Humboldt Advocates for Victims of Abuse

WELCOME

2020-06-04T08:12:00.000-07:00

Advocates for Victims of Abuse (AVA), formerly known as Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) is a community-based program for the prevention, education, and advocacy against relationship abuse, sexual violence, bullying, and child abuse and neglect in Humboldt County, Winnemucca, NV.

We collaborate with community agencies and organizations to raise awareness and education about relationship abuse and sexual violence, prevention, and what to do in case of a sexual assault. We also provide referrals and resources to local and statewide agencies and programs that can assist the survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence and their loved ones affected by the trauma.

We provide on-call advocacy for relationship abuse and sexual assault support services, with trained advocates in crisis intervention and sexual assault support services.

The mission of AVA is to empower those victimized by abuse and/or violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of relationship abuse and sexual violence.

We are currently working to bring the national program, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), to Humboldt County. The mission of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. For more information, please visit our links site and go to their website.

The mission of AVA is to empower those victimized by abuse and/or violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of relationship abuse, sexual violence, child abuse and neglect, and bullying.

Sixth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates supports and promotes volunteer advocacy to protect the best interests of abuse and neglected children in Humboldt, Lander, and Pershing Counties in Nevada.

Don't be a victim, become a survivor!

Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Humboldt AVA
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Phone: 304-7007,623-2328, 247-2395
Fax: 509-695-4626
E-Mail: humboldtava@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.humboldtava.com/

Nevada Sex Offender Registry Search
http://www.nvsexoffenders.gov/Search.aspx

About Teen Dating Violence

2012-02-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

ABOUT TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is not a problem just for adults. Teens experience domestic violence in their relationships, too. In fact, domestic violence is very common in teen dating relationships. Here are some important facts:

Unhealthy relationship behaviors commonly begin early and lead to a lifetime of abuse.

Every student, parent and teacher needs to be aware of the prevalence of teen dating violence in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that one in eleven adolescents is a victim of physical dating violence.

The following ten facts are from Choose Respect's "Get the Facts: Dating Abuse Statistics" and "About Choose Respect: Dating Abuse Fact Sheet":

1. Each year approximately one in four adolescents reports verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

2. Approximately one in five adolescents reports being a victim of emotional abuse.

3. Approximately one in five high school girls has been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.

4. Dating violence among their peers is reported by 54% of high school students.

5. One in three teens report knowing a friend or peer who has been physically hurt by his or her partner through violent actions which included hitting, punching, kicking, slapping, and/or choking.

6. Eighty percent of teens believe verbal abuse is a serious issue for their age group.

7. Nearly 80% of girls who have been victims of physical abuse in their dating relationships continue to date the abuser.

8. Nearly 20% of teen girls who have been in a relationship said that their boyfriend had threatened violence or self-harm in the event of a break-up.

9. Nearly 70% of young women who have been raped knew their rapist; the perpetrator was or had been a boyfriend, friend, or casual acquaintance.

10. The majority of teen dating abuse occurs in the home of one of the partners.

11. 1 in 4 teenage girls who have been in relationships reveal they have been pressured to perform oral sex or engage in intercourse.

Warning Signs a Teen is Being Abused

• Falling or failing grades;

• Increased instances of indecision, stops giving her own opinion;

• Changes in mood or personality;

• Use of drugs/alcohol, not just experimentation;

• Emotional outburst , not just mood swings;

• Depression;

• Will become isolated, insist on more privacy;

• Physical signs of injury, cuts, bruises, etc.;

• Makes excuses for the abusers behavior;

• Begins to put herself/himself down.

Although parents may not see many of these, here are the signs concerning the abuser:

• Is extremely jealous, hypersensitive and controlling;

• Verbally abusive and threatens violence;

• Has unpredictable mood swings, with instances of explosive anger;

• Uses drugs and alcohol, not just experimentation;

• Isolates their partner from friends and family;

• Uses force during an argument, physical and emotional;

• Believes in rigid sex roles and women are a possession;

• Blames others for his problems or feelings;

• Has a history of abusive relationships.

Keep your eyes and ears open when your teen is dating. Stay involved and most importantly be there when your teen wants to talk. These things will help you see the signs of dating violence, should you need to.

What can I do?

If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, consider these steps:

• Learn about dating and domestic violence and what the laws in your state say about teen victims of domestic violence.

• Share information you learn with your peers.

• Support your friends and family members to stay safe in their relationships.

• Speak out in your community to end teen dating violence.

• Keep your eyes and ears open when your teen is dating. Stay involved and most importantly be there when your teen wants to talk. These things will help you see the signs of dating violence, should you need to.

Teen Dating Bill of Rights

I have the right:

To always be treated with respect – In a respectful relationship, you should be treated as an equal.

To be in a healthy relationship – A healthy relationship is not controlling, manipulative, or jealous. A healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, and communication.

To not be hurt physically or emotionally – You should feel safe in your relationship at all times.

Abuse is never deserved and is never your fault – Conflicts should be resolved in a peaceful and rational way.

To refuse sex or affection at anytime – A healthy relationship involves making consensual sexual decisions.

You have the right to not have sex – Even if you have had sex before, you have the right to refuse sex for any reason.

To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend – Spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy.

To end a relationship – You should not be harassed, threatened, or made to feel guilty for ending an unhealthy or healthy relationship. You have the right to end a relationship for any reason you choose.

I pledge to:

Always treat my boyfriend or girlfriend with respect.

Never hurt my boyfriend or girlfriend physically, verbally, or emotionally.

Respect my girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s decisions concerning sex and affection.

Not be controlling or manipulative in my relationship.

Accept responsibility for myself and my actions.

For more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness and how you can get involved, please visit:

www.teendvmonth.org

www.loveisrespect.org

www.dosomething.org

AVA-CASA has trained community advocates available 24/7/365, all services are confidential. All advocates are mandatory reporters and required by law to report any knowledge or reasonable cause that a minor is being abused or neglected.

For more information or for victim’s services, please contact AVA-CASA at P.O. Box 1338, Wmca, or 304-7007 or 623-2328. E-Mail Address humboldtava@sbcglobal.net Website: www.humboldtava.com

Surviving Dating Violence: A Survivor Shares Her Story

2012-02-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

I didn't have a strong father figure at home growing up. He was around, so to say, but worked constantly. As I became of dating age, I found myself drawn to guys that were much older than my parents would have liked. I hung on to my boyfriend's every word and did my best to appease him. I also became responsible for his emotions, and his lack of control over them. It wasn’t until later, too late, that I realized I was the beginnings of an abusive relationship. I had failed to recognize all the warning signs.

My friends became distant; my family agitated. I was confused. I couldn't seem to make him happy anymore. In fact, I was always the cause of his discontent. He would yell at me, blame me for his woes, and I would take it all to heart.

I'd spend hours contemplating the ways I could not disappoint, anger or upset him. I could not get through an entire day without the dirty look, the mean names, and that sinking feeling that I was a failing individual because I couldn't make my boyfriend any happier with me, or with life.

After a couple months of this nonsense, my boasting teenage ego didn't even cast a shadow anymore. I was a rotten person. Obviously. It was so apparent; my boyfriend could plainly see it. With the crumbled self-esteem, I felt unworthy to be dated by anybody. How lucky I was to have such a great guy that loved me despite my horrible short comings! I craved his approval. I needed his approval. I had none left in me for myself.

It became hard to look at myself in the mirror. I was such a disappointment to my boyfriend. We got into arguments. I believed the names he called me were appropriate. He never said anything good about me anymore. He rarely said anything nice to me either. I permitted his influence over me to become so strong I found myself unable to think kind things about myself.

I dropped my morals, desperate for anything to make my boyfriend happy with me again. When that didn't work, my pitiful esteem plummeted farther, because I had compromised myself.

I noticed changes in him, too. His anger was coming more frequently and escalating. He began beating the family pets just for walking into the wrong room. My feelings weren't the only ones I saw getting run over anymore.

I'd laid the groundwork for dating, and not just as a teenager. These were things I didn't realize would follow me into the adult world. I also didn't know how challenging it would be to break away from the behaviors I'd allowed to become acceptable.

The dating habits formed in the teenage years can leave deep grooves which can be difficult to leave behind as you propel into adulthood. I know now I was in an abusive relationship. It’s easy to look back on now and see all the warning signs, but I hadn’t known the facts or warning signs prior to these experiences.

There are many warning signs of an abusive personality, but for myself personally, a few seem to resurface and I can now identify them with more ease.

• Jealousy – Constant phone calls, dropping by all the time “just to say hi”

• Controlling – I had to ask permission to even go grocery shopping

• Isolation – From my friends and family

• Blaming others for his problems and mistakes

• Making everyone else responsible for his/her feelings

• Cruelty to animals – From here it is a small step to people

• Verbal abuse – Just as scarring as physical abuse

• Unrealistic expectations – I was expected to be the perfect mate and meet his every need

There is NO EXCUSE for anybody to treat you in a manner you find displeasing. Any type of abuse in a relationship is NOT love and should NOT be tolerated! If you do find yourself in a position of abuse, there are people to help you leave the situation. AVA has trained community advocates to assist with crisis intervention, survivor and secondary survivor advocacy, and numerous resources and referrals. There are many statewide and national organizations to help too. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

Rape More Common Than Smoking in United States- F.B.I. Revises Definition of Rape to Include Men

2012-01-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Rape More Common Than Smoking in United States- F.B.I. Revises Definition of Rape to Include Men

Sexual violence is an omnipresent public health problem in the United States. In December 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Throughout the country, headlines of local and national papers described that rape is more common than ever thought.

In an article published in on Significance Magazine’s web site, a publication of the American Statistical Association and Royal Statistical Society, compared these rates to those of smoking: 18.3% of women over 18 reported being sexual assaulted in their lifeline while 17.4% of women reported smoking.

Just as in smoking prevention, preventing sexual violence before it happens in is crucial. NISVS demonstrated that sexual violence often first happens when people are young, thus early prevention efforts are vital*.

In a step toward progress that have sexual violence advocate’s cheering, Attorney General Eric Holder announced revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s (UCR) definition of rape, which will lead to a more comprehensive statistical reporting of rape nationwide. In December, F.B.I. Director Robert S. Mueller III told Congress that he has approved the updated definition for the way in which the agency defines rape.

“That [former] definition was in some ways unworkable, certainly not applicable–fully applicable to the types of crimes that…it should cover,” Mueller told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In early December, an F.B.I. advisory board voted to update the way the agency defines rape. The new terminology defines rape as “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”

In October, an F.B.I. subcommittee made recommendations to create a new federal definition of rape. The F.B.I. had considered rape to be “the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will,” which excludes anal and oral rape, male rape and rape committed without physical force but also without consent. A person consents if s/he agrees by choice and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice. If the complainant was incapacitated (i.e. intoxicated or under medication or drugs), and the respondent knew, or should have reasonably have known of the incapacity, indications of consent are irrelevant. Another important change made is the removal of the word “forcibly” from the F.B.I.’s definition, which was put in place in 1927.

This underreporting misleads the public about the prevalence of rape. Additionally, federal, state and local agencies use the F.B.I.’s UCR statistics to apply for funding. Law enforcement agencies have to determine what counts as rape based on the FBI definition, which ends up affecting the resources allocated for services rape crisis centers are able to offer their community. This makes the F.B.I.’s definition of rape more essential than mere statistics.

“The data that are reported to the public come from this definition, and sadly, it portrays a very, very distorted picture,” said Susan B. Carbon, director of the Office on Violence Against Women, part of the Department of Justice, to the New York Times. “It’s the message that we’re sending to victims, and if you don’t fit that very narrow definition, you weren’t a victim and your rape didn’t count.”

According to the F.B.I.’s 2010 UCR, there were 84,767 sexual assaults in the United States last year. F.B.I.’s change to a broader definition, law enforcement agencies will be explaining a sudden increase in reported rapes. District attorneys will now have clearer avenues to prosecute those accused with forcing anal sex and/or oral sex upon another person or rape with an object. Additionally, more victims will be eligible for aid.

*Information gathered California Coalition Against Sexual Assault and used with permission. For more information, please visit www.calcasa.org.

For further resources and referrals, please contact AVA-CASA.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and National Mentoring Month.

2012-01-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, as well as National Mentoring Month. The Advocates for Victims of Abuse- Sixth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates has teamed up with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s Polaris Project and Girls Educating and Mentoring Services (GEMS), to help raise awareness about this serious problem that still exists in the United States and around the globe.

Human trafficking is a serious federal crime with penalties of up to imprisonment for life. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and some U.S. territories (USDE). Victims of human trafficking can be children or adults, U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, male or female.

According to U.S. government, they estimate thousands of men, women, and children are trafficked to the United States for the purposes of sexual and labor exploitation. An unknown number of U.S. citizens and legal residents are trafficked within the country primarily for sexual servitude and, to a lesser extent, forced labor.

Human trafficking often targets youths. 100,000 – 300,000 children are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation each year in the United States According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 75% of minors involved in prostitution are controlled by pimps through violence and psychological abuse, which leads to lesser reporting out of fear. Just this year, the DOJ’s statistic states that the average age of entry into prostitution is merely 12-14 years old. These statistics narrow even further, as Shared Hope International reports 1,496 children were trafficked from 40 states into Las Vegas’ Clark County between 1994 and 2007. 70-90% of commercially sexually exploited children have a history of child sexual abuse. Keep in mind, these are only the reported trafficking crimes.

Commercial exploitation of children is sexual activity involving a child in exchange for something of value, or promise thereof, to the child or another person or persons. The child is treated as a commercial and sexual object. CSEC is a form of violence against children. It’s estimated 1.6 million children run away from home each year in the US. The average time it takes before a runaway is approached by a trafficker or solicitor is 48 hours (National Runaway Switchboard).

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, the NHTRC provides a free, 24/7, confidential hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

For more information or to volunteer to be an advocate, please contact the Advocates for Victims of Abuse at humboldtava@sbcglobal.net, or 304-7007 or 623-2328.

For more information, please visit these websites:

National Human Trafficking Resource Center: http://www.polarisproject.org

Girls Educating and Mentoring Services: http://www.gems-girls.org

Advocates for Victims of Abuse- Sixth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates: http://www.humboldtava.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Relationship Abuse

2012-01-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

Frequently Asked Questions About Relationship Abuse

1. Isn’t Relationship Abuse a Rare Occurrence?

No. Approximately 1 in 3 women in this country will experience relationship abuse in her lifetime.* Women and children are more at risk of violence in their homes and relationships than in the street. Domestic violence never shows up in statistics as much as it occurs.

2. Does Relationship Abuse Happen in Same-Sex Relationships?

Abuse does occur in same-sex relationships. In fact, statistics show same-sex relationship abuse is just as common as heterosexual relationship abuse. The elements of abusive relationships are similar for heterosexual and homosexual relationships. An individual’s size, strength, politics or personality does not determine whether she or he could be abused or an abuser.

3. Don’t Women Abuse Just as Much as Men Do?

No. 90-95% of domestic violence victims are women and as many as 95% of domestic violence perpetrators are men.** However, men can be victims and women can be perpetrators, and domestic violence occurs in same-sex relationships.

4. But What About Those Studies That Show Women Are Just as Violent as Men?

These studies use a research tool called the “Conflict Tactics Scale,” which does not control for the context in which the violence occurred, such as use of force in self-defense or retaliation. So, for example, if a man is strangling a woman and she scratches him to get him to stop, they each get “one point” on the conflict tactics scale for use of violence! Even more significantly, if a woman has been abused by a man for years, he pushes her into the wall, and she picks up a knife, brandishes it and says “get away from me,” she will get two points and he will get one. This is the substance of studies that found women are more violent than men. Furthermore, other studies consistently find that no matter what the rate of violence or who initiates the violence, women are 7 to 10 times more likely to be injured in acts of intimate partner violence than men are.***

5. Isn’t Most Violence Against Women Committed by Strangers?

No. Most violence against women is committed by a current or former partner. 76% of women who report having been physically assaulted or raped were victimized by a current or former husband, cohabiting partner, or date. Only 14% of physical assaults against women are committed by strangers.****

6. Why Don’t Women in Abusive Relationships Just Leave Their Partners?

People ask “Why doesn’t the victim leave? Why does the victim stay?” as if it is that simple. It is important to understand that there are many barriers to safety in an abusive relationship. The better question is “Why does the abuser do this and how can I help the survivor gain access to safety?” Leaving is often dangerous and there are many factors an abused partner must consider in the analysis of how to respond to an abusive partner.

7. What About Culture?

All cultures have both traditions of resistance to domestic violence as well as forms of acceptance of it. Culture cannot excuse domestic violence—though abusers may use “culture” as a way to justify their choice to abuse. Unfortunately, relationship abuse is prevalent in all cultures. Across the world, different cultures may have different responses to domestic violence, and some may hold abusers more accountable than others. Culture is ultimately defined by the individual, so ask a survivor about her definition of her culture before making any assumptions and recognize that every individual has the right to live a life free from violence and abuse.

8. How Do We Hold Abusers Accountable?

Holding abusers accountable is important because it sends a message to others that abuse of any kind will not be tolerated in our community. In the criminal justice system, it is important for us to hold abusers accountable on an individual level as well. Do not blame the survivor, regardless of any history they may have. No one deserves to be abused. Teach youth about healthy relationships to help put an end to the cycle of violence.

*American Psychological Association, Violence and the Family.

** Bureau of Justice Statistics and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

*** Susan McGee, Minerva, Inc.

****U.S. DOJ, Office of Justice Programs, NIJ, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Special thanks to the Center to Stop Relationship Abuse.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

Victims of Crime: There Is Help!

2011-11-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

With crime rates increasing all over, Advocates for Victims of Abuse would like to remind everyone about a state program that can financially assist survivors and secondary survivors of crime.

One concern many survivors have is the financial costs related to the crime. The impact of a violence crime can be devastating to the survivors and secondary survivors, and the financial costs to recover can be tremendous. It is hard enough to deal with the emotional, psychological, and physical trauma of being victimized, without having to deal with the financial aspects as well. The trauma of a crime will often result in someone needing medical assistance, such as emergency room visit, hospital stay or doctors visits. Many survivors or secondary survivors find it helpful to see a counselor to cope with the trauma, which can be an expense many cannot afford. If a person has suffered from physical or emotional trauma as a result of violent or personal crime, they may be eligible for financial assistance from the state of Nevada.

The State of Nevada Victims of Crime Program (VOCP) can greatly assist any victims and/or their families. Nevada Revised Statute 217.010 states: “It is the policy of the State to provide assistance to persons who are victims of violent crimes or the dependents of victims of violent crimes”. Those who are eligible to receive compensation from VOCP must be a victim of a violent crime in Nevada, which resulted in physical injury, a threat of physical injury or death. The family members of a deceased victim of crime are also eligible. The crime should be reported to law enforcement within five days, unless the victim is physically or mentally unable to have filed within the five days. A VOCP application should be submitted within a year of the crime, or a reasonable amount of time if they are unable to file within that year. VOCP can help victims of crimes such as drunk driving, homicide, sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse, elderly abuse, as well as assault and battery. Any minors who are victims of sexual violence or pornography have until the age of 21 to file a claim with VOCP.

VOCP can cover medical expenses, counseling and therapy, loss of wages due to the crime, funeral expenses, and damages done to a vehicle or home in the commission of the crime, emergency shelter, relocation costs, medication, and more. VOCP will not pay for lost or stolen property, cash, property damage, pain and suffering, or expenses that can be covered by insurance. VOCP will pay up to $35,000 to those who have been victimized by violent crime.

Many local agencies and organizations in Humboldt County and around the state are able to assist victims and families to complete an application for VOCP. However, any one can go onto the State of Nevada VOCP program themselves and read about the program, as well as print out an application and file it themselves. The website is: http://www.voc.NV.gov.
http://www.voc.nv.gov/

If someone has been the victim of a crime in another state, we encourage them to seek out that states Victim of Crime program. The National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards provides information on crime victim’s compensation boards across the United States which can be found at http://www.nacvcb.org or the Office for Victims of Crime at www.ojp.usdoj.gov

For further information on referrals and resources that can benefit survivors and secondary survivors of crime and personal victimization, please contact AVA.

Take A Stand! Don't Stand By!

2011-11-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

Take a stand, don’t stand by!

Did you know that more than 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day from fear of being bullied? It’s not only a problem for youths. Adults are more likely to use verbal bullying as opposed to physical bullying, and the goal of an adult bully is to gain power over another person, and make himself or herself the dominant adult. They try to humiliate victims, and “show them who is boss.” People who are bullied find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades, and lose self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. hose who are bullied report more physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, than others.

Sadly, recent bullying statistics show that bullying is on the rise across all ages. The rise in bullying statistics is likely due to a sub-form of bullying seen in recent years called cyber bullying. Many bullying statistics and studies have found physical assaults have been replaced with cyber assaults in the form of bashing, rumors, and other content targeted at a single student or group of students to intentionally inflict harm.

Bullying Prevention and Facts:

• Many studies have shown that increasing domestic violence at home are leading to an increase in bullying online and at school.

• 58% of kids admit to never telling an adult when they've been the victim of a bullying attack.

