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)

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

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.

Proclamation by President Obama re: Domestic Violence

10/15/2009


Hello,

it is never too late to get involved and do something for yourself or someone else. As you know, Domestic Violence is highlighted nationally once a year in October so we here at BUILD to BLEND would like to extend our thank you to Individuals,Community Programs, Churches, Businesses, Service Providers, Allies and Advocates for taking time out to recognize, speak out, coordinate and take personal action against Domestic Violence. We would like to encourage you to not stop, we all can do our part everyday to aid in awareness against Sexual Violence, and Domestic Violence.

I love my president, for many reasons and this proclamation excites me, hopefully you can be moved as well by his words and deeds. You can read the entire Proclamation but what we will do is highlight(in Green) a few areas that excited us about what can still be done everyday.

Jamila and everyone here at BUILD to BLEND

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 1, 2009
September 30, 2009
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION



Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members. Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, championed by then Senator Joe Biden, our Nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country.



To effectively respond to domestic violence, we must provide assistance and support that meets the immediate needs of victims. Facing social isolation, victims can find it difficult to protect themselves and their children. They require safe shelter and housing, medical care, access to justice, culturally specific services, and economic opportunity. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act supports emergency shelters, crisis intervention programs, and community education about domestic violence.


In the best of economic times, victims worry about finding a job and housing, and providing for their children; these problems only intensify during periods of financial stress. That is why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides $325 million for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). This funding will supplement the Federal VAWA and VOCA dollars that flow to communities every year, and enable States, local governments, tribes, and victim service providers to retain and hire personnel that can serve victims and hold offenders accountable. These funds will also bring relief to victims seeking a safe place to live for themselves and their children.

Victims of violence often suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn, with little or no guidance and support. Sadly, this tragedy does not just affect adults. Even when children are not directly injured by violence, exposure to violence in the home can contribute to behavioral, social, and emotional problems. High school students who report having experienced physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide, and may carry patterns of abuse into future relationships. Our efforts to address domestic violence must include these young victims.

During this month, . By providing young people with education about healthy relationships, and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that domestic violence can be prevented. We must build the capacity of our Nation's victim service providers to reach and serve those in need. We urge community leaders to raise awareness and bring attention to this quiet crisis. And across America, we encourage victims and their families to call the National Domestic Violence Hot line at 1-800-799-SAFE. Together, we must ensure that, in America, no victim of domestic violence ever struggles alone.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I ask all Americans to do their part to end domestic violence in this country by supporting their communities' efforts to assist victims in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.



BARACK OBAMA



BUILD to BLEND wants to help you stay involved and abreast of issues,rights,details,advocacy and services surrounding Sexual and Domestic Violence

Click the links:


http://idvaac.org/

http://womenofcolornetwork.org/

http://buildtoblend.org/

http://www.vowbwrc.org/

http://www.ncdsv.org/

http://www.domesticabuseproject.org/

http://breakthecycle.org/

Ending The Silence in Egypt, Africa

Sexual Harassment in Egypt, Africa

While I was reading this article, reprinted below, I wanted to find more information,not just to support this story but to figure out why its "shadow" resembles the inner workings and connections to Sexual Violence and the many stereotypes, roles and perceptions that being a Woman or Man can carry. Is there any weight that this(Sexual Harassment)has potential to lead to more serious crime of Sexual Violence that Women,Girls and Men face here in the United States and Abroad?

Maybe after reading, it may help You grasp or understand the concept that Sexual Violence against Women is in fact a global issue that we are facing and by becoming aware you can now ask, How can I help? What can I, my family or even my friends do to bring awareness that women are being hurt, minorities are being hurt, that children are being hurt everyday by Sexual Violence?

What has helped me and what I continually have learned is when you start to question or ask questions, you eventually seek out and actually get answers and they in turn, will be in abundance. So get ready !( smile)


Egyptian Center for Women's Rights(check them out here http://ecwronline.org/ ) published a study, a number of developments have helped advance awareness and bring redress closer to the many women who experience sexual harassment.

According to “Clouds in Egypt’s Sky,” ECWR’s study, 83 per cent of Egyptian women and 98 per cent of foreign women report that they have been sexually harassed, and the most common sites of harassment are on the street and public transport. A large number of men – 62.4 per cent – admitted to being or having been perpetrators of sexual harassment.

The study highlighted the differences in perceptions about different facets of sexual harassment. Respondents fell into three categories: Egyptian women, foreign women and Egyptian men.

Foreign women identified the widest variety of forms of sexual harassment. While many Egyptian and foreign women said that women of all categories are subjected to sexual harassment, most men thought that young women are the main victims.

The study’s respondents were shown pictures of women in different modes of dress. Generally, foreign women agreed that the way a woman is dressed does not determine whether she will be sexually harassed. However many Egyptians – more men than women- identified a woman pictured wearing a short sleeved shirt and short skirt, and with her hair uncovered as most likely to be a victim of sexual harassment.

Only 2.4 per cent of Egyptian women and 7.5 per cent of foreign women subjected to sexual violence reported it to the police. Most did not report because they thought that no adequate action would be taken.

The study also found that sometimes police officers mock or harass women who report, and this is a further deterrent. Blaming the victim is common with most other forms of sexual violence all over the world, there is a tendency in Egypt to blame the victim and excuse the assailant. (Sound familiar?)

A number of women did not report the crime to the authorities because they feared that by doing so they may ruin their own reputations.Many women interviewed seemed to agree that the silence needs to be preserved.
(Again! You see common stereotypes, tradition and gender roles that run rampant in communities. Which help perpetuate the general attitude toward responding to violence which is DON'T. What's worse is this"attitude"is taught, becoming a learned behavior, like a passed down oral tradition from family to family, society to society playing the same tune that even we as women who are the most victimized yet held the most accountable for the crimes done against us help uphold the standard of "SILENCE IS BEST")

( Picture from rally 4/18/2009)

About 53.8 percent of men said that women were to blame for being sexually harassed. The reasons they gave were inappropriate dressing, enjoying the attention or initiating the harassment. Some Egyptian women agreed that women bring it upon themselves when for instance they wear tight clothing.

Attitudes towards sexual harassment are beginning to change. In February this year, a bill seeking the introduction of stiffer penalties for sexual offenders was introduced into Egypt’s parliament. The law will also compel police to intervene in cases of sexual harassment. Two widely publicised landmark cases have contributed significantly to the impetus to deal with sexual harassment. In one, a young woman who was groped on the street filed charges against the assailant, who was jailed for three years and fined the equivalent of USD 900. Another man was sentenced to one year in prison for his involvement in a mob attack on some women on a Cairo street. Apart from these two cases there have been a number of arrests of offenders.

Although the steps forward are promising, the study shows that there is a long way to go in changing attitudes that are held by women and men about sexual harassment.

ECWR recommends widespread education to expand the understanding of sexual violence to encompass not only rape, but all forms of verbal and physical violence. The organisation wants police to be trained to respond to sexual harassment and a special reporting centre to be established for victims of sexual harassment.

In 2006, a commercial(Check it out below) was produced to show how visitors are harassed and how it not only effects tourism but the Country,but I think it's truly the local resident women who loose out more everyday.

For more on this story and related articles:

http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20090414-fighting-sexual-harrassment-egypt-women-rights

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2008/07/29/an-egyptian-mans-views-on-sexual-harassment-in-egypt-2/

http://allafrica.com/stories/200905300005.html

http://www.imow.org/wpp/stories/viewStory?storyid=1228

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