultural Center, USA

January 22 – April 10, 2011

Global Health Odyssey Museum,Ctr. for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA

January 25 – May 23, 2012

Program Partners:

Amnesty International, Art for Amnesty, CounterQuo.org, Emergent Media Center at Champlain College,

Family Violence Prevention Fund, Global Fund for Women, International Rescue Committee,

Population Media Center, UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),The Voices and Faces Project

Sexual Assault,Domestic Violence & Stalking Conference This April

End Violence Against Women International(EVAW) is having a conference April 19-21, 2010 in Buckhead,Georgia.

Join fellow Men and Women in the various field of Sexual Assault from law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, victim advocates, judges, parole and probation officers, rape crisis workers, medical personnel, faith community members, educators and others(taken from site)

**scholarships and continuing education credits are available**(depending on your state and discipline)

There will be many featured speakers including four from Minnesota

Laura Williams, National Technical Assistance Project Director, Sexual Violence Justice Institute (SVJI), Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, St. Paul, MN

Ann Turner, Aging & Disability Specialist, National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life project (NCALL), North Branch, MN

Sara G. Thome, Project Attorney, Sexual Violence Justice Institute, Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, St. Paul, MN

Sgt. Paul Schnell, Saint Paul Police Department, St. Paul, MN


If you would like to attend or need more information about the conference please go to http://www.evawintl.org/conferencedetail.aspx?confid=8

SHE BIT HIS TONGUE OFF!-Convicted Rapist Fleds to Local Hospital

Ronald Douglas McGowan Jr.(booking photo Murrieta Police)



Convicted Rapist Loses Tongue to Victim



Quick Facts:

• Ronald McGowan, is a registered Sexual Offender and convicted Rapist (for Rape and Child Molestation)
  
• Arrested at hospital on Friday(Rancho Springs Medical Center) after seeking treatment, from having his Tongue Bitten off **Doctors unable to reattach**

• Tongue found in victim's apt. from attempted attack, hospital is across the street from where she resides and said to be about the size of a 50-cent piece.
  
• Ronald was booked Friday without bail at Southwest Detention Center on charges of suspicion of robbery, rape by force or fear, kidnap to commit robbery,committing a felony with great bodily injury
  
• McGowan arraignment is today at the Riverside Superior Court Southwest Justice Center
  
• Investigation into the rape in progress showed that victim was targeted and not a rare attack
  
• The woman, who reports to have suffered broken bones in her cheek and eye socket, she was released from Hospital.
  

For more on this story, check out the links provided below:

http://www.insidesocal.com/sgvcrime/2009/06/update-wc-sex-offender-has-ton.html

http://cbs2.com/watercooler/Arraignment.Rapist.Murrietta.2.1036131.html?detectflash=false

http://www.10news.com/newsarchive/19677879/detail.html

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 faces Charges of Sexual Assault on 17yr old Girl at High School

Christopher Robin Webster




17 year old Forrest Lake High School Student Sexually Assaulted


A 19 yr old Cambridge Man, Christopher Webster,was arrested 30 minutes after alleged assault on a victim who he may have been a acquaintance with. A staff member witness the incident and help detain suspect, while walking to office, Christopher Fled the scene but was quickly apprehended and is now in Washington County Jail. He entered the school through a locked side entrance that the victim opened for him after classes ended on Wednesday.

The school still had students and staff in the building at the time of incident and the school reports that there are 14 surveillance cameras in the school, but none of them covered the area between the exterior and interior doors where the assault took place.



For links to follow this story:

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_12519212

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/06/04/sexual_assault_forest_lake_high?refid=0


Update:
Christopher Webster was released pending investigation, the Atty. General has declined to pursue in favor of more information and has giving it back into the hands of the Forrest Lake Police Dept. to investigate further.

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

Janitor from El Modena High School charged for Sexually Assault of Special Education Student

Luis Antonio Mejia


Quick Facts:

• Mejia(49)charged with sexually assaulting a special education student in his campus office
• Faces charges of six felony counts of lewd and sex acts, one misdemeanor count of child annoyance.
• Arraignment is scheduled for Today in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, California
• Mejia has worked as a janitor at El Modena High School in Orange for 12 years.
• He exchanged written notes with the victim, including "I love you" cards and over 100 calls and text messages
• Several encounters at school in his office,relationship reported by girl's friend to principal
• According to prosecutors, he groomed her with candy,cards,gifts and money. He also instructed another janitor to cover a video surveillance camera with tape
• Orange Police Department, launched an investigation after being contacted by school
• Luis Mejia posted $250,000 bail and is not in custody, case number is 09CF1331

for more info on this story

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/school-mejia-prosecutors-2438390-sexual-office

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-janitor-charged,0,192209.story

Nevada Man Gets combined Life Sentence for Sexual Assault of 2&6 year old Children

Chester Stiles Darrin Tuck




Nevada Man Gets Combined Life Sentence



Quick Facts:

• Chester Arthur Stiles will serve 21 life terms for two separate Sexual Assaults 2003&2007



• Darrin Tuck, man who "discovered"tape in is arrested in 2007 for felony charges of promoting child pornography and possession of child pornography



• Nationwide manhunt ensued after Stiles' videotape was found in Nevada Desert



• Stiles found guilty of 22 felony charges: 10 counts of sexual assault with a minor under 14 years of age, 10 counts of lewdness with a child under the age of 14, and one count of attempted sexual assault with a minor under 14.



• Judge folded 14 sentences together, ran eight sentences eight back-to-back



• Stiles can't seek parole for 140 years, his lawyers are appealing judges decision



• The victims were 2 and 6,one on videotape was daughter of his x-girlfriend's friend



• Stiles showed no remorse and in fact said he being treated worse then a murderer



• Darrin Tuck made plea agreement in 2008 to lessor charge of conspiracy to obstruct,by doing avoided previous felony charges of possession

For more background or information on this story

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article/article?f=/n/a/2009/05/29/state/n110936D35.DTL

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=49286

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/16/rape.tape/index.html

http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=7861405&nav=15MV

Looking for Speakers in Virginia

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. Any survivor wishing to join the Survivor Caucus can do so at http://www.survivorcaucusva.org/

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.

Survivors are encouraged to apply at http://www.vsdvalliance.org/ 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
http://www.survivorcaucusva.org/

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

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

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

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