• Bullying affects witnesses as well as targets. Witnesses often report feeling unsafe, helpless, and afraid that they will be the next target.

• Bullying is a communitywide issue that must no longer be ignored or thought of as a rite of passage. Students, parents, and educators all have a role in addressing bullying situations and changing school culture.

• The two keys to creating change are: increasing awareness that bullying has lifelong impact, and giving people the tools they need to respond effectively.

• Students can be especially effective in bullying intervention. More than 55 percent of bullying situations will stop when a peer intervenes. Student education of how to address bullying for peers is critical, as is the support of adults.

• Silence is no longer an acceptable response to bullying. Adults, students, and educators can no longer look away when they see bullying. Ignoring it won’t work. Everyone needs to be empowered with options to respond.

Based on the bullying statistics, it is clear that cyber bullying is on the rise more so than any other type of bullying. Many report seeing these types of bullying in chat rooms, social networking websites. Many students are forced to deal with at-school bullying and have it follow them home as they see hurtful comments and rumors being said about them throughout the Internet.

Again this year, the Advocates for Victims of Abuse has partnered with SASA (Students Advocating Social Awareness), and PACER Teens Against Bullying, to raise awareness across the country to STOP bullying now!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. On October 12th, 201, join AVA in the movement to “Make it orange and make it end!” and unite against bullying. Make your color orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 12. That’s the day everyone can join together: in schools, communities and online, and send a message of support to students who have experienced bullying. Students can unite against bullying on Unity Day by wearing the color orange, using the resources on PACER.org/bullying, handing out orange “UNITY” ribbons at school, or writing the word “UNITY” on their hands or binders.

Facebook is also partnering with PACER by posting information about PACER activities on its safety, educator, and privacy pages during October. Update your Facebook status to “UNITY DAY, October 12th— Join the movement to make it orange and make it end! If you are being bullied, you are not alone. Unite and be a champion against bullying! “Like” Unity Day on their Facebook page. Take a pledge and sign “The End of Bullying Begins With You” Petition at http://www.pacer.org/bullying/digitalpetition.

This is an opportunity for individuals, groups, communities to acknowledge that bullying is not something that should be accepted. Physical bruises fade, but the marks bullying leaves on a person may never fade. As human to human, we should reach out to one another to alleviate pain, not to cause it.

Resources:

www.pacer.org/bullying

www.isafe.org

How to Leave an Abusive Relationship Safety

2011-11-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

How to Leave an Abusive Relationship Safely

By Penelope R Van Buskirk*

Leaving an abusive spouse can be very traumatic, however, you are not alone. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of domestic violence each year and the numbers are growing.

In so many cases, you as the victim of Domestic Violence, are under the control of your partner. He can be very loving and kind one moment and abusive the next. It can be very difficult to leave someone you may love, but it is important to focus on your future: a future without violence, abuse, and fear.

Planning ahead is crucial.

Secretly begin to gather your items (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and, if you have children, start collecting their clothing, toys, ect). Make certain you have essential documents: Birth Certificates, marriage license, diplomas and degrees and tax returns. Store them in a safe place--either at a friends' house or in the trunk of your car. MAKE CERTAIN YOUR ABUSIVE SPOUSE DOES NOT HAVE A KEY TO YOUR CAR. If he does, secretly remove your key from his key ring, and replace it with a similar key which looks like your car key but, of course, it is not.

On the day you have selected, HAVE A FRIEND HE HAS MET WITH YOU FOR PROTECTION.

Fortunately, you have several options:

1. If you have relatives or friends close by who are willing and able to help you, take this under consideration. If children are involved, relatives might be the best place to stay if they are able to protect and guide you through your journey to freedom. They can also assist you in seeking the legal representation you will need.

2. Another option is to call a domestic violence shelter in your area. Shelters are no longer rooms filled with bunk beds. They have private rooms where you can rest and think. You will be guided by professionals who are well versed in all facets of Domestic Violence. If you do not know about the shelters in your state, you can contact THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE, on their website: http://www.ndvh.org call the toll free number: 1-800-799-SAFE. They will guide you to the shelters in your state. And you will soon discover that you are not alone!

It is crucial that you learn to believe in yourself again. Counseling will be extremely helpful as you climb your way to freedom. Repeat this mantra to yourself daily: "I am beginning a new life."

There is no shame in today's world regarding domestic violence as there has been in the past. Let go of negative thoughts such as "What did I do to deserve this?" No one deserves to be abused. Focus on a new future, free of fear and try and discard the feeling of helplessness.

So you don't think I am some fly-by-night eager to harvest some gripes of wrath, I understand what you are going through as I too was a victim of abuse. But you can become a SURVIVOR. When you have reached that rung of your ladder to freedom, you will feel such peace and begin to understand that love with abuse, wasn't love at all.

*Penelope Van Buskirk authored the book For Worse Never Better: Diary of An Abused Wife and Escape to Freedom. You can purchase on Amazon (soft cover is cheapest) or from Authorhouse.com which is even cheaper. 50% of proceeds go to the Chrysalis Domestic Violence Shelter

Violence Against MenL It Is More Prevalent Than We Think

2011-11-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

Violence Against Men: It Is More Prevalent Than We Think

By Penelope R Van Buskirk*

Mark and Valerie had just left a movie theatre. Hand in hand, they strolled toward their car and suddenly heard shouting and screaming. They stopped walking. The mall parking lot was well lit. They listened, scanned the area but did not see nor hear anyone.

As Mark opened the door to their car, they heard the loud voice again. A male voice. "Leave me alone!" he shouted. This has gone on long enough. I'm filing for divorce. You're a sick woman! You just broke my nose! You need professional help. I'll take a cab and get my car and the children at the house. So just leave!" Then, silence.

Mark started the car and put the windows down. They listened for voices but heard none. Suddenly the voices could be heard again. A female voice was shouting, "Oh no you won't! I'll take you to court so fast you won't have time to retain counsel. You are not leaving! I won't allow it!"

His voice was louder this time. "You don't have to allow it! Now stop punching me. My nose is already broken. Keep your hands off me or I'll call the police! NOW!"

Valerie was dumbfounded. "Mark?" she whispered. "Have you ever heard of a man being abused? Or are we just misinterpreting what we are hearing?"

He thought for a moment. "No, I don't think so. You hear plenty of stories about violence against women but I don't recall ever reading about a man being the victim. I don't understand. Why doesn't he just push her away, get in the car and leave?"

They decided to drive around, windows down, and find out where this was coming from. After a few minutes, they spotted the couple. They were both tall. He was well built, however she was overweight. They were standing behind a late model black sedan. Mark found an open parking spot near the sparring couple and turned of the lights.

"Wow," Valerie said quietly. "I really thought he was the attacker. But look at his face. He is covered in blood."

He was about to respond when they heard the man yell out in pain. They had a clear vision of the woman, punching him in the face and arms, ordering him to get back in the car.

"That does it," Mark said and dialed 911.

In minutes, the police arrived. Mark got out of the car and flagged them down. He briefly explained what they saw and what they heard. He gave the police his driver's license, phone numbers and directed them to the couple.

Thirty-eight percent of injured victims are men. Referred to as The Battered Male Syndrome, men are reluctant to admit they have been abused by their spouses or anyone else. These victims often suffer in silence and try to maintain peace in the household, protecting their children as much as they can. And just as female victims tend to lie to coworkers, friends or family, they will like about the cause of visible injuries.

Many Domestic Violence Shelters across the United States now offer protection to abused men. And with sufficient evidence, they will be given custody of the children by court order.

The oldest Men's Rights Organization in North America began as The National Coalition of Free Men (NCFM) in 1977. It is now called The National Coalition of Men, Inc. The Organization also includes women.

I urge everyone to get invovled. Don't turn the other cheek if you witness domestic violence or abuse. ACT ON IT. Dialing 911 is easy. You could save a life!

*Penelope Van Buskirk authored the book For Worse Never Better: Diary of An Abused Wife and Escape to Freedom. You can purchase on Amazon (soft cover is cheapest) or from Authorhouse.com which is even cheaper. 50% of proceeds go to the Chrysalis Domestic Violence Shelter

Take a Stand, Don't Stand By!

2011-09-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Take a stand, don’t stand by!

Did you know that more than 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day from fear of being bullied? It’s not only a problem for youths. Adults are more likely to use verbal bullying as opposed to physical bullying, and the goal of an adult bully is to gain power over another person, and make himself or herself the dominant adult. They try to humiliate victims, and “show them who is boss.” People who are bullied find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades, and lose self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. hose who are bullied report more physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, than others.
Sadly, recent bullying statistics show that bullying is on the rise across all ages. The rise in bullying statistics is likely due to a sub-form of bullying seen in recent years called cyber bullying. Many bullying statistics and studies have found physical assaults have been replaced with cyber assaults in the form of bashing, rumors, and other content targeted at a single student or group of students to intentionally inflict harm.
Bullying Prevention and Facts:
• Many studies have shown that increasing domestic violence at home are leading to an increase in bullying online and at school.
• 58% of kids admit to never telling an adult when they've been the victim of a bullying attack.
• Bullying affects witnesses as well as targets. Witnesses often report feeling unsafe, helpless, and afraid that they will be the next target.
• Bullying is a communitywide issue that must no longer be ignored or thought of as a rite of passage. Students, parents, and educators all have a role in addressing bullying situations and changing school culture.
• The two keys to creating change are: increasing awareness that bullying has lifelong impact, and giving people the tools they need to respond effectively.
• Students can be especially effective in bullying intervention. More than 55 percent of bullying situations will stop when a peer intervenes. Student education of how to address bullying for peers is critical, as is the support of adults.
• Silence is no longer an acceptable response to bullying. Adults, students, and educators can no longer look away when they see bullying. Ignoring it won’t work. Everyone needs to be empowered with options to respond.

Based on the bullying statistics, it is clear that cyber bullying is on the rise more so than any other type of bullying. Many report seeing these types of bullying in chat rooms, social networking websites. Many students are forced to deal with at-school bullying and have it follow them home as they see hurtful comments and rumors being said about them throughout the Internet.
Again this year, the Advocates for Victims of Abuse has partnered with SASA (Students Advocating Social Awareness), and PACER Teens Against Bullying, to raise awareness across the country to STOP bullying now!
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. On October 12th, 201, join AVA in the movement to “Make it orange and make it end!” and unite against bullying. Make your color orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 12. That’s the day everyone can join together: in schools, communities and online, and send a message of support to students who have experienced bullying. Students can unite against bullying on Unity Day by wearing the color orange, using the resources on PACER.org/bullying, handing out orange “UNITY” ribbons at school, or writing the word “UNITY” on their hands or binders.
Facebook is also partnering with PACER by posting information about PACER activities on its safety, educator, and privacy pages during October. Update your Facebook status to “UNITY DAY, October 12th— Join the movement to make it orange and make it end! If you are being bullied, you are not alone. Unite and be a champion against bullying! “Like” Unity Day on their Facebook page. Take a pledge and sign “The End of Bullying Begins With You” Petition at http://www.pacer.org/bullying/digitalpetition.

This is an opportunity for individuals, groups, communities to acknowledge that bullying is not something that should be accepted. Physical bruises fade, but the marks bullying leaves on a person may never fade. As human to human, we should reach out to one another to alleviate pain, not to cause it.

Resources:
www.pacer.org/bullying
www.isafe.org

For more information or referrals, contact Advocates for Victims of Abuse at 304-7007, 623-2328, or 247-2395. All calls are confidential, advocates are mandatory reporters.

The Impact of Eating Disorders ~ Remembering Chantal Claire Hager

2011-09-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Written by Jaclyn O’Malley, originally published in the Reno Gazette Journal*

For six years, Chantal Claire Hager used bulimia - a cycle of binging and purging - to stay thin and cope with psychological struggles she masked through her smile and manner.
When she was 13, the Reno girl discovered bulimia through a television show about difficult life issues faced by modern-day teens. Instead of inspiring awareness and prevention as intended, her family said the show sparked an idea in Chantal that led to her developing the disease that would kill her soon after she turned 19.
On April 3 in Southern California, while attending her seventh eating disorder treatment program, Chantal died in her sleep of a heart attack. Six years of eating large amounts of food and then vomiting had caused a severe potassium and electrolyte depletion in her body that affected her heart.
Her grieving family says it wants to turn its private anguish into a wake-up call to the community so that no other men, women or families have to suffer through the destruction and chaos of an eating disorder. Chantal's father, Robert, and her brother, Ian, have formed the Chantal Claire Hager Charitable Foundation, which aims to help fill the gap in the lack of local education, outreach and resources for family and loved ones. The foundation is still in the organizational process and is working to gain a nonprofit status.
The Hagers are hoping Chantal's story will create awareness about eating disorders, especially in Washoe County, where no statistics are kept on them and only a handful of specialists treat them. It's also hard to know who has died from the diseases because death results from medical complications such as a heart attack. However, the specialists, while unable to give specific numbers of new clients by the year, say their caseloads are growing, which could indicate a rise with those suffering from the diseases.
Treatment options for eating disorders are limited - partially because few options exist to target just eating disorders and because insurance companies are reluctant to pay for the treatment, which can be quite pricey, the family and specialists say. Nevada law does not require that insurance companies cover treatment for eating disorders.
• Anorexia nervosa: an intense fear of fat, and believe they are exhibiting control when they starve and refrain from eating.
• Bulimia nervosa: eating a large quantity of food and then vomiting. This behavior is repeated in cycles. People suffering from this illness are often using the disease to cope with anxiety and stress along with managing their weight.
• 1 in 5 women struggles with an eating disorder or have atypical issues with eating that aren’t classified as a mental illness.
• 10 -15 % of people with anorexia or bulimia are men.
• Up to 24 million people suffer from an eating disorder in the United States. An estimated 480,000 people die every year related to complications from an eating disorder.
• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of any mental illness.
• Only 1 in 10 people who need it receive treatment for eating disorders, and only 35% who do seek help get treatment at a specialized facility.
• About 95% of those suffering from eating disorders are between 12 and 25.
• About 25% of college women binge and purge to manage their weight.

Source: Renfrew Center Foundation in Philadelphia. The statistics above compiled by private research, as local trends are not regularly gathered or studied by government agencies.
For more information about the Chantal Claire Hager Charitable Foundation, go to www.chantalhagerfoundation.org, where local resources and events are listed for those seeking help and education about eating disorders. The foundation is raising money and taking private donations so it can contribute to the funding of counseling and other related resources for those who may be unable to afford it.
Chantal's brother, Ian Hager, said the Foundation is auctioning an Ibanez pro series G7 guitar signed by members of the band Tesla, guiatrists Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai and Joe Satriani's drummer, Jeff Campitelli. Ian Hager said proceeds will fund counseling referred by the foundation. Bids are being accepted on the foundation's website.

*Reprinted with permission.

For assistance and referrals on eating disorders, please contact AVA.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

Advocates for Victims of Abuse
304-7007, 623-2328, 247-2395
Email: humboldtava@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.humboldtava.com

Safety, Awareness, Victimless, Empowerment (S.A.V.E.)

2011-07-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

...and more Girls Fight Back! Classes Scheduled for August

Learn the S.A.V.E. Methods and You May Save Your Life

Safety, Awareness, Victimless, Empowerment (S.A.V.E.) and more Girls Fight Back! Classes Scheduled for August

After many requests by community members, a new series of safety and self-defense classes is now offered in Winnemucca. In a collaborative effort, the Advocates for Victims of Abuse and Montenegro School of Tae KwonDo have developed a series of courses geared to teach all ages about safety, self-defense, and personal empowerment.

Four separate courses are now being offered. We’ve added a detailed description for each section of the classes so that interested parties will know what to expect. Each class is grouped by ages, involving critical discussions covering the most important awareness principles and safety strategies. Even if you are already well-versed in safety strategies and are well aware of your surroundings, these lessons will reinforce your safety consciousness and heighten your awareness in many settings.

The youth safety class is for children ages 4-6 years old for both girls and boys. The class will entail safety at home, in a public place, and in their neighborhood. One of the most common ploys used by predators is coaxing a child toward their vehicle. The child will learn what to watch out for and what to do if a stranger tries to draw them to a car. In this course, youths will be taught the difference between good and bad strangers.

Home is generally a very safe place to be, but it’s important for children to know procedures for answering the door or telephone and what information to keep from strangers. It is not uncommon for predators to visit the homes of their victims to gather more information. Also taught are emergency situations, such as asking for help and knowing exits.

Tips will be given to parents on additional safeguards to keeping your child safe, such as using the Sex Offender Registries and information cards. All children must be accompanied by an adult during the class.

Two Anti-Bullying and Safety classes are now offered. Because the classes are for ages 17 and under, parental permission must be given prior to the course. These classes have five different lessons:

1. Street Smarts: This includes safety walking to and from school, in neighborhoods and parking lots. Youths will learn when to recognize a dangerous situation and listening to one’s intuition.

2. Cyber-Bullying: 43% of teens aged 13 to 17 report that they have experienced some type of cyber-bullying, 53% of the same age group admit to participating in some way. 58% of youths have said they were cyber-bullied, but never reported it to an adult. Victims of cyber-bullying are 2 times more likely to attempt suicide. An emphasis will be placed on how youths should respond to cyber-bullying and how to go about reporting it in a way they feel safe.

3. Bystander Intervention: Bullying rarely occurs in the absence of bystanders. Peers are present in about 85% of bullying episodes in school settings and up to 92% of elementary school students report having observed instances of bullying in their schools. In short, bullying is a group phenomenon.
The majority of bystanders do nothing to help the victims of bullying. If the bullying student is popular and has social status, bystanders may encourage the bullying, especially if the bystanders do not like the victimized student. When bystanders do intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds more than half (57%) of the time.

This lesson entails teaching youths how recognize bullying, reporting bullying to an adult as a means of intervention, empowering bystanders to intervene, conflict resolution and empathy skills.

4. Empowerment: Building self-esteem and the knowledge of knowing you will not be a victim to anyone is incredibly empowering. This includes knowing how to stand up for oneself, confidence, looking others’ in the eye, and conflict resolution: essentially, being a bad victim.

5. Self-Defense Protection: How to remove yourself from a potentially threatening situation. When forced to protect oneself, the best methods to getting out of a situation as quickly and effectively as possible.

These self-defense classes are for women only, ages 13 and over. Learn the 4 phases of a typical sexual assault by stranger, the “Triangle of Victimization”: Undercover Assailants: non-strangers conduct a shocking 78% of all sexual assaults! Between the ages of 16-24, 1 in 4 women experience some form of sexual violence. In college, most attacks occur during freshman and sophomore years.

This course has an emphasis on what you can do to ensure you never allow a predator to catch you off-guard. Making responsible choices and defending personal boundaries is part of total empowerment.

This course includes 11 intense sections:

1. Awareness and Intuition: Knowing your surroundings, trusting your gut in situations, exit strategies, confidence, and how to be a bad victim. Safety in a variety of different situations such as using the buddy-system, cell phones, bystander intervention.

2. Combat Base: How to physically establish a rock-solid base so the attacker can neither push nor pull you against your will.

3. Wrist Release: A man will grab a woman by the wrists to detain, neutralize, or demean her. In this lesson, learn wrist releases guaranteed to free you from any wrist grab, regardless of the attackers strength.

4. Trap and Roll Escape: Being trapped beneath a sexual predator is a nightmarish experience potentially leading to panic, suffocation, exhaustion, and eventual submission. In this lesson, you will be taught two highly effective escapes from this frightening position.

5. Front Choke Defenses: Assailants often attempt to strangle their victims during a sexual assault. In this lesson, we teach how to apply leverage to escape the two most commonly used front choke holds.

6. Super Slap: Striking a large assailant with punches has limited effectiveness and may cause you to break your hand. In this lesson, we teach how to use a Super Slap to disrupt the attack and facilitate your escape.

7. Guard Get-Up: Most important physical technique in this course! Ultimate goal for most sexual predators is to get inside victim’s legs. Should you find yourself in this situation, the Guard Get-Up will enable you to remain calm, stay safe, and escape at the right time.

8. Stop-Block Frame: Sexual predators often test their victims’ spatial boundaries. In this lesson, we teach how to use verbal assertiveness to establish your personal space and what to do if the attacker crosses the boundary and physically assaults you.

9. Trap and Roll Extras: This includes more variations from the #3 lesson. Includes what to do if a man achieves the most terrifying position: mounted on top of you while pinning both your wrists to the ground.

10. Guard Get-Up Extras: Greatest challenge when trapped beneath an attacker is to avoid panic and exhaustion. Additional variations are taught to ensure your survival against an attacker trying to punch, pin, or choke you.

11. Triangle Choke: If you are in a confined space with a predator, escape may not be an option. In this lesson, we teach you the Triangle Choke, an incredibly powerful Gracie Jiu-Jitsu technique that uses your legs to render your attacker unconscious from the bottom of the fight!

12. Hair Grab Defense: An assailant will often attempt to control his target by grabbing hair. In this lesson, learn to defend against the most common hair grabs whether standing or on the ground.

13. Guillotine Choke: Whether your attacker lowers his head to subdue you, he unknowingly creates a perfect opportunity for you to protect yourself.

14. Elbow Escape: An emergency alternative to the Trap and Roll Escape.

15. Rear Attack Defenses: A surprise attack from behind is one of the most challenging attacks to overcome. In this lesson, we teach how to escape when someone attempts to choke you or bear hug you from behind.

16. Weapon Defense: Some assailants will use a weapon to intimidate and control their victims. In this lesson we use the weapon to address the psychological aspects of dealing with an armed assailant, as well as methods to use when your life is on the line and you MUST act.

These courses follow the Women’s Empowerment program as part of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

If anyone is interested in taking a class but is not comfortable with any of the lessons, it’s acceptable to sit out and observe. No one will be asked to participate in anything they are uncomfortable with. If any special accommodations are needed, please contact us and we’ll make arrangements ahead of time.

Patience, timing, and leverage can overcome any of life’s adversities, regardless of their nature. Remember: Anyone can be a victim, regardless of where you live, education, age gender, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, etc. Everyone can learn to protect themselves!

S.A.V.E. Class Schedules for August

August 20

Young Child Safety (boys and girls, must be accompanied by adult) Ages 4-6

Anti-Bullying and Safety (boys and girls) Ages 7-12 4:00- 5:30 p.m.

Anti-Bullying and Safety (boys and girls) Ages 13-17 5:30-7:00 p.m.

*We suggest participants bring a partner to practice techniques with

August 27 and 28

Girls Fight Back! (women only) 13 and over 10 a.m.- 1:00 p.m

Note: This is a two-day training!

*We suggest you bring another female partner you are comfortable with to help practice techniques.

Seating is limited for all classes, contact us to reserve your and/or your youths spot! For a full description of each class, please visit www.humboldava.com . To reserve your spot or contact us with any questions, please call 304-7007, 304-5997, or 623-2328. Or email us a humboldtava@sbcglobal.net

All classes will entail techniques and information from our free Girls Fight Back! DVD viewings. We are happy to arrange for group sessions or individual sessions by request. Please contact us to schedule a Girls Fight Back! viewing.

All classes are FREE, but donations are always accepted and appreciated. AVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, any donations made are tax-exempt and a receipt will be provided.

Spreading Social Wellness

2011-07-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Spreading Social Wellness

“We cannot achieve more in life than what we believe in our heart of hearts we deserve to have.” -- James R. Ball

The mind-spirit-body connection is a phrase we hear a lot today. In therapy, it’s a much used phrase for the client to learn to communicate with his/her own body to work through trauma and issues. The belief is the more you understand your feelings and emotions and how your body reacts to them (headaches, nausea, fatigue, etc.), leads to a stronger sense of self-worth, health, and overall well-being.

As humans, we are always seeking to better our lives. We eat healthier, natural and organic foods, drink more water and less sodas and juices, and spend hundreds of dollars each month on gym memberships and exercise equipment. We take vitamins and supplements to make ourselves feel and look better. Some even go to the extremes of plastic surgery and injections in search of perfection and happiness, when really, all we need to do is look as far as our neighborhood, church or spiritual organization, or workplace.

One of the best ways we can maintain or even improve our emotional and physical health is through social wellness. Social wellness is the idea of building close, faithful relationships with others as well as ourselves. Having close relationships with others had been shown to reduce stress, lower cholesterol and boost the immune system. Having a healthy relationship with yourself opens you up to receive the love and caring of others. As the old cliché goes “You cannot love anyone else until you first love yourself”.

How can you start today to build relationships and improve your health and the health of those around you?

• Set your own goals and priorities and allow people into your circle who encourage and support you. Keep in mind that no one is perfect, and allow yourself to be imperfect; allow others to be imperfect too.

• Join a health club or fitness class. Studies show that when you work out with a friend, you are more likely to stick to a fitness routine and reach your weight loss and health goals. You will both find the motivation to “get up and go” each day.

• Volunteer for an organization or cause you feel passionate about. You will get out into the public and have a greater chance at meeting and forming relationships with new people, or strengthening bonds with acquaintances. Not only will you be helping the community, but you will help yourself by achieving a level of satisfaction at your good deeds.

• Join or form a support group. It could be as simple as a group of stay-at-home parents who get together for play dates once a week. Getting out for play dates will benefit the adults as well as the children, who will learn to form bonds and friendships with the other children and adults in the group. Seek a support group for understanding and coping skills.

• Having a strong social network can help improve your mood and raise your self-esteem. Allowing yourself to let go of negative events and moods makes you more receptive to the help, support and advice of the individuals in your network who are there to support and better you.

The hardest step is the first one. Moving outside your comfort zone can be, well, uncomfortable, stressful, or anxiety-ridden. A little bit of stress in your day can actually be beneficial for heart health and emotional health. This “good” level of stress motivates and gives you energy to get things done. Giving yourself this little push will motivate you to push even farther.

Start today to better the community, your family and yourself. For more information on volunteering or community groups to join, please contact AVA, Humboldt Chamber of Commerce at 623-2225, or check with your church or spiritual organization.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

Summer Safety for Youths

2011-06-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

It’s finally Summer time! The vacations are planned, the money is saved and everyone is just as excited as can be. But there is a very real threat whether at home or on vacation. That threat is called Kidnapping. An article at associatedcontent.com states that tens of thousands of children go missing each year. As a parent, we want to believe that nothing bad could ever happen to our own children, but the truth is, each child is at the same risk as the next. Children can be kidnapped from their own backyards, as well as more public places.

There are some common rules you can follow to help your children stay safe while at home or on a vacation. They seem “old-school” but are very effective in keeping your children safe this summer.

Never talk to strangers. This one seems obvious and over used, but it’s the best defense in protecting our little ones. Children are friendly by nature. They should be reminded no to give out personal information about themselves. Remind them, that while a male is more likely to be a kidnapper, females have the potential to be a kidnapper as well.

• Never allow a child to wander by him/herself. Reinforce the “buddy system”. A child walking by him or herself is easier for a potential kidnapper to grab than a group of two or three kids would be.

• Make sure your children know their (and parents and guardians) full names, addresses, and telephone numbers and how to use the phone.

• Check out camp and other summer programs before enrolling your children. See if a background check is completed on the individuals working with the children. Never assume a background check is already done!

• Investigate daycare settings thoroughly before placing your children. Make certain it is licensed; completed full background screening for all employees, volunteers, and others affiliated with the facility; and allows parents and guardians to come and go as they wish.

• One of the most important things in today’s society is to teach children to stay alert to their surroundings. A child who is staring at a cell phone, video game, or walking down a street with headphones in their ears is an easy target for a kidnapper.

• Know your neighbors and make sure your children know where to go or where not to go. Convicted sex offenders are required to register. You can look up whether you have a sex offender in your neighborhood at the Nevada Sex Offender Registry Search http://www.nvsexoffenders.gov. Keep in mind, some offenders who may not be in compliance. Which means their listed address and workplace could be unknown and they could be anywhere.

• When traveling out of town, it is a good idea to keep things to help identify your children through DNA. Having extra fingerprint cards in your purse or car, as well as a band aid with a drop of your child’s blood with help authorities identify and track your child. AVA provides fingerprint cards free of charge for anyone who needs them.

Sometimes, following these rules doesn’t work. Teach your child about listening to their instincts and what to do in dangerous or uncomfortable situations. Teaching, practicing and reinforcing basic self defense can be a life saver to a child who is caught by a kidnapper. Teaching a child to be as loud as possible, causing a scene, kicking in kidnapper in a sensitive area, or how to get out of a kidnapper’s grasp have the potential to deter the kidnapper and save the child’s life. Humboldt AVA will be providing classes on basic self defense and bully proofing, in co ordinance with Montenegro School of TaeKwon-Do throughout the summer.

Remember: Winnemucca may be a small town, but we DO have sex offenders and predators living and working here!

Do Women Lie About Rape?

2011-06-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Do Women Lie About Rape?

It’s an easy question for feminists and allies to answer. In the vast majority of cases, absolutely not–but it’s one that’s asked every time a rape accusation is made public. Take the case of Ben Roethlisberger. In 2009, the star Steelers quarterback was accused of rape by a Lake Tahoe casino hostess. She filed a civil suit for assault, sexual assault and battery, false imprisonment, false pretenses, fraud and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She didn’t press criminal charges, which Roethlisberger’s lawyers claimed as evidence the accusations were false.

However, even judges have said rape survivors are sometimes better off not reporting to police because stress of a criminal trial can add even more trauma after a sexual assault. Her hesitation is understandable in this case: When she reported the crime to a casino security guard, he said, “Most girls would feel lucky to get to have sex with someone like Ben Roethlisberger.”

Tabloids dug into the survivor’s mental health history, reporting her post-assault depression, insomnia and anxiety– calling her “nutty” rather than recognizing the possible signs of sexual trauma. On news sites fans defended their football hero and reporters ignored the issue.

The assumption hung heavily in the air: She was lying. Why would a rich (or, in other cases, married/famous/charitable/kind) man rape a “nobody”?
Later that year, another woman accused Roethlisberger of sexual assault. This time, the public was more sympathetic to the survivor, recognizing a possible pattern in the star’s behavior. Does it have to take multiple accusations against one person before victims are believed?

Automatic assumption in cases involving famous or beloved men (like Roethlisberger, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange or Roman Polanski) is women lie about rape to get money after having consensual sex. These assumptions aren’t only in cases involving wealthy men–they happen all the time.

In the 1980′s, the Philadelphia police department had one of the highest recorded rates of “unfounded” (I.e. Falsely reported) rapes in the U.S. The FBI, which gathers those statistics, rarely reviews reports to determine whether or not police are counting crimes accurately. In this case, the FBI made a rare request and asked the city’s police department to explain why, in 1984, 52% of rape reports had been dismissed as “unfounded.”

The PD’s reply described circumstances that would lead to a rape report being “unfounded,” including:

• The victim reports while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (studies have shown that in 55% of rape cases, alcohol or drugs are involved; in acquaintance rape cases, that number is sometimes as high as 80 to 90%).
• Young women report rape to cover up truancy, pregnancy, lost money or sexual precocity.
• Women report rape to cover up infidelity, indiscretion, lateness or pregnancy.
• Rape is reported so the survivor can obtain an abortion or the morning-after pill free of charge.
• Women report rape for “revenge” on a man who has “done her wrong,” or to make her partner “feel guilty” after a “lover’s quarrel.”
• Girls lie about rape all the time, for reasons “known only to themselves.”

Shockingly, the police department’s reasons rape cases would be classified as false also includes instances in which the victim has a history of mental illness and reports a rape by a celebrity. In the case of Roethlisberger’s first accuser, her mental health records and his fame would have been grounds enough to dismiss her case.

So do women lie about rape? According to Joanne Archambault, a former sex crimes unit supervisor, the answer is simple: “False reports are not a problem. They happen, but they’re not a problem.” Research shows only 2 to 8% of rape reports are untrue. This is a pretty small number to justify the climate of fear around false rape reports.

Experts say the only way to ensure this heinous crime is properly investigated and prosecuted is for law enforcement to move beyond the notion that women lie about rape. Archambault says rape victims often display the characteristics that police, and society consider to be “red flags” for false reports (like being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the rape), but just because a woman was under the influence doesn’t mean she wasn’t raped.

Reprinted with special permission to AVA from the Ms. Blog, www.msmagazine.com/blog, copyright 2011. A feature by Stephanie Hallett on rape reporting deficits in the U.S. appears in the current issue of Ms., available on newsstands or at store.msmagazine.com.

2011-04-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Make a Statement with Your Fashion Statement- Wear Denim in Support of Survivors!

Help Dispel the Myths Surrounding Sexual Violence!

Denim Day in LA& USA will be held this year on April 27, 2011. This campaign gives people the chance to make a social statement with their fashion statement while supporting survivors of sexual assault and spreading awareness about sexual violence.

It all began in Italy, 1990: An 18-year old girl is picked up by her married 45-year old driving instructor for her very first lesson. He takes her to an isolated road, pulls her out of the car, wrestles her out of one leg of her jeans and forcefully rapes her. Threatened with death if she tells anyone, he makes her drive the car home. Later that night she tells her parents, and they help and support her to press charges. The perpetrator gets arrested and is prosecuted. He is convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. He appeals the sentence. The case makes it’s all the way to the Italian Supreme Court. Within a matter of days the case against the driving instructor is overturned, dismissed, and the perpetrator released. In a statement by the Chief Judge, he argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.” Enraged by the verdict, within a matter of hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work.

This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same, which in turn spread to Patricia Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, and Denim Day in LA was born. The first Denim Day in LA was in April 1999, and has continued every year since.

Organized annually by Peace Over Violence, Denim Day in LA and Denim Day USA recall an Italian court case that sparked international outrage when judges did not convict a rapist because the victim wore jeans. The judges ruled that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them, thus implying consent. Since then, Denim Day in LA and Denim Day USA has grown to become a national movement held annually during April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. More than 600,000 supporters took part in 2010 and more are expected to participate this year, including high school and college students, and employees of leading corporations and businesses. “ONE IN THREE TEENS EXPERIENCE PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ABUSE WHILE DATING,” “NO EXCUSES” and “BYSTANDER EDUCATION” are three of the sexual assault excuses highlighted in the ads, which are designed to inspire a critical dialogue about violence prevention. Each ad states the tag line: “There is no excuse and never an invitation to rape.”

Across America, every two and a half minutes, someone is sexually assaulted. One in six American women have been the victim of attempted rape or completed rape. 82.8% of intimate partner rapes are NOT reported to law enforcement. This statistic also applies to Winnemucca. Despite the rumor, rape does occur in Winnemucca and it occurs often, as area crisis intervention providers can tell you. Then why aren’t they reported to law enforcement? There are several reasons and the biggest one being that the victim often knows the offender. There are worries of retaliation, fear the victim “led him on”, humiliation, and embarrassment. In a small town like ours, the word gets out quickly. Would you, readers, want everyone knowing about the worst, most invasive and very personal moment of your life? Another reason is sexual assault exams are not performed locally. A victim would have to travel to Reno for an exam. After a traumatic and very painful experience, many victims do not want to sit in a vehicle for that long to go through yet, another painful experience. Additionally, when a victim does choose to have a sexual assault kit done, they cannot urinate, defecate, eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, wash any part of their body, brush their teeth, or change clothing until after the kit is completed. Keep in mind, they must wait until the time of their appointment in Reno (sexual assault exams are no longer considered emergency, as they are often made by appointment now), complete the exam (which can take up to three hours), then drive back to Winnemucca to shower and rest. The reason for this is sexual assault kits are done to assist in investigation and prosecution of the offender. The victim is the crime scene.

As a practice in empathy, can you, readers, understand why some victims choose not to go through this process?

The Advocates for Victims of Abuse is working to expel the myths surrounding sexual violence and help survivors understand that rape is never their fault. No circumstances, whether the couple is in a relationship, how the victim was dressed, whether alcohol or other drugs were ingested: nothing excuses sexual violence.

AVA provides various programs, resources and referrals for survivors and secondary survivors of sexual violence, relationship abuse, child abuse and neglect, and bullying. Anyone wanting further information is encouraged to contact AVA.

AVA will be holding their annual Denim Day celebration by making free denim ribbons available to the public. Denim ribbons are made available for those who may not be able to wear denim at work or for those who would rather show their support by wearing a ribbon. People may call, email, or contact us via our website to request ribbons and they will be delivered at no cost. Donations are happily accepted and appreciated!

“It takes a village to raise a child”, African Proverb ~ April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

2011-04-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

“It takes a village to raise a child”, African Proverb

Imagine if we lived in a world where everyone knew the signs of child abuse and knew what to do to protect children they believe are in danger. We could read the news and watch the newscasts without flinching.

The first Federal legislation to protect children from abuse a

nd neglect, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), was passed in 1974. In the early 1980's, Congress took further steps toward identifying and preventing child abuse and recognized the first Child Abuse Prevention Week, in June of 1982. In 1983, April was designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since those early days, the focus on recognition and prevention has widened to include promoting healthy parenting and strong families through education and community support.

In 2010, Nevada received the grade report of D in Health, a D in Safety and Security, an F in Education and in Teen Years (includes Teen Birth Rate, Teen Suicides, Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs. For a copy of this report card, please email humboldtava@sbcglobal.net

Of all victims of violence, children are some of the most vulnerable. United community response is essential in preventing the perpetration of child abuse and in facilitating the healing process. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the right time to start the conversation in your community. The price of silence is simply too high. By rallying corporations, communities, schools and families, we can make a difference in the lives of children across the country. By promoting safety, awareness and dialogue, we will shed the light of hope for countless children.

How can you tell if a child may be abused? Here are some basic signs:

• bruises or broken bones on children not yet old enough to walk • unexplained bruises, burns or cuts • bald spots • fear of adults, especially parents • fear of physical contact • risk-taking • destructiveness toward self or others • acting like a much younger child • poor social skills • aggression • defiance • clothing that may be inappropriate for warmer months to cover marks Signs of sexual abuse may include: • secretiveness or refusal to undress in front of others • unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual things • inappropriate displays of affection • fear of a particular person or family member • depression or withdrawal • over-compliance • aggression • poor social skills • poor school performance • pain during urination • difficulty in walking or sitting • frequent vomiting • genital or anal itching, rashes, bruising, bleeding or pain • frequent yeast or urinary tract infections • wetting pants or bed Signs of emotional abuse may include: • delay in physical or social development • speech, sleep or eating disorders • repetitive actions, such as rocking, sucking or biting • lack of concentration • lack of emotion • lack of interest in things that child used to enjoy • increased emotional needs • depression or withdrawal • aggression • wetting pants or bed Signs of neglect may include: • clothing that is dirty, torn, poorly fitting or inappropriate for the weather • sleepiness • poor hygiene • untreated medical or dental problems • hoarding or stealing food • inappropriate responsibility for younger siblings • apparent lack of supervision • frequent lateness or absences from school or other activities • destructive behavior, i.e. hurting him or herself or others • low self-esteem • poor social skills • learning disabilities or lower mental ability than normal for age If a child tells you about abuse, know what to do. • Do not act shocked – instead remain calm and accepting. Reassure the child that you believe him or her. Say that he or she did the right thing by telling you. • Tell the child that the abuse is not his or her fault, but do not speak negatively about the abusive adult. • Do not promise to keep the child’s disclosure a secret – let the child know that to provide help, you will have to tell another trusted adult. • Tell the child what you will try to do to help, and what he or she may expect. • Assure the child that things may be difficult at first, but will get better – don’t promise that the abuse will stop. • If a child tells you about sexual abuse right after it happens, do not bathe the child or change his or her clothes. • If you are worried about a child’s immediate safety or if the child is afraid to go home, call 9-1-1 or DCFS. Do not take the child home with you

Some signs that a child is experiencing violence or abuse are more obvious than others. Trust your instincts. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact the authorities.

What can you, as individuals do? Get involved! Advocates for Victims of Abuse has teamed up with the Sixth Judicial District to implement a Court Appointed Special Advocates program, volunteer now!

For more information: www.casaforchildren.com www.childrensadvocacyalliance.com www.childwelfare.gov www.dcfs.state.nv.us/DCFS_ReportSuspectedChildAbuse.htm www.itsuptoyou.org www.nevadachildseekers.com

Think Before You Speak

2011-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Think Before You Speak Not only are these words of wisdom that we should all live by, it is the motto of the National Day of Silence held on April 15, 2011 for it’s 16th year. Why be silent? A silent demonstration can be a peaceful way to bring urgent attention to an important issue. Silence as a method of organizing is much different than silence that is coerced or forced through oppressive bullying, harassment and intimidation. A silent demonstration is active, rather than passive, and causes people to pay attention.

As creator Leigh Thomsen points out, “Silence has multiple effects: Bring attention to an issue and encourage reflection on the issue; simulate the how others are silenced; focus the attention on the issue or cause and not the protester; demonstrate that the demonstrators desire peaceful resolution; and spark discussion and dialogue.

National Day of Silence is an annual event held by student groups all over the country designed to bring attention to the bullying, harassment, and name-calling of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. In 1996, the first Day of Silence took place at the University of Virginia after a student there committed suicide after suffering constant bullying. Since then, over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, and colleges have participated in the annual event where concerned students and teachers vow a day of silence to bring attention to bullying experienced by GLBT students and their allies.

Recognizing the Day of Silence: some vow a day long silence, some for a lunch hour or a certain time during the day. However it is recognized in different communities, the Day of Silence is one that grows stronger throughout the years to reach internationally, where Australia has begun to recognize it. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression can take part to ‘speak out’ through their silence to end bullying and harassing.

The Day of Silence has recently gotten some extra attention, gaining even more support because of recent cases where bullying has led youths to taking their own lives. While some of these youths were not part of the GLBT community, there is no doubt that name-calling, harassment, and bullying led to their deaths.

We have all seen the news on these cases, even in here in Winnemucca. Bullying in schools, on social networks such as Myspace and Twitter, even texting has led to cases of suicide. In some cases, to the point where the target of the bullying feels suicide is the only escape from it.

So what exactly constitutes bullying? According to the Anti-Bullying Network, bullying is calling someone names, gossiping about them, leaving them out of activities, threatening them, making them uncomfortable or scared, physically harming them.

Bullying isn’t just for kids. Adults are guilty of it too. Even in our small community, Winnemucca citizens of all ages have been known to do it. Who hasn’t heard a piece of gossip here? Most of us will hear gossip and dismiss it as just that, never giving it a second thought. A bully will start it, even repeat it with no regard to the harm they may cause, perhaps embellishing to make it more interesting, thus inflicting harm to the person they are gossiping about.

Why do people bully? There can be a number of reasons regardless of their age: they want to be popular, seeking attention, they may feel jealous of the person they are bullying, they may not feel good about themselves, so they put others down or hurt them, they are trying to gain control over a situation, or they may be bullied themselves. Sometimes the bully is displaying the behavior they have learned from parents or family. This can often be the case where someone is bullied because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, even race, ethnicity, or religion.

No matter what the reason, it is never okay.

Bullying is violence and there is a cycle to violence. It is emotional and verbal abuse and should be recognized as such. No one should ever live in fear. If you know someone who is being bullied, please help them. Breaking the silence is the only way to break the cycle. Remember, if you’re not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. AVA has provided classes and materials regarding bullying in the past, these classes have always filled quickly and the materials requested often. We are continuing to provide materials and classes, if you or your organization would like any of these free materials or to arrange a class, please contact us. For more information: www.dayofsilence.org www.antibullying.org www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Dance!

2011-03-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Dance!

April 2, 7:00- 11:00 p.m. East Hall @ Winnemucca Convention Center

Music by DJ, Surround Sound

Open to all ages, Bring the Family!!!

Free fingerprinting for youths!

Raffles will be held!!! Tickets 10 for only $5 or 2 for $1!

Win a dinner and show package for 2 at Eldorado in Reno! P

rizes from many different stores: Angie’s Boutique, Goodnight Irene, New Spa Reno, Las Margaritas, The Martin ~ and more!

No cost to attend, donations requested for:

• non-perishable food

• children’s clothing (new or like new

• prom dress or bridesmaid dress (new or like new)

• baby wipes

• old cell phones

All will go to area organizations to help with their services

Community Impact Panel

2011-03-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Community Impact Panel

Have you or someone you care about been hurt by a crime? Bullying? Drunk Driving? Abuse? Suicide?

Do you think crime doesn’t impact you or your community?

Do you want to help shape the future of your community?

It IS your business!

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” ~Helen Keller

April 2 @ 1:00 p.m. Winnemucca Convention Center, East Hall

Speakers and Topics will include:

Mayor Di An Putnam ~ City of Winnemucca

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Tony Roth

Jessica Olsen ~ Bullying Awareness

Arlene Lunen ~ Mothers Against Drunk Driving

The Bettencourts ~ Domestic Violence and Homicide

Jan Bassier ~ Survivors of Suicide

Debora Brown ~ Family Violence and Substance Abuse

Bill Fowler ~ NV Court Appointed Special Advocates

Raffles!!! 10 for only $5 or 5 for $2!

Win a dinner and show package for 2 at Eldorado in Reno!

Prizes from many different stores: Angie’s Boutique, Goodnight Irene, New Spa Reno, Las Margaritas, The Martin ~ and more!

No cost to attend, but a donation of any of these items is appreciated:

An item of non-perishable food

Children's' clothing (new or used)

Baby Wipes

New or like new prom dress or bridesmaid gowns

Old cell phone

Donations will be used to help various area non-profits to serve their clients' needs.

~ Be the Change, Take a Stand ~

Dance!

2011-03-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

Dance!
April 2, 7:00- 11:00 p.m.
East Hall @ Winnemucca Convention Center

Music by DJ, Surround Sound

Open to all ages, Bring the Family!!!

Free fingerprinting for youths!
Raffles will be held!!! Tickets 10 for only $5 or 2 for $1!
Win a dinner and show package for 2 at Eldorado in Reno! Prizes from many different stores: Angie’s Boutique, Goodnight Irene, New Spa Reno, Las Margaritas, The Martin ~ and more!

No cost to attend, donations requested for:
• non-perishable food
• children’s clothing
• prom dress
• baby wipes
• old cell phones
All will go to area organizations to help with their services

Scentsy Fundraiser!

2011-03-26T16:33:00.001-07:00

Fundrasier for AVA and CASA with Scentsy Consultant, Sharon Krupicka over the month of April!

Order anytime online beginning April 1st

We are working with local Scentsy Consultant, Sharon Krupicka, to help raise money for Winnemucca’s new Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA), and Advocates for Victims of Abuse, both volunteer programs that help survivors and secondary survivors of crime and advocacy for sexual violence, relationship abuse, bullying, child neglect and abuse.

Check out the wonderful Scentsy products on Sharon’s website at and order directly from her (be sure to click on our party link!):
https://skrupicka.scentsy.us

To place an order, please contact AVA at www.humboldtava.com
Via email: humboldtava@sbcglobal.net
Telephone: 623-2328, 623-2312, or 774-247-2395

The mission of AVA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence, relationship abuse, bullying, and child abuse and neglect.
CASA supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy to protect the rights of abused and neglected children.

Don't be a victim, become a survivor!

2011-03-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

©

Fundrasier for AVA and CASA with Scentsy Consultant, Sharon Krupicka over the month of April!

Order anytime online beginning April 1st

We are working with local Scentsy Consultant, Sharon Krupicka, to help raise money for Winnemucca’s new Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA), and Advocates for Victims of Abuse, both volunteer programs that help survivors and secondary survivors of crime and advocacy for sexual violence, relationship abuse, bullying, child neglect and abuse.

Check out the wonderful Scentsy products on Sharon’s website at and order directly from her (be sure to click on our party link!):
https://skrupicka.scentsy.us

To place an order, please contact AVA at www.humboldtava.com
Via email: humboldtava@sbcglobal.net
Telephone: 623-2328, 623-2312, or 774-247-2395

The mission of AVA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence, relationship abuse, bullying, and child abuse and neglect.
CASA supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy to protect the rights of abused and neglected children.

Don't be a victim, become a survivor!

Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Winnemucca

2011-03-13T09:54:00.001-07:00

Each year in the United States there are more than 500,000 children placed in foster care and plunged into the court system. These children have not committed any crimes; these children are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Once these children are in the court system, it is up to a judge to decide where their future lies. Due to reports of neglect and abuse increasing at a steady rate, overburdened child welfare workers and appointed attorneys are often faced with limited time and resources. Both time and resources are needed to thoroughly investigate what is truly best for the welfare of each individual child.

For many years attitudes about neglect and child abuse were considered family matters and children were rarely removed from homes in which a parent or family member inflicted physical harm and abuse. Neglected or abandoned children were placed into institutional settings such as asylums or orphanages. It was not until the 1960’s that judges began placing children with families instead of in institutions. This is what has led to the current foster care system as we now know it. By the 1970’s foster care became a way of life for many of the children removed from their homes. For many of these children, introduction into the foster care system meant the loss of family for the remainder of their childhood. It was not uncommon for a child to be placed in multiple foster homes with no efforts made at reunification with their birth families or attempted placement with permanent families.

In 1977, Superior Court Judge David W. Soukup saw a recurrent problem in his court room. He felt he was not getting all of the facts that he required to make the best informed decisions affecting the future of the children whose cases were presented to him. Decisions he needed to make included where the child would live, for how long and under what conditions; what services or treatments should be ordered; and/or what steps should be taken to reunite the child with the birth parents or to place the child in a new family unit. In the Seattle court room and which is often still the case in many court rooms today, attorney Guardian ad Litems are appointed to cases of abuse and neglect; however they often lacked the time and specialized training to conduct in depth investigations. Social workers also responsible for many of the cases and carrying a high case load are also over burdened with cases and short on the time needed to devote to each child. Judge Soukup believed that individuals other than attorneys could be trained to effectively speak on behalf of children. He thought that it was feasible to recruit and train qualified individuals to come into the courtroom and advocate for children. His vision became a reality in 1977, when volunteers began representing the best interest of children as court appointed Guardian ad Litems. This program later became known as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

The current Guardian ad Litem program, implemented by the Honorable Judge Wagner, already addresses many of these issues. Advocates for Victims of Abuse is proud to announce a modified CASA program in Humboldt County. If anyone is interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please contact an AVA representative through the provided information at the end of this column. Volunteers will be thoroughly screened, both in terms of safety and suitability for mentoring, in addition to ensuring that the volunteer does not have a criminal record. All volunteers must meet requirements for working with youths and complete all required training. Volunteers will work with the Judges, and Guardian ad Litems, and be appointed by the court, to match young people in the court system with trained and caring adults who can offer support, guidance and encouragement through to any child in need.

From Victim to Survivor: A True Story

2011-02-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

From Victim to Survivor: A True Story

(This is the final part of the true story following a victim to survivor. For previous parts, please look through the blog)

My teacher’s caring words resounded through my head. I don’t know if my teacher knew I was planning to commit suicide that day, but her reaching out to me changed my life. Someone cared about my pain! It’s not that I didn’t think my family and friends cared, but going to school every day to deal with bullying and harassment, it wears a person down. People in my life either wanted to pretend the rape never happened or wanted to talk about the details, which I was not comfortable doing.

I began to feel like I was living outside myself, no longer who I thought I was. It was at this point my eating disorder began. My life felt out of control. It seemed the only thing I could control is my eating habits. I would starve or binge on everything edible in sight, then purge myself. Afterward, there would be a strange sense of control and I would feel better. It was like I was saying to the universe, “Ha! I do have some control here!”

Eventually I spoke to my teacher. As it turns out, my teacher was a volunteer at a local crisis center for many years. It was from her I first learned of Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS). She explained that everyone responds differently to sexual assault and there is no wrong or right way. As she told me about it, I recognized myself in what she described.

The first stage of RTS is the acute phase. This is when the victim tries to deal with the assault after it has happened. Some are expressive, in that they are very emotional. Another response is controlled and is when the victim tries to maintain their composure and not show any emotion. Some victims might even go through both the expressive and controlled response.

During this acute stage that some victims experience nightmares, panic attacks, or even disconnect from everything. A loss of interest in everything, inability to focus, not feeling safe or trusting anyone, all are part of the acute phase. I felt shocked and elated when she told me this. I wasn’t alone in dealing with this, others go through it too! I felt sad it happens so often there is a name for it, but I no longer felt like a freak and alone.

The next stage is the Reorganization Phase: the victim tries to put the pieces of her/his life back together. The loss of security, trust, and control are so intrinsic the anxiety seems more heightened. This is where the shame and guilt, pulling away from family and friends, the constant fear and anxiety have come to a place where the victim tries to take some control back and reorganize a recognizable life. As with all recovery, there is no one way to go about this either or a length of time any of this may take.

Eventually, my rapist plead guilty, sparing me from a long court process. It did not make the other issues go away; there was a lot to deal with. I do look back and wish I had handled it differently and found someone to talk to sooner. It’s always a struggle. When I developed an eating disorder to try and take back control, I just wanted to feel better. I had no idea it would be a life-long struggle of triggers, relapse, and recovery.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual violence, talk to someone: a friend, family, even an anonymous voice on a hotline. It is very important to get those feelings out. Remember, there is no wrong or right way a victim responds or copes. Time does not always heal all, but it does make it easier to live with. You do not have to be a victim, you can become a survivor!

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month!

2011-02-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

By the time you finish reading this sentence, a woman somewhere will have been abused.

Teen dating violence is an equal opportunity crime. It does not matter where you live, what race you are, what your family socio-economic status is, what kind of car you drive, what kind of grades you get, etc.

It is alarmingly common.

It is estimated one in three teens experience some type of abuse in their relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse. Dating violence is a reality for many youth, and an issue that many parents are not aware of.

Statistics show that one in three people are affected by physical, sexual or verbal, dating violence, with one in five in a serious relationship reported having been slapped, hit, threatened, or coerced by a partner. About one in three high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship.

Abuse in a dating relationship can be confusing and frightening at any age. For teenagers or tweens, who are just beginning to date and develop romantic relationships, this abuse is especially difficult, because only half recognize the warning signs of a dangerous relationship .

Teen dating violence is also often hidden because teenagers typically are inexperienced with dating relationships, they may be pressured by peers to act violently, want independence from parents, or have "romantic" views of love.

Ten of the most common warning signs of abuse at any age include:

1.Checking your cell phone or email without permission
2.Constant put-downs
3.Extreme jealousy or insecurity
4.Explosive temper
5.Financial control
6.Isolating you from family or friends
7.Mood swings
8.Physically hurting you in any way
9.Possessiveness
10.Telling you what to do

A 2008 study commissioned by Liz Claiborne and loveisrespect.org found: 40 percent of the youngest tweens, those between the ages of 11 and 12, report that their friends are victims of verbal abuse in relationships, and nearly one-in-ten (9 percent) say their friends have had sex.

One-in-five between the ages of 13 and 14 say their friends are victims of dating violence, such as getting struck, hit or slapped by a boyfriend or girlfriend, and nearly half of all tweens in relationships say they know friends who are verbally abused.

Only half of all tweens (51 percent) claim to know the warning signs of a bad/hurtful relationship. In addition, significant numbers of teens (15-18) are experiencing emotional and mental abuse as well as violence when dating; it's even more prevalent among teens who have engaged in intercourse by the age of 14.

Break ups can be a time of even greater risk, even when a relationship was never physically abusive. Young people can choose better relationships when they learn that healthy relationships are based on respect and learn to identify early warning signs of an abusive relationship.

Elimination of dating violence must be achieved through cooperation of individuals, organizations, and communities. Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about dating violence and to show support to the numerous organizations and individuals that provide critical advocacy, service and assistance to victims

Many communities face the problem of teen dating violence, and young people can be afraid to discuss it, or they may not recognize the severity of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Parents and other adults may also be uncomfortable acknowledging that young people experience abuse, or may be unaware of its occurrence.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there are lots of resources to help. National Teen Dating Abuse Help Line: 1-866-331-9497 www.loveisrespect.org. The National Resource Center for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: www.teendvmonth.org.

January is Stalking Awareness Month

2011-01-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Advocates for Victims of Abuse Organization would like to remind everyone that January is Stalking Awareness Month.

Stalking is a very serious crime that is often under-reported. Those that have reported the crime are numbered at over 3 million people in the United States every year. Stalking victims are often stalked by someone they know or a person they were once in a relationship with. It is estimated that in every 1 out of 5 stalking cases, violence escalates and a weapon is used.

Stalking behavior may include, and is not limited to, unwanted phone calls, sending unsolicited or unwanted letters or e-mails, following or spying on their victim, showing up at places without having a legitimate reason, waiting at places for the victim, leaving unwanted items, presents or flowers, and posting information or spreading rumors about the victim online, in a public place or by word of mouth.

With the ever-growing field of technology, there’s a new way of stalking “cyber stalking”. Cyberstalkers often begin their stalking behavior in ways planned to cause distress to the victim, or make them the subject of harassment by others. They may pretend to be the victim and post offensive comments or send offensive messages in their name. They may send hateful communications to family, friends and coworkers, either posing as the victim or “anonymous”. The victim’s computer may be hacked or their email accounts broken into, or the password is changed and the victim locked out of their own accounts. Recently, the Department of Justice showed that technology, including Internet services such as email and instant messaging along with other technology, like GPS and computer spyware like IP sniffers, have been used to harass one in four stalking victims. That converts into about 1.2 million victims whose stalkers have used some form of technology to find them no matter where they are.

Nevada Revised Statue 200.575 states “A person who, without lawful authority, willfully or maliciously engages in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated or harassed, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated or harassed, commits the crime of stalking.” The NRS under Section 3 has been amended to include technology to say “A person who commits the crime of stalking with the use of an Internet or network site or electronic mail or any other similar means of communication to publish, display or distribute information in a manner that substantially increases the risk of harm or violence to the victim shall be punished for a category C felony as provided in NRS 193.130.” Stalking IS a crime and should never be taken lightly.

The fear a stalking victim feels has additional consequences. Anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression are only a few of the serious side effects a victim may experience, and these issues rarely go away when the stalking stops. Many will suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can take years to overcome. Victims of stalking may be eligible for the Nevada Victims of Crime Program, more information can be found at their website: www.voc.nv.gov or by contacting an advocate at AVA.

If a person believes they may be a victim of stalking or cyberstalking, contact your local law enforcement. Save any information such as emails, texts, virus scans that show positive for a tracer, etc. Emails and logs can be traced by ISP. Remember: No one has the right to harass or threaten anyone or make them fear their safety. For more information, please contact the Stalking Resource Center at the National Center for Victims of Crime at www.ncvc.org or AVA at www.humboldtava.com

As the old proverb says, “A life lived in fear is a life half lived”. It’s our hope that by working together for our community’s safety and well-being that we may help those in need to no longer live in fear.

From Victim to Survivor: A True Story

2011-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

From Victim to Survivor: A True Story

This is part of a series on the first-hand experience of a survivor of sexual assault.

I thought things would go back to normal once my best friend, Susie*, and I were talking again, but they didn’t. I still could not sleep, I would break down in tears often, I got migraines frequently and could not concentrate on school, and I didn’t want to hang out with my friends or do anything. To top all of that off, the guy who had assaulted me had began following me around school.

Susie had tried to convince me to tell my parents what happened. I was terrified at the idea of anyone knowing what had happened. Now Joe* was cornering me at school when Susie wasn’t around. I told him to leave me alone but he acted like I was kidding. Didn’t he know how much he hurt me or care?

I hurried through the hallways to avoid him. One day I heard him behind me calling my name. I rushed to get away and he grabbed my arm. I screamed and ran to the bathroom, passing Susie in my frantic rush. Locked in the bathroom stall, I had my first panic attack.

That was my breaking point. I knew I couldn’t keep pretending nothing happened. That night I told my sister about the rape and she held my hand as I told my parents. My father called the police and they came to the house to take my statement. They explained the investigative process and suggest my parents talk to the school to keep Joe away from me or we could get a protection order.
Joe was arrested not long after that, and things escalated. His friends began harassing me at school. They would follow me yelling “rape!”, “slut” and “go kill yourself”, along with other slurs. The school wasn’t much help; they told me to ignore it but did nothing to stop it.

At this time, I was talking with the District Attorney who walked me through the court process. Telling more strangers such intimate details about the most horrible event in my life was humiliating and I felt like they were all judging me. I had to go to school every day and be bullied by Joe’s friends’; my friends would get into fight with his: it was a mess. Everyone at school knew what happened and either pitying me or stayed away. My family didn’t know how to talk to me. They avoided the subject completely and if I tried to talk about it they would tell me not to think about it.

Before I reported the rape, I was the only one suffering. Now my family and friends seem worried and stressed. I was feeling overwhelmed with all of it and starting thinking maybe I should kill myself.

The more I thought of suicide, the better I felt: this would solve all my problems. One day, I planned it out. I was going to take a bottle of prescription pills my mother had. Thinking about it, I was happier, talkative, and ready for school to be over so I could set my plan in motion.

The last class of the day, my teacher asked me to stay after class for a moment. She asked why I was suddenly so different and upbeat, if something had happened. I told her no, I was feeling better. She stared at me for a moment, and told me she was there for me and not to think that this horrible time would last forever. She told me I could get through it and I would be a stronger person for it and people cared about me. Somehow, she knew what I was planning and she had just saved my life.

*Names have been changed.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

From Victim to Survivor: A True Story

2010-12-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

This is part of a series on the first-hand experience of a survivor of sexual assault. The first part of this true story of survival can be found on AVA’s website at www.humboldtava.com.

The next few days I did not talk to anyone. I stayed at home, telling my parents and siblings I was not feeling well. Friends that called or came over were told I was sick. As far as everyone else around me thought, I was getting a bug or something going around and just needed to rest. One person that did not call was my friend and this made me think she was angry at me.

Two weeks later, I did have to get out of bed and get back to school. I was not in good shape, mentally or physically. I had not slept and found myself getting migraines for the first time in my life. When I closed my eyes to sleep I had nightmares I would wake crying from. I was jumpy from not sleeping and terrified of what my friend and her boyfriend might be thinking, and worse: saying, about me. Every waking moment the events kept running through my mind, replaying itself like it was stuck on a loop.

I analyzed every detail of what had happened. I tried to remember what it was I had done to make him think I wanted this. Was I too nice? Was I flirtatious? Didn’t I say no enough or loud enough? What did I do? I was sure I had to have been the one that made him think I was attracted to him in some way for him to have done this.

The first morning back at school, I ran straight into the bathroom and stayed until the bell rang, going to class late so I wouldn’t have to speak to anyone.

As I walked into class toward the seat next to my best friend, I noticed her looking at me and with a tiny smile. For the first time, I couldn’t read my best friends’ expression. I looked down and slid into my seat. Halfway through the class she slipped me a note that said, “Are you okay?”
Three little words. Three little words I’ve heard many times but this time had more meaning than ever. Her tiny smile, it was out of concern. I stared at these words for what seemed a long time, until I heard someone crying loudly. I looked up to see the class and teacher staring at me. I was the one crying. I grabbed my books and ran to the hallway, heading back to hide in the bathroom until class was over.

In the bathroom, locked safely in a stall, I reread these three words over and over and could not stop myself from crying. The weeks of trying to pretend I was had been exhausting. Smiling as though all was right in the world when nightmares flashed in my mind over and over, it was exhausting. I realized I could not really recall the past two weeks in detail or anything I had said or done, I had been in a fugue state.

Everything hit me at once like a slap in the face: the fear that my best friend hated me, that her boyfriend would do it again, that people would find out what happened and think it was my fault, the humiliation of it all that it was my body and I couldn’t even protect it. I felt humiliated and ashamed that I had done something to invite it. That someone had been able to violate me in such a personal and intrusive way that made me feel sick to my soul. It was then I first asked myself the question: how does the body continue to live when it feels like my soul has died?

A Way to Give Back- Without Spending Extra

2010-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

A Way to Give Back- Without Spending Extra

A lot of people prefer to do their shopping online these days. Less time finding a parking spot, standing in line, and walking until your feet ache and blister.

In these difficult economic times, people want to donate to charities but can’t afford to. Especially when you’ve got lots of gifts to buy for family and friends!

There is a way to donate to nonprofits without any extra cost to you! GoodShop.com is an online shopping mall which donates up to 30 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's, JCPenney’s, and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting Advocates for Victims of Abuse, or your favorite cause.

Not only can you help survivors of sexual violence and relationship abuse in Humboldt County by purchasing items through GoodShop.com, you can help by simply using the search engine at GoodSearch.com.

GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue (about a penny per search) to the charities it’s users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up! While shopping, GoodShop will let you know much of your money is going to charity (remember those tax-refunds) and any coupons or deals on the site you are shopping on.

To make using GoodSearch even easier, there is a toolbar you can download (virus and spam free!) that will open GoodSearch - Advocates for Victims of Abuse toolbar. Our cause will earn money every time you shop and search online - even if you forget to go to GoodShop or GoodSearch first! Add the Advocates for Victims of Abuse (or the charity of your choice) toolbar at www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/mode.

Who are the Advocates for Victims of Abuse? AVA is a community-based program for the prevention, education, and advocacy against relationship abuse, sexual violence, bullying, and child abuse and neglect. We are an all-volunteer organization, people who donate can be assured their donation is going to direct services, We collaborate with community agencies and organizations to raise awareness and education about relationship abuse and sexual violence, prevention, and what to do in case of a sexual assault.

We also provide referrals and resources to local and statewide agencies and programs that can assist the survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence and their loved ones affected by the trauma. We provide on-call advocacy for relationship abuse and sexual assault support services, with trained advocates in crisis intervention and sexual assault support services.

The mission of AVA is to empower those victimized by abuse and/or violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of relationship abuse, child abuse and neglect, bullying and sexual violence. Our slogan is, “Don’t be a victim, become a survivor!” We want all those who are victimized to know there is help for them, that they can heal from victimization and become survivors.

For more information about AVA:
Contact Information:
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1338
Phone: 775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
E-Mail: humboldtava@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.humboldtava.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/advocatesforvictimsofabuse

A Survivor's Story

2010-11-16T03:08:00.000-08:00

This is part of a series on the first-hand experience of a survivor of sexual assault. Please read next month’s AVA column for the rest of the continuing story.

I was only 14 years old when I was sexually assaulted. I lived in a small town, I was a junior in high school, and the guy…..well, and he was my best friends’ boyfriend.

In all these years that have passed since, there’s not a day that it hasn’t crossed through my mind. The memory of the night and hanging out with friends and having a good time after a high school football game all passes through my mind everyday. Some days it lingers and I remember sights and sounds and smells. I can still remember to this day what I was wearing, where we were, the conversation, everything. I used to block it out because it was too painful. I’ve learned enough about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to know that until you can relive the assault in its entirety, you cannot begin to heal.

In the years that have passed, I have forced myself to relive all the seconds of that night. It took me years to recall the entire night. Not that I didn’t remember, but my brain would NOT let me remember and go through the most painful parts. See, that’s what happens with PTSD, or Rape Trauma Syndrome as some therapists might call my case, I could not relive that night at once. It did take me years to get to the point where I could remember the night, in detail, in entirety without skipping over parts. In fact, it’s been almost 20 years and I have only just gotten there.

What I went through, that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. In a small town, scared to death of telling anyone, I didn’t. It took me weeks to report the assault; it was my best friend who encouraged me to report it. You see, she was there that night when the assault took place. The person who assaulted me, that was my best friends’ boyfriend at the time.

So then this ‘incident’ happens. The moment that was to change my life forever in ways that I don’t think I can put into words here. I didn’t report it right away. For one thing, I was in high school and I lived in a small town. The guy, he was a sports star at my high school, I was your average Jane and the last thing I wanted to do was draw attention to myself or upset my best friend.

My friend, being present at the assault, she witnessed it and was able to get me out of there eventually. I was yelling and screaming for help and she came through the door and saved me. She charged in the door and got me out of there and dragged me to the nearest payphone to call her sister for a ride home. Afterwards, we didn’t talk about it. On the way to the phone and waiting for her sister, we didn’t speak about it. I didn’t know what to say. I was in shock, she was silent. I thought she was mad at me because it was her boyfriend. I didn’t know how to tell her that I didn’t “like” her boyfriend, that he had hurt me, that I was scared and in pain. For the first time, I found myself unable to speak to my best friend.

My mind kept running through the events of the night, she had heard my cries for help, knew it wasn’t a joke, and came in and helped me. Is she mad at me? Is she mad at him? Why did he do this to me? Why did he do this to her? WHY did he do this at all?

Take a Stand, Don't Stand By! October 20th

2010-10-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Take a stand, don’t stand by!

Advocates for Victims of Abuse has partnered with SASA (Students Advocating Social Awareness), and PACER Teens Against Bullying, to raise awareness across the country to STOP bullying now!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. On October 20th, 2010, we will wear purple in memory of the recent suicides brought on by bullying. Many of them suffered from homophobic abuse in their schools or in their homes. We want to take a stand to say that we will not tolerate this.

10.20.10 is the day you can be seen, heard, and taken seriously about your belief that bullying has to end. We are encouraging everyone everywhere to wear purple. Teens, adults, schools, and communities everywhere are encouraged to hold a special event to show they care about this important issue. The event can include music, give-aways, special speakers, petition signing, and more as people unite to join the movement against bullying. When someone becomes so lost in something that they feel the only escape is death there is a fundamental idea that has to be understood. Those people have had their reasoning taken away. A key component to themselves was stolen or ripped away and they are left without the defense of the desire to protect themselves. Bullying makes a person feel they have no self-worth, that they are unloved and unwanted. Those that commit suicide are not to blame. Nor are they to be "supported." They are to be loved and remembered.

This is an opportunity for individuals, groups, communities to acknowledge that bullying is not something that should be accepted. Physical bruises fade, but the marks bullying leaves on a person may never fade. As human to human, we should reach out to one another to alleviate pain, not to cause it.

Please wear purple on October 20th to remember all the lives of all those lives have been lost due to bullying. Take a stand, don’t stand by! Get involved!

If you, or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed and depressed please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. All calls are confidential and counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information or referrals, contact a community advocate with the Advocates for Victims of Abuse at 623-2312, 623-2328, or 775-247-2395. Email us at humboldtava@sbcglobal.net or via our website at www.humboldtava.com All calls are confidential, advocates are mandatory reporters.

2010-09-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Bowling for Survivors!
Spare Time Bowling
Saturday, Oct. 9 @ 2:00 p.m.

$10 per person, or a team of 4 for only $30!

Prizes Donated by:
The Martin, Rice Jewelers, New Spa Reno,
Montengero School of TaeKwon Do, The Flying Pig, Vogels,
The Country Rose, Las Margaritas, Round Table Pizza, Goodnight Irene, Tovi Hilbish…and MORE!!

***AVA is an all volunteer organization. All donations go to direct services to help survivors and secondary survivors of family abuse and sexual violence in Humboldt County!!!***

Want to help but can’t make the fundraiser? Donations are tax-exempt! Contact us at humboldtava@sbcglobal.net or

623-2321, 623-2328, 0r 775-247-2395

Thank you for your continued support!!
We look forward to seeing you there!!!

When Stalking Goes High-Tech

2010-09-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

We live in a world that has given the term “human touch” a whole new meaning. Most people speak through their keyboards nowadays rather than actually speaking to one another. Smart phones, blogging, social networking, texting, these have all found a way into our lives and reshape our relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and the world. While these changes may be seen as a great evolution of our world into a more high-tech society, with all things good, there is also a bad side to it.

When we think of stalking, we think of someone who hides outside a person’s house and follows them. Nevada Revised Statue 200.575 states “A person who, without lawful authority, willfully or maliciously engages in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated or harassed, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated or harassed, commits the crime of stalking.” The NRS under Section 3 has been amended to include technology to say “A person who commits the crime of stalking with the use of an Internet or network site or electronic mail or any other similar means of communication to publish, display or distribute information in a manner that substantially increases the risk of harm or violence to the victim shall be punished for a category C felony as provided in NRS 193.130.” Simply put, stalking and cyberstalking are crimes.

What exactly is cyberstalking? Cyberstalking is almost always characterized by the stalker relentlessly pursuing his\her victim online and is much more likely to include some form of offline attack, as well (OVW 2010). This offline aspect makes it a more serious situation as it can easily lead to dangerous physical contact, if the victim’s location is known.

In January 2010, the Bureau of Justice Statistics released the largest study to date of its kind on stalking, "Stalking Victimization in the United States," an Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) sponsored report based on supplemental data gathered from the National Crime Victimization Survey.

The report showed that technology, including Internet services such as email and instant messaging along with other technology, like GPS and computer spyware like IP sniffers, have been used to harass one in four stalking victims. That converts into about 1.2 million victims whose stalkers have used some form of technology to find them no matter where they are.
Cyberstalkers often begin their stalking behavior in ways planned to cause distress to the victim, or make them the subject of harassment by others. They may pretend to be the victim and post offensive comments or send offensive messages in their name. They may send hateful communications to family, friends and coworkers, either posing as the victim or “anonymous”. The victim’s computer may be hacked or their email accounts broken into, or the password is changed and the victim locked out of their own accounts. The victim may be signed-up for spam, porn sites and questionable offers.

In the most dangerous kind of cases, the cyberstalker posts the name, address and phone number of the victim online, may pose as them, and solicit sexual activities. In a California case, a stalker posted his victims’ name and address online and solicited group sex. The woman had never used the computer before, but found herself facing angry men at her door, expecting sexual services.

Most often, a cyberstalker is found to be someone the victim knows. It might be someone they have been in a relationship with, been to school or worked with. If a person believes they may be a victim of stalking or cyberstalking, contact your local law enforcement. Save any information such as emails, texts, virus scans that show positive for a tracer, etc. Emails and logs can be traced by ISP. Remember: No one has the right to harass or threaten anyone or make them fear their safety.

When Silence Hurts

2010-09-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sexual violence is not a subject many people like to talk about. It is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. It is a violation of the body and mind, and the assailant is one of the worst in humanity. People don’t want to think about it, much less discuss it. We want to believe it won’t happen to any of us, when in reality, it happens to one in six females and one in thirty-three males. These are only the reported numbers and we all know how underreported sex crimes are.

Survivors of sexual violence often feel ashamed and humiliated. This crime is underreported because survivors feel they did something to deserve it: went on a date with the assailant, drank alcohol or did drugs at the time of assault, the assailant was a family member or close friend, fear of gossip and judgment, etc. The subject is “taboo” all over the United States because of its ugliness. When we avoid the subject of sexual violence, what is it we are teaching younger generations? Are we passing along these same hurtful myths that the survivor should be ashamed and asked for it? Stop reading for a moment and think back to when you were young: how often did your parents or someone talk to you about sexual violence? How many of your friends? How often have you spoken with your child about sexual violence? Would you and those you know feel comfortable talking about it now?

How do we explain our silence on the subject to the child sexual abuse victims? According to the U.S. Department of Justice, child sexual abuse incidents are vastly underreported as well. Many children are afraid to tell anyone what has happened. The perpetrator may have told them they’ll hurt them or their family, or that it has to be a secret, that no one will believe them, or that something bad will happen if they tell. Some children feel responsible and guilty because they cooperated or were talked into participating. Because the youth was talked into participating or manipulated, the perpetrator rarely has to use force, so there is not always physical signs of abuse.

Every ten seconds there is a report of child abuse in the United States. As it is with adult abuse survivors, child victims cross all socioeconomic status, ethnic and cultural lines, education levels, and religions. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 93% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way and 68% are abused by family members. Holding true to the cycle of violence, 30% of these victims will later abuse their own children.

Not only will this sexual abuse affect the child for the rest of their lives, affect their families and secondary survivors, it will affect our community. Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 time more likely to abuse alcohol and 3.8 times more likely to develop drug addictions. Nearly two-thirds of people in drug treatment report being abused as children, all according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit a violent crime.

Research clearly shows sexual violence has an effect on the individual, families, and communities. Survivors need to talk with someone to heal and recover. It is a subject that needs to be discussed because without talking and understanding what it is, it continues to happen. It continues to go underreported. The survivor continues to hurt. In this day and age, is it really acceptable for society to keep blaming the victim? Even if we are not pointing our fingers, by avoiding the subject the silence tells them it is something to be ashamed of.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.

Teens and On the Job Harassment

2010-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

As parents our ultimate goal is to raise productive, independent young adults. In doing so, we hope to instill a good work ethic early on in their teen years. We send our teenagers off to begin their first job, teaching them the valuable lesson of hard work, while giving them an opportunity to save up for college or that first car. We expect the work place to be a safe environment for these young adults, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case. If your child was harassed while at work would they know how to handle the situation?

As a teenager myself that first job was working for a national fast food chain. I worked hard to be the best employee I could be and in doing so, was given the opportunity for advancement and, with it, more responsibilities. Unfortunately, these accomplishments also put me in a difficult situation.

Part of my new responsibilities required that I open up the restaurant a few times a month. At work the day before this schedule change, I sat alone in the private break room. The supervisor scheduled to open the restaurant with me the following day came in to discuss our tasks for that morning. After which, some very inappropriate comments and sexual advances were made and I was told to arrive half an hour before our scheduled shift, for “some alone time”. Of course, as a young teenager, I sat there in shock, not knowing what to do next. I decided to do what I thought was best – relay the situation on to our boss and the owner of the restaurant, explaining in more detail exactly what had taken place.

The owner discussed the problem with the supervisor and we were put on separate shifts. At the time, I believed this was my only option and feeling uncomfortable when our paths crossed, I left the position soon afterwards. It wasn’t till years later that I learned similar situations had taken place between this same supervisor and additional female teenage employees. The situations were played off due to the Supervisors nationality and situations such as this being “acceptable” (so I was told) in his culture.

As an adult, with children of my own, I now wish I would have taken more action to ensure the Supervisor was held accountable. At the time, I was embarrassed about the whole thing and wanted simply to forget it, not feeling comfortable enough to ask my own parents for help.

According to MSNBC, a study found that one in three teens is a victim of sexual harassment, especially in their first jobs at restaurants and retail stores. Last year, a large burger chain paid out $85,000 to a teenage employee who was subjected to unwanted touching and sexual advances from the store’s general manager in North Carolina. In yet another situation, and again with a competing national burger chain, a settlement was made in the amount of $225,000 after a supervisor subjected five female employees to sexually explicit and graphic remarks about them and their appearance. It’s unfortunate, but situations such as these are fairly common.

What can you do? Talk to your teens before sending them off to work. Let them know they can come to you about any situation which leaves them feeling uncomfortable. They should not feel embarrassed or afraid of losing their job and they need to know that it is illegal for an adult to touch them in any inappropriate manner or to demand sexual favors.

Mary O’Neill, a regional attorney for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, explains that many teenagers never report such behavior because they are unaware of their rights and even embarrassed. However, having the courage to take action, gives fellow coworkers the courage to come forward as well, and will help to put a stop to the harassment.

If your teenager is harassed at work, contact their boss. If the boss is a part of the problem or refuses to acknowledge the situation, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at EEOC.gov. An Advocate for Victims of Abuse can also help your teen to understand his or her rights and help in these difficult situations. We are all responsible for ensuring a safe work environment for our teens and their coworkers!

Winnemucca Organization Changes Name and Updates Services

2010-07-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Winnemucca Organization Changes Name and Updates Services

Community Advocates Against Sexual Violence (CAASA) was formed in mid- 2008 as a grassroots social services organization to help survivors and secondary survivors of sexual violence. The organization has grown through the years to add in more services, such as the the free seminar Girls Fight Back!, free self-defense and safety classes for all ages, advocacy and court accompaniment, as well as medical accompaniment to Reno for sexual assault kits and other necessary medical and psychological care. In 2009 CAASA began collaborating with the National and Nevada Court Appointed Special Advocates Program to add some of its services to CAASA's on-going services.The mission of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. In early 2010, CASA and CAASA entered into a formal agreement to officially begin efforts to bring the CASA program to Humboldt County under our CAASA organization. For more information on what Nevada CASA is, please visit their website at: http://www.nevadacasa.org/Both groups were excited about working together, but because CAASA and CASA are pronounced the same, it was difficult to distinguish between the two programs when explaining the newly formed collaboration between them. Humboldt CAASA realized it was time to search for a new name. With the help of the CAASA board members, volunteers, and helpful supporters, the name Advocates for Victims of Abuse was chosen as the new organization name and the motto modified to encompass all that is done under the organization.Advocates for Victims of Abuse (AVA), formerly known as Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) is a community-based program for the prevention, education, and advocacy against family abuse, sexual violence, and child abuse and neglect. The mission of AVA is to empower those victimized by abuse and/or violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of family abuse and sexual violence. CASA's mission supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy to protect the rights of abused and neglected children. While the organization name has changed, the previous services are still in existence, only added upon. AVA's original slogan remains the same, "Don't be a Victim, Become a Survivor!".CASA efforts are still underway to raise enough funds to bring this wonderful program here. Newmont Mining Corporation has very generously donated $10,000, helping CASA to meet it's funding halfway! Donations have also been raised with the assistance of local Scensty Consultant, Sharon Krupicka, who had a fundraiser for CASA. Twenty-five percent of sales went to aid in bringing CASA to Humboldt County and to assist AVA's services.AVA collaborates with community agencies and organizations to raise awareness and education about family abuse and sexual violence, prevention, and what to do in case of a sexual assault. We also provide referrals and resources to local and statewide agencies and programs that can assist the survivors of family abuse and sexual violence and their loved ones affected by the trauma. We provide on-call advocacy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for family abuse and sexual assault support services, with trained advocates in crisis intervention and sexual assault support services. Donations are always appreciated if one would like to donate to either AVA or CASA. All donations are tax refundable, receipts will be given. Currently, all those who are with AVA are volunteers. Donors can be assured money will go to direct services in AVA's work with the community and clients served. Volunteers are also needed in different areas. Volunteers for community events, outreach. Advocates for CASA and AVA, and more are always welcome. For more information about AVA and volunteer opportunities please visit www.humboldtcaasa.com

AVA CASA
Advocates for Victims of Abuse- Court Appointed Special Advocates
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 509-695-4626
E-Mail Address humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.humboldtcaasa.com
The mission of AVA is to empower those victimized by abuse and/or violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of family abuse and sexual violence.
CASA supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy to protect the rights of abused and neglected children.

Don't be a victim, become a survivor!

Nevada Sex Offender Registry Search
http://www.nvsexoffenders.gov/Search.aspx

Humboldt CAASA Changes Name to AVA

2010-07-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Humboldt CAASA Changes Name to AVA, Continues to Educate Public On Child Safety

A Feature Article by LadyJ

Humboldt CAASA, a Winnemucca based organization devoted to personal safety and support for the victims of abuse, has changed their name to better reflect all of their goals. The group is now known as Advocates for Victims of Abuse or AVA. AVA Director Chelle Robinson and Secretary Shari Hoskins staffed a booth at the recent Community Garden Farmer’s Market Grand Opening to promote just one of their many causes; keeping children safe.

“One of our organizational goals has always been to keep children safe,” Robinson noted, “We’ve been promoting safety since we started.” AVA’s booth featured fingerprinting for children, with fingerprinting cards donated by the Nevada Highway Patrol. Other materials provided by AVA provided safety guidelines for children in a variety of summer time situations.

School is out, but sports are a big part of summer for a lot of kids. AVA materials provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children stress the importance of making sure all coaches have had thorough and proper background checks. They further advise monitoring the coach’s attitude about winning and aggression to ensure that the child is not learning bullying behavior or other overly aggressive habits.

The long break from school also means a lot of time for kids to just hang out at malls, movie theatres, skate parks and other public gathering places. AVA and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children both seek to remind children to never go alone to any of these places, no matter how comfortable they feel when spending time there. The same rule applies to vehicles. It is never safer to for a child to get into a vehicle with a stranger or anyone else without first obtaining permission from a parent or guardian.

Children are further advised to never go into a public restroom alone, to avoid playing around canals, ditches and other dangerous areas, and to avoid openly displaying their name on backpacks, clothing or other items a stranger could easily see.

Despite the warm weather, many children continue to enjoy indoor activities. AVA’s information packet included reminders to children to keep doors locked and to refuse to open the door to anyone unless they know and trust the person and the visit has been approved by the child’s parent or guardian. While much of the safety information the group provided will serve as important reminders and checklists for parents and children, one topic will still be very new to many parents: online safety.

AVA now offers a pamphlet entitled “Protect Your Child’s Online Life.” The handout notes the basic online safety rules such as discussing the Internet with children and establishing rules for use, monitoring the child’s IM chat list or social networking site friend lists, and becoming familiar with all programs the child is using. It goes on to note the signs that the child might be communicating with an online predator, including changes in the child’s behavior, unknown phone numbers on the child’s cell phone or bill, or gifts from people the parent does not know. However, this pamphlet also serves as a guide parents or other caregivers can keep to help them decipher online chat dialogue. Most people know that LOL means “laughing out loud” and BRB means “be right back,” but a child may also be sending or receiving messages that say P911 to indicate that their parents are entering the room, “TOS” for “teacher over shoulder,” “143” to signify “I love you” and LIMIRL for “let’s meet in real life.”

Anyone who would like a copy of these handouts or any other information on child safety, personal safety for adults, sexual assault prevention and victims support, or information and support for any other victims of abuse is encouraged to contact AVA at 775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, or or 775-247-2395. “Our new name encompasses more of what we do,” said Robinson. “We’re not going to turn anybody away.”

Anonymous Rape Reports

2010-05-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

An Interview With Nevada Coalition Against Sexual Violence Executive Director, Andrea Sundberg

According to RAINN, 60% of sexual assaults are not reported. Unfortunately, many of these victims later wish they had reported the crime. By getting an anonymous rape kit done, victims have the opportunity to decide whether to go forward with reporting without feeling pressured to make an immediate decision.

CAASA recently had an opportunity to interview Andrea Sundberg, Director of the Nevada Coalition Against Sexual Violence, in regards to the most common questions surrounding anonymous rape kits. Because sexual assault crimes are so underreported, we hope that these answers will give victims the insight they need when requesting an anonymous exam after a rape.

We know that the approval of anonymous rape kits is fairly recent, is there a state or county protocol for anonymous rape kits or sexual assault exams?

Back in January of 2009, a federal law was put into place which stated that law enforcement could no longer require a sexual assault victim speak with law enforcement, or report a sexual assault, in order to have her exam paid for. Nevada already had a law in place in which communities were not charging for exams. In Nevada, the community in which the rape occurred is responsible for payment. If a rape were to occur in Humboldt county, but the victim travels to Reno for her exam, Humboldt county would still be responsible for that exam.

Is there a difference in anonymous rape kits and anonymous sexual assault exams?

Anonymous rape kits and anonymous sexual assault exams, also called Jane Doe kits, are the same thing. These exams go by various names, usually depending on the community.

As our state coalition, have you noticed a rise in anonymous reporting?

Since January of 2009, we are aware of 31 cases in which a victim has come forward for anonymous reporting. Of those, only 6 have denied going through with the investigation. Anonymous reporting allows for victims to change their minds days/weeks after the occurrence. They can later decide to go forward with reporting and have the evidence available.

What can we do, as advocates, to help get the word out that anonymous kits and exams are available?

Communities with advocacy programs find that victims are more willing to come forward, as advocates are available to explain the process to them. Anonymous reporting allows advocates and law enforcement to work together to create stronger cases.

To be sure our information is current - a sexual assault exam can be 'shelved' in the crime lab for one year before any evidence is unusable?

It depends on the type of evidence. Dried evidence, such as dried blood or semen, can actually last longer. Refrigerated evidence is good for only one year. It is up to each community to determine how long to store evidence. I believe that in Washoe county, they hold the evidence for 4 months, at which point they will contact the survivor, or have an advocate contact the survivor, and ask if they want to go forward.

What if law enforcement has already been called to meet with the survivor by the hospital, but the victim wants the exam to be anonymous?

Law enforcement can not force a victim to speak with them in order to have the exam paid for. However, they can pick up rape kits, evidence and take any statements the nurse gives them. Some law enforcement officials find anonymous rape kit reporting to be challenging as they did not get to interview the victim. This can be related to an anonymous 911 call. Say someone calls anonymously and says they heard gun shots around a specific area of town. Law enforcement arrives at the scene, finds gun shot holes or casings and blood. They collect evidence and go forward with their investigation, despite having a victim, all based on an initial report.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.
Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 775-623-2328 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 775-623-2328 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 775-623-2328 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 623-3251
Website: www.humboldtcaasa.com
E-Mail: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence. CASA supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy to protect the rights of abused and neglected children.

National Day of Silence

2010-04-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

“Think before you speak”. Not only are these words of wisdom that we should all live by, it is the motto of the National Day of Silence held on April 16, 2010 for it’s 15th year.
National Day of Silence is an annual event held by student groups all over the country designed to bring attention to the bullying, harassment, and name-calling of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. In 1996, the first Day of Silence took place at the University of Virginia after a student there committed suicide after suffering constant bullying. Since then, over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, and colleges have participated in the annual event where concerned students and teachers vow a day of silence to bring attention to bullying experienced by GLBT students and their allies.
Recognizing the Day of Silence: some vow a day long silence, some for a lunch hour or a certain time during the day. However it is recognized in different communities, the Day of Silence is one that grows stronger throughout the years to reach internationally, where Australia has begun to recognize it. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression can take part to ‘speak out’ through their silence to end bullying and harassing.
The Day of Silence has recently gotten some extra attention, gaining even more support because of recent cases where bullying has led youths to taking their own lives. While some of these youths were not part of the GLBT community, there is no doubt that name-calling, harassment, and bullying led to their deaths.
We have all seen the news on these cases. Bullying in schools, on social networks such as Mypsace and Twitter, even texting has led to cases of suicide. In some cases, to the point where the target of the bullying feels suicide is the only escape from it.
So what exactly constitutes bullying? According to the Anti-Bullying Network, bullying is calling someone names, gossiping about them, leaving them out of activities, threatening them, making them uncomfortable or scared, physically harming them.
Bullying isn’t just for kids. Adults are guilty of it too. Even in our small community, Winnemucca citizens of all ages have been known to do it. Who hasn’t heard a piece of gossip here? Most of us will hear gossip and dismiss it as just that, never giving it a second thought. A bully will start it, even repeat it with no regard to the harm they may cause, perhaps embellishing to make it more interesting, thus inflicting harm to the person they are gossiping about.
Why do people bully? There can be a number of reasons regardless of their age: they want to be popular, seeking attention, they may feel jealous of the person they are bullying, they may not feel good about themselves, so they put others down or hurt them, they are trying to gain control over a situation, or they may be bullied themselves. Sometimes the bully is displaying the behavior they have learned from parents or family. This can often be the case where someone is bullied because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, even race, ethnicity, or religion. No matter what the reason, it is never okay.
Bullying is violence and there is a cycle to violence. It is emotional and verbal abuse and should be recognized as such. No one should ever live in fear. If you know someone who is being bullied, please help them. Breaking the silence is the only way to break the cycle. Remember, if you’re not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
CAASA has provided classes and materials regarding bullying in the past, these classes have always filled quickly and the materials requested often. We are continuing to provide materials and classes, if you or your organization would like any of these free materials or to arrange a class, please contact us.

For more information:

www.dayofsilence.org
www.antibullying.org
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.
Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 623-3251
Website: www.humboldtcaasa.com
E-Mail: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence. CASA supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy to protect the rights of abused and neglected children.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month- Day of Action!

2010-03-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

Sexual Assault Awareness Month's Day of Action is April 20th.

This day is designated to get- See It and Stop It! Sexual Violence......On Our Campuses!

Raise awareness about the myths surrounding sexual violence, get involved with local, state, national organizations to help.

Learn more about the issue by visiting www.nsvrc.org/saam

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 18-24, 2010

2010-03-13T15:18:00.001-08:00

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April 18–24, 2010

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Each April since 1981, OVC has helped lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

This is an opportunity for everyone to promote awareness and education for victims of sexual violence and all crime victims and treating all with Fairness, Dignity, and Respect

Everyone can get involved by contacting their local, state, and/or national victim service providers.

For more information please visit http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/

Denim Day in Winnemucca!

2010-03-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Denim Day is April 21st

and is an international event to raise awareness about the myths surrounding sexual violence.

Why Denim?

Italy, 1992

An 18-year old girl is picked up by her married 45-year old driving instructor for her very first lesson. He takes her to an isolated road, pulls her out of the car, wrestles her out of one leg of her jeans and forcefully rapes her. Threatened with death if she tells anyone, he makes her drive the car home. Later that night she tells her parents, and they help and support her to press charges. The perpetrator gets arrested and is prosecuted. He is convicted of rape and sentenced to jail.
He appeals the sentence. The case makes it’s all the way to the Italian Supreme Court. Within a matter of days the case against the driving instructor is overturned, dismissed, and the perpetrator released. In a statement by the Chief Judge, he argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”

Enraged by the verdict, within a matter of hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same, which in turn spread to Patricia Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, and Denim Day in LA was born.

If you and/or your organization would like to participate in Denim Day, we are providing denim ribbons, free of charge. Of course, donations are happily accepted!

Just email or call us with how many ribbons you would like and we can deliver them.

For more information: http://www.denimdayinla.org/

Fundraiser for the month of April!

2010-03-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month.

CAASA is working with the Nevada Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association to bring this excellent program to Humboldt County.

CASA programs throughout the United States now serve over 240,000 abused and neglected children through more than 900 programs nationwide.

Every day, child in Nevada are victimized through abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Often these children are removed from their home and placed into our juvenile court system. In 2009, Humboldt County had 199 reports of child abuse and neglect.

Our goal is to provide a CASA volunteer for every abused and neglected child in the court system.

We are working with local Scentsy Consultant, Sharon Krupicka, to help us raise the money needed to implement a CASA in Humboldt County, and for CAASA to continue its work for sexual violence survivors and awareness!

Over the entire month of April, CAASA will be selling Scentsy Candles. If anyone would like to purchase Scensty for this wonderful cause, (and some excellent products!), please contact us!

To take a look at the wonderful products you can purchase from Scensty, go to www.scentsy.com/skrupicka

Teen Dating Violence Awareness

2010-02-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

Teen dating violence is an equal opportunity crime. It does not matter where you live, what race you are, what your family socio-economic status is, what kind of car you drive, what kind of grades you get, etc. It is alarmingly common. It is estimated one in three teens experience some type of abuse in their relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, which is why we are dedicating this month’s column to the issue.
Date rape, also called acquaintance rape, is defined as any nonconsensual sexual activity between two or more people that know one another. Current statistics tell us that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will be the victim of a sexual assault sometime in their lifetime. There are 1 in 4 teen girls that have been in relationships that reveal they have been pressured to perform oral sex or exchange in intercourse (Teen Research Unlimited, 2005). In circumstances where the two people know each other, and even if they were intimate or had sex before, no one has the right to force a sexual act on another person without their consent.
When teen date rape occurs, the survivor may feel confused as to whether consent was made or not. Teens do not often have the dating experience to understand what consent is and what qualifies as abuse. Because date rape can often occur in situations where drugs and alcohol are being used, many teen victims are reluctant to report date rape due to their own illegal drug use or underage drinking at the time they were assaulted.
Many survivors feel ashamed or embarrassed, blaming themselves for the assault because they were drinking or using drugs, how they were dressed, how they were behaving, or who they were hanging out with. Most survivors will feel they are to blame in some way. This is not true. No survivor is ever “asking for it”, nor are they to blame in any way. No always means No. Remember, rape is not about sex, it is about power and control. It is not about sex or how the woman is acting, it is about the rapist wanting to exert control over a person.
According to experts, many teens do not realize they have been sexually assaulted right away (RAINN, 2008). They may think they have given mixed signals or did not fight enough. Sometimes weeks, even months, may pass before the teen realizes what has happened and can face that sexual assault had occurred. This is called “Date Rape Time Lag” and is common in 44% of date rapes (National Woman’s Health Information Center).
It is important to talk to your teen about date rape. Help them to learn about healthy relationships and recognize red flags in an abusive relationship. Talk to them about safety in situations, like never leaving a drink unattended, always knowing where the exits are, and high risk situations. CAASA offers free self-defense classes as well as a national program, Girls Fight Back!, check out other opportunities that may be available in your community or school that will help too. Programs that help teens feel empowered and raise their self-esteem make them less likely to give in to negative peer pressure and set clear boundaries.
Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions are made, sexual violence can still occur. If this happens, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. When making the report to law enforcement, remember to preserve all physical evidence, do not change clothes or wash. Call a friend, family member, or someone you trust and talk to them, have them stay with you if it helps. Write down as much as you can remember about the assault. If you’re not sure what to do, call a crisis center.
The Crisis Call Center in Reno has a toll-free number and can assist with crisis intervention as well as local referrals and resources- 1-800-992-5757.

Recommended websites:
www.loveisnotabuse.com
www.Breakthecycle.org
http://www.teendvmonth.org
www.chooserespect.org

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

2010-02-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

ABOUT TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is not a problem just for adults. Teens experience domestic violence in their
relationships, too. In fact, domestic violence is very common in teen dating relationships. Here are
some important facts:
· One in three teens experience some kind of abuse in their romantic relationships, including
verbal and emotional abuse.i
· 40% of teenage girls, ages 14 to 17, know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by
their partner.ii
· Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue
to date their abuser. iii
· 1 in 4 teenage girls who have been in relationships reveal they have been pressured to
perform oral sex or engage in intercourse. iv
What do I need to know?
Recognizing abuse in a relationship is difficult, but especially for teens. There are many types of
abuse that teens often believe are not abusive or are normal in a relationship. Even though teen
relationships may be different from adult relationships in many ways, teens do experience the same
types of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse that adults do.
Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help. Unlike many adults, teens may not have
money, transportation, or safe places to go. They may have concerns about lack of confidentiality,
reports to police and child protective services, and parental notification. But teens do have rights to a
safe and healthy relationship. In some states, teens may apply for restraining or protective orders
and get domestic violence services without the help of a parent or guardian.
What can I do?
If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, consider these steps:
· Learn about dating and domestic violence and what the laws in your state say about teen
victims of domestic violence.
· Share information you learn with your peers.
· Support your friends and family members to stay safe in their relationships.
· Speak out in your community to end teen dating violence.
i Carolyn Tucker Halpern, Ph.D. et al., “Partner Violence Among Adolescents in Opposite-Sex Romantic Relationships:
Findings From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.” American Journal of Public Health 91 (2001) 1680.
ii Children Now/Kaiser Permanente “National Poll on Kids Health and Safety,” December 1995.
iii Children Now/Kaiser Permanente “National Poll on Kids Health and Safety,” December 1995.
iv Liz Claiborne Inc. study on teen dating abuse conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited, February 2005.

You have the right to a safe and healthy relationship…
free from violence and free from fear.
© 2008 Break the Cycle Updated 7.08

www.breakthecycle.org
www.thesafespace.org
888.988.TEEN
askanything@breakthecycle.org

Teen Dating Bill of Rights

2010-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Teen Dating Bill of Rights

I have the right:
To always be treated with respect – In a respectful relationship, you should be treated as an equal.
To be in a healthy relationship – A healthy relationship is not controlling, manipulative, or jealous. A healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, and communication.
To not be hurt physically or emotionally – You should feel safe in your relationship at all times.
Abuse is never deserved and is never your fault – Conflicts should be resolved in a peaceful and rational way.
To refuse sex or affection at anytime – A healthy relationship involves making consensual sexual decisions.
You have the right to not have sex – Even if you have had sex before, you have the right to refuse sex for any reason.
To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend – Spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy.
To end a relationship – You should not be harassed, threatened, or made to feel guilty for ending an unhealthy or healthy relationship. You have the right to end a relationship for any reason you choose.
I pledge to:
Always treat my boyfriend or girlfriend with respect.
Never hurt my boyfriend or girlfriend physically, verbally, or emotionally.
Respect my girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s decisions concerning sex and affection.
Not be controlling or manipulative in my relationship.
Accept responsibility for myself and my actions.

Copyright © 2007-2010 Love is respect – National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

Volunteering with CAASA!

2010-01-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Do you want to get involved in your community?

Do you want to help victims become survivors? Impact Lives?

Are you interested in Victim Advocacy? Community Outreach? Education and Awareness Events? Fundraising? Grant writing?

CAASA is looking for volunteers in different areas to assist with the variety of programs we currently have, as well as some new programs that will be coming soon to Winnemucca!

Worried about having enough time?
Different types of volunteers are always welcome: some require training hours, some don’t require much time, or you can work on your own time!

Contact us now to find out more about what YOU can do to help make a difference for survivors and secondary survivors of sexual violence in
Humboldt County!

January is National Stalking Awareness Month

2010-01-14T12:47:00.001-08:00

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 3.4 million victims a year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. This year’s theme is: “Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It”, which challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it. Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault is working with the Stalking Resource Center to raise awareness about stalking in our community.
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, yet many victims and criminal justice professionals underestimate its seriousness and impact. In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims, and stalking is one of the significant risk factors for femicide (homicide of women) in abusive relationships, according to the American Journal of Public Health.
Stalking behavior may include, and is not limited to, unwanted phone calls, sending unsolicited or unwanted letters or e-mails, following or spying on their victim, showing up at places without having a legitimate reason, waiting at places for the victim, leaving unwanted items, presents or flowers, and posting information or spreading rumors about the victim online, in a public place or by word of mouth.
Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression at much higher rates than the general population, and many lose time from work or have to move as a result of their victimization. Of stalking victims, 46% fear not knowing what will happen next. [Baum et al., (2009). “Stalking Victimization in the United States.” BJS.]
One in four victims report that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, global positioning system devices, or hidden cameras, to track the victim’s daily activities. Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile, and many stalkers follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another, making it difficult for authorities to investigate and prosecute their crimes.
Communities that understand stalking can support victims and combat the crime. No one should ever have to live in fear! CAASA Case Manager, Billie Wirthlin advises, “Inform your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers of the situation. Pass along a picture or physical description of the stalker. Friends, coworkers and family can help to screen phone calls, sort mail or inform the police in the event that the stalker shows up. Relying on trusted friends and family is important for victims of stalking and allows them to feel (and stay) safer, while reducing feelings of isolation and desperation”.
CAASA is collaborating with Paul Montenegro of the Montenegro School of TaeKwon Do to provide a free Self-Defense class to women and girls to promote safety awareness and public education about stalking during the annual observance. The class will be taught by TaeKwon Do Instructor Paul Montenegro and will be held Saturday, January 16 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
For more information or sign up for the free class, please contact CAASA at 623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395, Fax: 623-3251, E-Mail Address humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net, Website: www.humboldtcaasa.com
For additional information on stalking please visit:
http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org and www.ovw.usdoj.gov.

January 16- FREE Self-Defense Class for Women and Girls! RSVP NOW!!!

2010-01-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

Paul Montenegro and Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) are pleased to introduce:

TaeKwon-Do Self-Defense Classes for Women and Girls!!!
January is
National Stalking Awareness Month!
Did you know? 1 in 14 people are Stalked in the United States every year?
Saturday, January 16, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

5184 1/2 E. Winnemucca Blvd.
(Behind Computer Tamer and next to BLM offices)

Cost for class is: FREE

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Call 623-2328, 247-2395 or 623-2312 to sign up now!
Or email us at: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
Information on the free program- Girls Fight Back! also available!

For more information on the Montenegro School of TaeKwon-Do call Paul at 623-3025 or 544-9947

Rape Trauma Syndrome

2010-01-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

The following article originally appeared in the Humboldt Sun:

Current statistics suggest 1 out of 3 women worldwide has experienced rape or sexual assault and it is now estimated that 1 in 3 American women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime as reported by Worldwide Sexual Assault Statistics from George Mason University. This means that if you go out to lunch with a group of four friends, it is likely that three out of four of you have been a victim of rape. That is a very scary thought and to put it into even harsher terms, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, in the United States a woman is raped every two minutes.

Rape is legally defined by NRS 200.366 Sexual assault as: “A person who subjects another person to sexual penetration, or who forces another person to make a sexual penetration on himself or another, or on a beast, against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of his conduct, is guilty of sexual assault.”
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Syndrome or Rape Trauma Syndrome is often associated with an assault. Following a rape, women generally react in two different ways; they may show intense emotion or maintain a false sense of control. Rape Trauma Syndrome sufferers often exhibit a cluster of psychological and physical signs, symptoms and reactions which is common in most rape victims.

There are three stages associated with Rape Trauma Syndrome. There is an acute stage which occurs within days to weeks after the incident has taken place. The amount of time that a victim remains in this stage is variable. They may show intense emotion, which ranges from hysteria to numbness. How soon the survivor tells someone about the rape provides an indication about her own feelings about guilt, what happened to her and her role in it. Talking to someone you can trust is very important, because it can help clarify feelings and justify your emotions and reactions. It may also be helpful to talk to an advocate who can provide information about the decision to report the rape in addition to other options, including medical and legal assistance if desired.

Phase two is the outward adjustment phase in which the survivor has resumed their normal lifestyle. They may still be suffering from internal turmoil which can manifest in a variety of ways as the victim copes with the long-term trauma of a rape. RAINN identifies five main coping strategies during the outward adjustment phase which are: minimization, dramatization, suppression, explanation, and flight. During this phase, the victim often chooses how they will handle the assault and it is important to remember that one is capable of going from a victim to survivor.

The final phase of Rape Trauma Syndrome is the Renormalization Phase in which the survivor integrates the sexual assault into her life so that the rape is no longer the central focus of life. Negative feelings such as guilt and shame are then able to be resolved and the individual realizes that the attack is not through any fault of their own and they are not to blame. The trauma experienced from an assault is something that never goes away, however it is important to remind yourself or your loved one that the worst is over and there are support groups available to both victims and secondary survivors.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.
Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 623-3251
E-Mail: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.

Secondary Survivors Support Group

2009-11-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

Has someone you care about been assaulted?

In an abusive relationship?

Has it affected you?

Are you sad? Depressed? Angry? Frustrated?

Do you want to help and not sure how?

If you are a woman 18 years or older, come and find support among others who share your concerns

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m.

Humboldt County Library Meeting Room

This group is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL!!!

For more information: Phone: 775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395

E-Mail: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.humboldtcaasa.com

The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.

CAASA

Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault

P.O. Box 1338

Winnemucca, NV 89446

Contact Information:

775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395

Fax: 623-3251

E-Mail Address humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.humboldtcaasa.com

The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.

Don't be a victim, become a survivor!

Nevada 211

2009-11-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

From basic needs to any health and human service program, one call to Nevada 2-1-1 offers access to:

* Basic human needs resource
* Physical and mental health resources
* Financial stability
* Programs for children, youth and families
* Support for older Americans and persons with disabilities
* Volunteer opportunities and donations
* Support for community crisis or disaster recovery

Free Self-Defense Classes for Boys and Girls!

2009-11-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

Paul Montenegro and Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) are pleased to introduce:

Parents! Do your kids know how to protect themselves from strangers? From bullies? Stand up for themselves?
Classes for Boys and Girls!!!
Ages 7 - 13
Saturday, November 21 & Sunday, November 22
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Both days
5184 1/2 E. Winnemucca Blvd.
(Behind Computer Tamer and next to BLM offices)

Cost for weekend class is FREE

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now!Call 623-2328, 247-2395 or 623-2312 to sign up now!
Or email us at: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
Information on the free program- Girls Fight Back! Also available!

For more information on the Montenegro School of TaeKwon-Do call Paul at
623-3025 or 544-9947

CAASA
Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 623-3251
E-Mail Address humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.myspace.com/humboldtcaasa and www.facebook.com/humboldtcaasa
The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.

Don't be a victim, become a survivor!

Nevada Sex Offender Registry Search
http://www.nvsexoffenders.gov/Search.aspx

Harvest Festival

2009-10-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Winnemucca Community Garden's 4th Annual Harvest Festival will be taking place on Saturday October 31st from 12:00pm until 3:00 pm!

Donate a winter coat, warm clothes, canned food! Fun for the whole family!

Stop by the CAASA table and say hello!!!

FREE TaeKwon Do Self-Defense Class for Girls and Women!

2009-10-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Paul Montenegro and Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) are pleased to introduce:

TaeKwon-Do Self-Defense Classes for Women and Youths!!!

Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18th
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. both days
5184 1/2 E. Winnemucca Blvd.
(Behind Computer Tamer and next to BLM offices)

Cost for weekend class is FREE

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Call 623-2328, 247-2395 or 623-2312 to sign up now!
Or email us at: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
Information on the free program- Girls Fight Back! also available!

For more information on the Montenegro School of TaeKwon-Do call Paul at
623-3025 or 304-5997

Girls Fight back!

2009-10-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Strong. Resilient. Spirited. Unified.

Learn To Trust Your Intuition!
Be a Bad Victim!
Learn to FIGHT back!

All ages welcome!

WHEN: October 14, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Montenegro School of TaeKwon Do
5184 ½ Winnemucca Blvd (behind Computer Tamer)
Call 623-2328 or 247-2395 to sign up now!
Or email us at: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
Seating is limited!

Girls ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
(some strong language in video)
Girls Fight Back! is a free service provided by CAASA-
Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault!
Information on local self-defense class also available!

What is a Secondary Survivor?

2009-09-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

What is a secondary survivor?

This article was written by Melissa, a former YouthResource intern

You are a secondary survivor if a friend, partner, girlfriend, boyfriend, mother, sister, child, or anyone you are very close to is a survivor of sexual assault or physical or emotional abuse. It does not matter if you knew this person when the assault or abuse happened-or even if you knew them and did not know about the assault until much later.

Survivors of rape, incest, and/or abuse will usually tell a friend or significant other with whom they feel safe and comfortable. The survivor may tell many people before feeling comfortable enough to talk to a professional. Remember-even if the assault or abuse happened a long time ago, you could be the first person they have told and your reaction can have a big impact on the rest of the recovery process.

Often secondary survivors go through many of the same feelings that survivor's experience. You can feel powerless, guilty, shocked, angry, or scared. It is natural to have these feelings when you learn that someone important to you has been assaulted or abused, but try not to let these feelings interfere with the help that the survivor needs.

"My partner is the first person I've ever dated who is a survivor of rape. She told me about it the second day we were dating and I think her honesty was a big help for me to avoid doing things that might upset her by triggering flashbacks. If your partner isn't ready or doesn't want to tell you about her/his experiences, it's always important to be attentive, especially during intimacy. And by being upfront about what you like and dislike, both emotionally and physically, you might help him/her to open up some too. But, when it's all said and done, I really think the most important thing is to be patient, loving, and aware of your partner's needs and wants." - Jennie

What should I AVOID doing?
Sometimes secondary survivors react in ways that are not helpful to the survivor. Survivors are usually dealing with a lot of complicated feelings after an assault or abuse and are usually feeling bad about themselves for what happened. It does not help them to hear those thoughts echoed by others whom they trust.

Do not deny the assault/abuse
Some survivors are in denial themselves, but it is important to remember that they came to you for help. You may have a hard time believing that the assault or abuse happened. You may want to deny the extent of its impact on the survivor. You may even want to protect the perpetrator. But it is important that you do not deny the survivor. Do not urge a survivor to forget about the incident. Do not ignore the survivor's fears. Do not encourage the survivor to do nothing about the assault. And do not urge the survivor to resume regular activities prematurely.

Do not blame the survivor
Sexual assault and abuse are never the survivor's fault. Do not ask questions like "Why didn't you tell someone?" or "Why were you at that party?" Even asking questions about the specifics of the event(s) can make it seem like you do not believe them. If you find yourself starting to ask a detailed question, think to yourself first, "Am I asking this for the survivor or for myself-do I really need to know this in order to comfort my friend?"

Do not compare situations
Every sexual assault or abuse situation is different. Even if something similar happened to you or someone else you know, do not compare situations. No two people feel the same exact way or will react in the same way. It is important to let the survivor know that she/he is not alone, but do not lessen the importance of the survivor's feelings by comparing them to others.

What can I do?
You can be a very positive influence on a survivor's healing process. You may not be a counselor or expert, but you are a caring friend. Just keep an open mind and remember that every experience is different. By following the tips below you can provide a safe and open environment for a survivor to disclose.

Believe, comfort and listen to the survivor
Let them tell the story at his/her own pace. Do not rush the survivor to make decisions and allow her/him to decide what steps to take. A survivor of sexual assault or abuse has had power taken away. Allowing them to make even small decisions, like where to talk to you about it or what to have for lunch, can help the survivor to reclaim that power.

Affirm the survivor
Name what happened as wrong. Affirm that it was not the survivor's fault. Just hearing this can be infinitely comforting to the survivor.

Make sure the survivor is safe
Try to reduce fear by providing a feeling of safety at home, at school, at work, etc. If you think that the survivor is in danger from the perpetrator or from her/himself, seek professional help.

Educate yourself on assault/abuse
Learn about the recovery process so that you will know what to expect. Explore the medical and legal options - these differ from place to place. Find out what local resources are available so that you can give them to the survivor if requested.

Get help for yourself
The emotions of being a secondary survivor can be overwhelming. If your feelings become too intense, the survivor may begin to comfort you. Find someone that you can talk to, without compromising the survivor's privacy. Consider joining a support group. If you are a survivor as well this may bring up latent feelings for you. It is important that you deal with these. Visit RAINN (http://www.rainn.org) to find support in your area.

"Learning of my mom's rape had a profound effect on me. I have tried to use my anger in a productive way by teaching others about sexual assault and being a supportive friend whenever I can to survivors. This has really strengthened the relationship between me and my mom. I think it means a lot to her that I care so much about something that has been so difficult for her. Thirty years after being raped I can still see that it affects her, but I am so proud of her for everything she has done to deal with her pain and teach others. Rape is not only painful for primary survivors, but also their loved ones. It is important to get help if someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or abuse and you are having a hard time dealing with it. You are allowed to feel pain and there are people who can help." -Kirsten

http://www.youthresource.com/living/relationships/secondary.htm

State of Nevada Victim's of Crime Program- Info Everyone Should Know!

2009-09-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Our organization was first founded to assist the survivors and secondary survivors of sexual violence. Since its inception we have found ourselves working with more than only sexual violence clients, but survivors of many different crimes referred to us for assistance. CAASA not only provides 24/7 advocacy and crisis intervention, various safety, prevention, and awareness programs, we also provide numerous resources and referrals to other entities which clients may be able to benefit from. However, it is very difficult to ask for help from anyone. This takes a lot of courage for someone to do. No one should feel they have no choice, no options, and no help. CAASA acknowledges how difficult it can be to take a step forward and to seek out an organization to ask for help. Our purpose today is to let the readers know of a program where they can receive help, through our agency, or on their own.
One concern many survivors have is the financial costs related to the crime. The impact of a violence crime can be devastating to the survivors and secondary survivors, and the financial costs to recover can be tremendous. It is hard enough to deal with the emotional, psychological, and physical trauma of being victimized, without having to deal with the financial aspects as well. The trauma of a crime will often result in someone needing medical assistance, such as emergency room visit, hospital stay or doctors visits. Many survivors or secondary survivors find it helpful to see a counselor to cope with the trauma, which can be an expense many cannot afford. If a person has suffered from physical or emotional trauma as a result of violent or personal crime, they may be eligible for financial assistance from the state of Nevada.
The State of Nevada Victims of Crime Program (VOCP) can greatly assist any victims and/or their families. Nevada Revised Statute 217.010 states: “It is the policy of the State to provide assistance to persons who are victims of violent crimes or the dependents of victims of violent crimes”. Those who are eligible to receive compensation from VOCP must be a victim of a violent crime in Nevada, which resulted in physical injury, a threat of physical injury or death. The family members of a deceased victim of crime are also eligible. The crime should be reported to law enforcement within five days, unless the victim is physically or mentally unable to have filed within the five days. A VOCP application should be submitted within a year of the crime, or a reasonable amount of time if they are unable to file within that year. VOCP can help victims of crimes such as drunk driving, homicide, sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse, elderly abuse, as well as assault and battery. Any minors who are victims of sexual violence or pornography have until the age of 21 to file a claim with VOCP.
VOCP can cover medical expenses, counseling and therapy, loss of wages due to the crime, funeral expenses, and damages done to a vehicle or home in the commission of the crime, emergency shelter, relocation costs, medication, and more. VOCP will not pay for lost or stolen property, cash, property damage, pain and suffering, or expenses that can be covered by insurance. VOCP will pay up to $35,000 to those who have been victimized by violent crime.
Many local agencies and organizations in Humboldt County and around the state are able to assist victims and families to complete an application for VOCP. However, any one can go onto the State of Nevada VOCP program themselves and read about the program, as well as print out an application and file it themselves. The website is: http://www.voc.NV.gov.
If someone has been the victim of a crime in another state, we encourage them to seek out that states Victim of Crime program. The National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards provides information on crime victim’s compensation boards across the United States which can be found at http://www.nacvcb.org or the Office for Victims of Crime at www.ojp.usdoj.gov

Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 623-3251
E-Mail: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.

Beyond locking the dorm room door: the college safety practices students often forget

2009-08-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Beyond locking the dorm room door: the college safety practices students often forget

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

27 August 2009

The end of August signals the beginning of the school year for most college students; a time to leave hometowns, adopted hometowns, or summer job sites and return to life on campus. Other students are faced with the task of adding school work to a life that is already packed with full time employment, volunteer work, and caring for young children or meeting other family obligations. During this busy time, it is tempting to forget about personal safety but academic environments and projects often lead to situations where vigilance is especially important.

Nearly all on-campus students, and some distance learning students, will be invited to join special-interest groups. Before joining any group, first check with the student services or student affairs office to make sure that the group is either a recognized campus organization or a visiting group with permission to be on campus -- but don’t stop there urges Debbie Ames, an Advocate with the sexualt assault prevention and awareness group, Humboldt CAASA.

“They can ensure that the services that are offered are legitimate by doing a little investigation,” said Ames. “When kids are asked to become friends with new people, it is ok to trust them, however, as a parent I like to meet the parents and the children and I make the decision if it is a good thing for my kids to hang out with these individuals. In this day and age, there are many peer pressures that are set in front of the kids, and as a parent it is our goal to protect our children. After the first playdate, as I like to call it, I will determine if it is a good thing for my kids to hang out with the new kids.”

College students can follow the same pattern, acting as their own “parent” by meeting the group’s leaders, and members, and asking around about any group or organization that seems suspicious. Any legitimate group with nothing to hide will not be upset that a student asked counselors, professors, or other students about their activities on and off campus.

Whether meeting someone for the first time at a group meeting or in the dining hall or dorm, academic environments often lead to students getting to know one another very quickly, or at least to feel like they have gotten to know one another very quickly. While it is certainly unhealthy to be paranoid, remember you do not know someone well just because they belong to all the same political or social groups you joined, nor do you know the person after one long, intense conversation in the dorm common area.

“Buddy up!,” urged CAASA Advocate MJ Price. “Take a friend with you when you're getting out and meeting new people and set some rules in place, such as never going off alone or leaving without telling the other. If you have yet to make friends and have no one to buddy up with, play it safe and stick to areas where there are others.”

If you must be alone with someone you do not know well, such as a meeting with a professor you have never studied with before, or a tutoring appointment, it is still possible to avoid being isolated with that person. “When meeting with a professor or other staff member, try to schedule the appointment at a time when the building will be busy with activity; students walking to and from class or in-session classes being held in the surrounding rooms. If this isn't possible, ask a couple of friends to accompany you to the meeting and wait for you outside,” advised CAASA Advocate Billie Wirthlin. Just as no harmless group will be upset that a student asked about their activity and goals, no reasonable, safe individual will be upset that you wish to meet during business hours, or conduct a tutoring session in the library study carrels with people just down the hallway.

For many students today, college is conducted all, or at least partly, online. Class discussions, research, and even entire classes or entire programs are conducted in cyberspace. Even if the formal academic portion of the class or program is conducted in the tradtional face to face manner, students often use social networking sites to meet other students on campus, or to alleviate loneliness on a campus where they have not been successful socially.

CAASA members urged special precautions when meeting online aquaintances and friends in person. “You have to be extremely cautious when meeting someone whom you've met from an online social networking site,” said Wirthlin. “Online, people can pretend to be whoever they want, lying about their name, age, sex, interests and more. If you ever decide to meet someone offline, be sure it is in a public place such as a restaurant. Never give an online friend your home (or college) address. If possible, invite a few friends to join you as well. If this isn't possible, make sure you let someone know where you will be, when you will be back, and that you will check in with them shortly after meeting the individual.”

Price echoed Wirthlin’s advice to make sure someone you already know offline is fully aware of the situation and is expecting to hear from you. “Always use caution when meeting anyone face-to-face that you've only known online,” she added. “Be prepared that the person you thought you knew online may very well be someone different in person. Never arrange to meet them alone, instead use a local cafe or public meeting place where there will be others around. Don't go off alone with them that first meeting. Anyone that wants to immediately go off alone probably does not have good intentions.”

http://silverpinyon.homestead.com/SPJMentalHealth.html

Back to School Safety- Some tips!

2009-08-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again: back to school. This is a time of year that not only affects families with youths, but the entire community. School zone lights are back to flashing, bus stops, and kids walking to and from school, all of which means it is time for all of us to be more cautious.
Some kids will be going to school for the first time or to a new school. Even if the youths are not taking the same route, or a new one, over the summer their safety rules may have been forgotten.
At CAASA we talk a lot about safety and awareness, in hope of preventing even just one person from becoming a victim of a crime. Here we would like to offer some tips for parents and guardians out there to share with your youths.
1. If your child will be walking to school or a bus stop, before school begins walk the route with them. Teach them how to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules. Look for significant landmarks that might be on the route, such as traffic signs or a large tree: something that will remind your child they are on the correct route. Find a “safety place” on the route or near it, such as a relative or friend’s house, a business, someplace they can run to if they need to find help.
2. Let your child know that if anyone bothers them and makes them feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused to tell a trusted adult immediately. If an adult approaches your children for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults.
3. There is safety in numbers. If other children in your area are walking the same route to school or a bus stop, talk with the parents about a “buddy group” where all the children walk together.
4. Any items or clothing that may show your child’s name should be left at home. Never have the name visible to others, as this could be a way for a stranger to approach your child and act as if they know them. Teach your children about the tricks someone may use to try to confuse them or engage them in conversation.
5. Check with your child’s school to ensure emergency contacts are up-to-date. If a friend or family member may be picking the children up from time to time, ensure they are aware of the school’s procedures. Remind them to CHECK FIRST before doing anything that is not part of regular routine.
6. Teach your children to yell! Yes, we know they already know how! Teach them a phrase which is not common with playing youths such as “This person is trying to take me” or “This is not my parent”. Teach your children how to make a scene by kicking, screaming, and resisting if someone tries to grab them.
7. Teach your child about instinct. That funny little feeling you get in your stomach when something doesn’t feel right, such as a car driving slowly behind them or someone walking behind them. Teach them to get to the nearest trusted adult for help.
8. In the event that your child may be lost or injured, make sure they carry a contact card with your name and telephone numbers. This card should be hidden from plain view.
9. Come up with a “safety word” with your child. It should be something that wouldn’t come up in regular conversation, such as “Pepper”. If your child is not in a safe place and feels they cannot speak freely, they can use a phrase such as “Tell my dog, Pepper, I love her”, which would tell you your child needs help. The safety word should be something only you and your child will know.
10. Check the Nevada Sex Offender Registry at www.nvsexoffenders.gov to see if there are sex offenders living in your area regularly.
We hope these tips are helpful and wish everyone a safe school year!

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.
Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 623-3251
E-Mail: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.

Be sure to check out our monthly column in the Humboldt Sun every 2nd Friday of the month!

Helping children learn and practice safe behavior

2009-07-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

16 July 2009

Earlier this month, the community group Humboldt CAASA (Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault) taught children’s safety classes through Great Basin College’s Kids’ College. These classes, and others like them, are valuable resources for children and parents but the lessons cannot be allowed to fade from memory once the formal lessons end.

“Children should be taught that safety is more important than manners. If they find themselves in a threatening situation, it is more important to get out of the situation than to be polite. Children should be taught how to stay safe when alone, out with friends, and even online or when using cell phones,” said CAASA Coordinator and Advocate Billie Wirthlin.

“Enforcing the safety behaviors is the best way to keep them in place,” added CAASA Coordinator and Advocate Chelle Robinson. “Most kids know that bad things can happen. They usually will say it just won't happen to them. If they don't understand the precautions, take the time to explain why you're having them do what they're doing. Different methods work for different children. Some children are more inclined to follow them when there is punishment for safety rules broken. For others, they may understand the need for safety and follow them. Starting safety behavior early is best, as it will become second nature as they grow older.”

CAASA members stressed the importance of teaching children and teens that safety procedures are important no matter where they live, or how comfortable they are in a situation.

“People in urban areas tend to be more cautious. However, simply telling your children not to talk to strangers does not give them all the information they need. Kids need to know the difference between the guy they see on the corner by the laundromat every day and the new school bus driver whom they've never met before,” Wirthlin advised. “Parents tend to feel safer in rural areas and will often let their guard down. It's more common to see children in rural areas roaming the neighborhood without supervision, playing in a stranger's backyard or going door-to-door for their school fundraiser - walking right into homes and knocking on stranger's doors. How many parents think to check the sex offender registry online before sending their kids out to trick-or-treat or sell stuff for their school or organization?” she asked.

Many children will follow safety procedures when they are alone or with a family member, but disregard safety rules with friends to avoid seeming like an outcast in their group. Robinson suggests speaking to the parents of the child’s friends, encouraging your child to stick to safe behavior as a role model for his or her peers, and including the child’s friends in safety classes and presentations, with the permission of each child’s parent or guardian. She advises parents to avoid simply telling their child that their friend is just a bad influence.

“We all know that often telling a child their friends are a bad influence usually just makes them hang around them more,” she pointed out.

In some situations, it isn’t a child refusing to obey safety guidelines or a child’s social circle encouraging unsafe habits, but another adult in the child’s life who simply does not take safety guidelines seriously. Perhaps the child’s babysitter allows them to answer the phone and tell callers their parents are not home, or a neighbor simply says, “I’m here to see your mom,” instead of stating their name when they knock at the door.

Robinson recommends speaking directly to the person, and explaining that the behavior they are encouraging is unsafe.

“Teaching safety is not just the parents' responsibility, it's the community’s as well,” she said. “Never think it's none of your business, because who wants to look back and in hindsight think ‘if I had only said something they wouldn't have gotten hurt’.”

“It only takes one incident to change your lives forever; a visiting stranger in a small town or getting too close to a sex offenders neighborhood. It's impossible to know what some people are capable of,” Wirthlin added. “We see this every day on the news; kids in small towns taken by someone no one ever expected to be capable of such a crime or "city kids" who have found themselves in a situation they just couldn't get out of. It is important, no matter where you live, to stay alert and be prepared, to teach are kids how to get out of a dangerous situation and how to avoid these situations all together. “
Some basic child safety guidelines: a review for parents

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

16 July 2009

Teach children to never walk into a stranger’s house alone or with other children

You may live in a relatively safe neighborhood or building, or in a town where you feel like “everybody knows everybody else,” but you do not literally know every person who lives around you. The house your child walks in to could belong to someone perfectly safe for them to be around, or it could belong to a very dangerous person who would harm the child. A pretty house or yard, nice cars, or bumper stickers and yard signs indicating the person shares your religious or political beliefs are not guarantees that the person is safe to be around.

Make sure children understand and follow specific safety rules

The difference between the child’s new school bus driver and a stranger they regularly see at the corner Laundromat or in the lobby of their apartment building may be glaringly obvious to an adult, but a young child may not understand why they aren’t allowed to accept rides from an adult they see around but don’t know, but are allowed to get on the school bus when there’s a new driver or a substitute. Some children even refuse to speak to a security guard or store clerk when they get lost because they’ve been told “don’t talk to strangers” with no further information. Explain each situation to them, answer their questions, and be clear about which behaviors are safe and which are unsafe.

Don’t allow other adults to teach your children unsafe behaviors

The neighbor who insists that your child open the door without providing his or her name or the friend who gets annoyed when the child says, “He can’t come to the phone right now,” instead of the very unsafe, “My Dad isn’t home,” needs to be reminded that you are trying to teach your child safe habits, and that all adults in his or her life need to encourage him or her to practice these habits until they become second nature. If your friend simply cannot wait for you to return their call, or the neighbor thinks it’s rude that your child demands to know who is at the door, they can stop calling your home phone line or stopping by unannounced. A child’s safety comes before an adult’s mild inconvenience

Be mindful of your own behavior

Repeating “never let anyone you don’t know into the house” is going to have less of an impact if the child sees you inviting anyone who stops by for any reason in to your living room. Allow your child to see you walking out on to the porch to speak to sales people or political campaign workers, ask for identification from service people you don’t know, and refusing rides from strangers.

http://silverpinyon.homestead.com/SPJMentalHealth.html

CAASA Update and THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!

2009-07-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

The members of CAASA - Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault - would like to thank the community for it's continued support in our mission to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact and prevention of sexual assault. CAASA was implemented only in early 2008 and we have had so much community, and statewide, support that we continue to add more programs and services to our organization and would like to take this opporutnity to update everyone on what we do.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with CAASA, we offer 24/7 advocacy: free and confidential. Trained community advocates are available to help survivors and secondary survivors thorugh the trauma. Advocates are trained in crisis intervention, legal and ethical issues regarding sexual violence and domestic violence and mandatory reporting. As community advocates, we help people who want to report a crime to do so, but the choice is always the individuals (in compliance with the Nevada mandatory reporting laws as all advocates are mandatory reporters), we assist with obtaining protection orders, as well as financial costs that can be incurred as a result of the trauma. Our community advocates are also trained in Sexual Assault Counseling, Rape Trauma Syndrome and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and programs and services available to clients and how to apply for them. We also have volunteers that assist in areas of education and awareness, such as helping with special events and awareness programs. Volunteers in any of these areas are always welcome.

We offer a FREE program, Girls Fight Back!, and a FREE self-defense class,in cooperation with Montenegro School of TaeKwon Do, to the community for empowerment, awareness and safety for females of all ages and younger males. To find out more about Girls Fight Back!, their website is www.girlsfightback.com or call us for more information. While we do occasional public viewings, we are happy to arrange a special viewing to any group or organization at your business or home, free of charge.
Classes with ther Montenegro School of TaeKwon Do are offered for beginners and advanced classes, contact CAASA or the Montenegro School of TaeKwon Do for more information on when the classes are held.

CAASA has a free, safe, and confidential monthly support group for secondary survivors to come and talk, listen, and find support among their peers. After receiving numerous questions and requests for information and assistance for secondary survivors, it became apparent to us at CAASA that there is a need for a place where secondary survivors could find support to know they are not alone. Contact for more information or to attend the next meeting.

We get a lot of questions and comments about the logo we chose to represent CAASA. The logo is an Irish/Welsh/Celtic symbol called a Triquetra. It has been a symbol used all over the world. It has been used in different religions all over, such as Christianity, to represent the Holy Trinity, among other religions all over the world. The triquetra has been used in artwork, in medicine, and even for entertainment reasons in fictional television shows and movies.

Triquetra is a word derived from the Latin tri- ("three") and quetrus ("cornered"). Its original meaning was simply "triangle" and it has been used to refer to various three-cornered shapes. Sometimes there is a circle in the middle, which represents unity or community. Many community organizations and agencies all over the world have chosen it for their symbol because it can accurately convey their organizations purpose.

As our organization, CAASA, has three main areas: education, prevention, and advocacy- all to unify our community against sexual violence. Therefore, we chose the triquetra symbol to represent what we stand for: advocacy, prevention, education- unified against sexual violence.

While we respect each individual's religious choices and views, CAASA itself is not affiliated with any religion. At times, we may refer our clients who are unfamiliar with our community to a local church or religious organization, if they request that information and want it to help them recover and heal from the trauma they have received.

CAASA works with many agencies and organizations in Winnemucca and around the state. We refer clients to any organization which can also offer them assistance. Winnemucca is a wonderful and unique community where so many of us work together to help others, we would like to see that continued, so we feel the circle in our triquetra is especially fitting for "community".

For more information on CAASA, upcoming events, or to request help please contact us at the following numbers: 775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395, fax- 623- 3251. We can also be reached online: E-Mail Address humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net, www.myspace.com/humboldtcaasa, www.facebook.com/humboldtcaasa or our mailing address is P.O. Box 1338, Winnemucca, NV 89446.

Nevada Crime Victims' Bill of Rights

2009-07-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Nevada Victims’ Bill of Rights

The 1983 Nevada Legislature mandated certain rights and guarantees to crime victims and witnesses. Accordingly, Chapter 178 of the Nevada Revised Statutes recognizes the following needs and rights of crime victims.

You have the right:
• To know the status of the case in which you are involved
• To be free from intimidation or dissuasion
• To know when your impounded property may be released.
• To receive a witness fee for lawful obedience to a subpoena.
• To understand the existing victim compensation laws and receive compensation if applicable.
• To a secure waiting area, which is not available to the defendant or his family, when you are at court.
• To know when the defendant is released from custody before or during trial (upon written request).
• To know when the offender is released from prison (upon written request).

General Rights of Victims' of Crime in Nevada
To know the status of the case in which you are involved.

To be free from intimidation or dissuasion.

To know when your impounded property may be released.

To receive a witness fee for lawful obedience to a subpoena.

To understand the existing victim compensation laws and receive compensation if applicable.

To a secure waiting area, which is not available to the defendant or his family, when you are at court.

To know when the defendant is released from custody before or during trial (upon written request).

To know when the offender is released from prison (upon written request).

Your Right to Be Heard at Sentencing
The Legislature is charged with making laws providing that the victim of a crime, personally or through a representative, shall be:
Informed, upon written request, of the status or disposition of a criminal proceeding at any stage of the proceeding.

Allowed to be present at all public hearings involving the critical stages of a criminal proceeding.

Allowed to be heard at all proceedings for the sentencing or release of a convicted person after trial.

Before imposing sentence, the court shall afford the victim an opportunity to appear personally, by counsel or by a personal representative and reasonably express any views concerning the crime, the person responsible, and the impact of the crime on the victim and the need for restitution.
Additionally, the prosecutor must give reasonable notice of the sentencing hearing to the person against whom the crime was committed; a person who was injured as a direct result of the crime; the surviving spouse, parents or children of a person who was killed as a direct result of the crime; and any other relative or victim who requests in writing to be notified of the hearing.

Restitution
The court can order restitution against a defendant who is found guilty. Acceptable restitution includes direct costs to pay for medical bills, property damage and unrecovered stolen property.
In order for the court to order the defendant to make restitution, you must provide your prosecutor with copies of your bills and/or estimates for replacement or repair.

If the crime is a gross misdemeanor or felony, you should also provide those documents to the parole and probation officer who is doing the pre-sentence report.

Other Compensation
The State of Nevada has a program to compensate victims of violent crime. The compensation may be awarded for medical bills, psychological counseling, lost wages, funeral and burial expenses. You cannot be compensated for property loss, legal fees, phone bills, living expenses or pain and suffering.
For a victim of a sexual offense, there are other assistance programs. Counties are responsible for payment of sexual offense examinations and medical care for any physical injuries resulting from the offense within 72 hours after the victim arrives for treatment. Additionally, the county can pay up to $1000 for counseling costs. Contact your prosecutor if you have any questions regarding this provision. (NRS 449.244; 217.290; 217.480)

Other Rights
(NRS 176.630) - Provides a hearing to revoke probation and modify a defendant's sentence, and that the Division of Parole and Probation must notify the victim of the proposed changes and the victim has the right to be heard at the hearing. The victim must request such notification, in writing to the Department of Parole and Probation.
(NRS 176.5698) - Provides that, upon written request of the victim, the prosecutor, sheriff or chief of police shall inform the victim of:

When the defendant is released from custody at any time before or during trial.

The amount of bail for release of the defendant.

The final disposition of the case in which he was directly involved

If the defendant has been convicted of a sexual offense or a crime of threatened or actual use of violence against the victim, the court shall provide to each victim or witness certain forms and documentation outlining rights (contact your prosecutor for specifics regarding this section).

http://crime.about.com/od/victims/qt/victims_nv.htm

It is still sexual assault: community group addresses sexual assault within marriage

2009-07-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

It is still sexual assault: community group addresses sexual assault within marriage

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

2 July 2009

There are many myths surrounding sexual assault and one of the most pervasive myths states that sexual assault cannot occur within a married couple or in a committed romantic relationship.

Dawn Swanson, Co-Coordinator and Advocate for CAASA (Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault), noted that this myth is widespread in the community her group serves. ”Sexual violence happens all the time in relationships and from what we've seen it's common here (Winnemucca, Nev) as well,” she said. “Many of the women that come forward for help with domestic violence report having been raped by their partners. A lot of women, and men, do not realize it is sexual assault, even when you're in a relationship with them.”

CAASA and other groups working to fight against sexual assault stress this myth is completely untrue. “Any time a person does not consent to sex or sex acts, it is sexual assault,” Swanson stressed. “It is also not unusual to think that that it is not rape if you have been with the person before in a consensual relationship. I think that some women have a false belief that just because a consensual act happened in the past that past act makes any future acts okay.”

Physical force does not have to be present in order for a sexual assault to occur. Engaging in sexual activity with someone who is too drunk to fully understand what they are doing, drugged, or afraid or unable to say “no” for any reason is also sexual assault, regardless of the relationship that previously existed between the perpetrator and the victim.

There is a related myth which states that it is not sexual assault if the forced activity did not include intercourse. However, any sexual activity that occurs without the consent of everyone involved is sexual assault, even if some or all of the people involved are married or in a relationship. This can include touching, fondling, forcing another person to view sexually explicit or pornographic material, or allowing another person to view the spouse or partner in a sexual or other private situation without their knowledge or consent.

Many people are understandably embarrassed to openly discuss such situations with friends or relatives, but Swanson urged anyone who thinks a friend may be the victim of sexual assault perpetrated by a spouse or other romantic partner to reach out to the person.

“Talk to your friend and be there for her, or him. Let them know there are local resources available, help her or him see that it is not acceptable for anyone to force themselves on anyone else. Help them to understand that it is sexual violence and that they do not have to accept it because they are in a relationship with the person,” Swanson concluded.

For more information concerning sexual assault:

Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault:

P.O. Box 1338

Winnemucca, NV 89446

623-2328, 623-2312 or 247-2395

Websites: www.myspace.com/humboldtcaasa and www.facebook.com/humboldtcaasa

For assistance in Northern Nevada:

Victim-Witness Center in Reno:

775-328-3210 or 888-333-6076

To reach a national organization:

RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network)

Website: www.rainn.org

Editor’s note: Each of the resources listed above is an independent resource. The appearance of an organization or group on a list with another organization or group does not indicate affiliation between the groups, or one group’s endorsement of another. Please contact each group individually to learn more about their affiliations, endorsements and the services they can provide.

http://silverpinyon.homestead.com/SPJMentalHealth.html

"What's that symbol mean?"

2009-07-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

We've gotten this question often, so we thought we'd post a little about what the Triquetra is.

The symbol we use is Irish/Welsh/Celtic and is called a Triquetra. It has been a symbol used all over the world. It has been used in different religions all over, such as Christianity, to represent the Holy Trinity, among other religions all over the world.

The triquetra has been used in artwork, in medicine, and even for entertainment reasons in fictional television shows and movies.

Triquetra is a word derived from the Latin tri- ("three") and quetrus ("cornered"). Its original meaning was simply "triangle" and it has been used to refer to various three-cornered shapes. Sometimes there is a circle in the middle, which represents unity or community.

As our organization, CAASA, has three main areas: education, prevention, and advocacy- all to unify our community against sexual violence.

Therefore, we chose the triquetra symbol to represent what we stand for: advocacy, prevention, education- unified against sexual violence. Many community organizations and agencies all over the county have chosen it for their symbol because it can accurately convey their organizations purpose.

While we respect each individual's religious choices and views, CAASA itself is not affiliated with any religion. At times, we may refer our clients who are unfamiliar with our community to a local church or religious organization, if they request that information and want it to help them recover and heal from the trauma they have received.

CAASA works with many agencies and organizations in Winnemucca and around the state. We refer clients to any organization which can also offer them assistance. Winnemucca is a wonderful and unique community where so many of us work together to help others, we would like to see that continued, so we feel the circle in our triquetra is especially fitting for "community".

CAASA

Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault

P.O. Box 1338

Winnemucca, NV 89446

Contact Information:

775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395

E-Mail Address humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.myspace.com/humboldtcaasa and www.facebook.com/humboldt caasa

The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.

Don't be a victim, become a survivor!

Nevada Sex Offender Registry Search
http://www.nvsexoffenders.gov/Search.aspx

More reflections on self-defense class and personal safety;

2009-06-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

More reflections on self-defense class and personal safety;

class offers information on a variety of self-defense tactics

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

28 May 2009

WINNEMUCCA —As positive responses to the women’s self-defense class recently taught by Instructor Paul Montenegro continue to circulate, students continue to reflect on the importance of the lessons he taught them.

“The class was so much more than I had expected it to be. I had expected a lot of instruction and not a lot of participation, but Paul really included us in everything and kept us active. It was a lot of fun,” said class participant and CAASA (Humboldt County Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault) Co-Coordinator Billie Wirthlin.“Before class started, Paul asked us if there was anything specific we wanted to learn and included our requests in the program. A couple of the participants asked about what to do if a gun is on us. The instructor showed us how to effectively get the gun away in order to get away. The girls also wanted to know what can be done if they are attacked from behind and caught in a choke-hold.”

While the class did include plenty of direct instruction on how to physically fight back if the need should arise, it also taught that the best solution is to avoid or escape a situation before anyone has a chance to attempt any physical harm. “The goal is to avoid or get away from a dangerous situation. However, if you can't it is important that you fight back.. Paul taught us how to effectively do this and gave us the chance to test it out - on him,” Wirthlin explained.

She further explained that the class also addressed some of the myths that continue to be passed around about self defense and personal safety. For example, most women have received the e-mail warning that potential attackers look for women wearing their hair in a ponytail, or wearing overalls or tops with straps. While people who are planning to assault others do look for vulnerabilities, keeping safe is not as simple as leaving one’s hair down or choosing an outfit without straps.

“The Girl's Fight Back DVD discussed this issue,” Wirthlin stated. “They say it is more about attitude and being in a dangerous situation such as walking alone. GFB and Paul stressed the importance of making eye contact with those around you. The criminals want someone who will be an easy target. Our goal as women is to become hard targets. Walk with purpose, pay attention to your surroundings, stay in groups and make eye contact.”

Anyone who missed the class will be given the opportunity to attend a second session in Humboldt County.

“I had so much fun and learned so much that I have and will continue to suggest it to others,” Wirthlin said. “I believe a lot of women can benefit from taking this class - and they will enjoy it too!”

Check the front page of Silver Pinyon Journal for dates, times, and places for upcoming sessions. We will post this information as soon as it is made available

Self defense program participants praise the class; community group plans to host more sessions

2009-05-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

21 May 2009

WINNEMUCCA —After taking any class it’s important to reflect on what you’ve learned; the information may be vital for future required classes, your job, or just an especially enjoyable hobby. But for students in women’s self-defense classes the information might literally save their lives.

Sharlet Post-Berensten recently participated in a self-defense class after reading about it on the popular social-networking site Facebook. She signed up because she wanted to support Humboldt CAASA (Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault) and to do something for herself. Post-Berensten reported that the class was even better than what she expected. "I thought it would be all about posture, attitude, etc,” she said. "I’m glad the instructor got right into the 'real stuff' so the two days were all about potential bad situations and how to handle them. I really appreciated the simple, yet useful technique to disable gun-wielding bad guys.”

Post-Berensten also noted the feelings of confidence and empowerment she was left with after the class. “I knew I wasn't timid but this class verified for me the empowerment I already felt and that I had it in me to fight hard if necessary. (It) made me want to take more classes such as kickboxing, boxing, TaeKwon-Do,” she stated, adding that she would sign up for more classes if they were offered at different levels and would even like to teach these classes herself someday.

Chelle Robinson echoed Post-Berensten’s sentiments, stating that the class was even better than she expected it to be, describing it as much more involved in terms of teaching participants how to physically protect themselves. “I found a few more muscles I didn’t know I had,” she added, noting that all of the information the students were taught was incredibly valuable and useful in a variety of situations from physically fighting back to avoiding dangerous situations whenever possible.

Neither woman would hesitate to recommend these self defense classes to other women. “I wish all high school and college bound girls would take it,” said Post-Berensten. I learned that anyone - even if smaller than the bad guy -- can pretty much disable a predator and that we all have the survival instincts. So we need to practice, practice, practice so it becomes second-nature.”

“Everyone should know how to protect themselves, as there is no "type" of victim. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at anytime,” added Robinson.” We all hope it'll never happen, but if it should, it's always better to know how to defend yourself as best you can and to get out of the situation as soon as possible.”

Robinson would not only recommend the class to other women, she and the other members of Humboldt CAASA are currently working with the instructor, Paul Montenegro, to bring more sessions of the class to her community.

“We (CAASA) and Paul are planning a refresher for those who just took it, as well as another class for people who have yet to take it,” she said. “While we encourage every woman to take this class, we particularly want to encourage women who travel alone or are going away to college soon. Campus sexual assaults across the country are high, so we strongly encourage all women (including teens!), to take this class. Just to remind everyone, we are happy to arrange a viewing of Girls Fight Back!, for any group of people or organization. Call or email us and we're happy to arrange it for you.”

Contact Humboldt CAASA at: 623-2328 or 247-2395.

http://silverpinyon.homestead.com/SPJMentalHealth.html

Theme announced for Mental Health Month 2009

2009-05-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Theme announced for Mental Health Month 2009

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

30 April 2009

WINNEMUCCA — The theme for this year’s Mental Health Month is “Live Your Life Well.”

Mental Health month is sponsored each May by Mental Health America, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving and maintaining the mental health of Americans of every age. According to the official Web site devoted to this year’s mental health theme, “live your life well” seeks to help people “cope better with stress and create more of the life (they) want.”

Stephen Vetzner, Senior Director of Media Relations for Mental Health America, explained that this year’s theme was chosen in response to the current economic climate. “This issue is timely given the economic climate has added to the daily stress that all American families face,” he said.

Mental Health America urges the public to truly see mental health in terms of health, rather than just as the absence of severe mental illness. Just as a person can be presently free of serious physical diseases like diabetes and cancer and still be physically unhealthy due to poor diet and lack of exercise, a person can also be free of disorders like clinical depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder and still experience mental health problems. And just as we could all benefit by cutting back on junk foods and getting more exercise, even a person in excellent mental health could benefit from learning new ways to cope with every day stress or reaching out to friends and family more often.

“Good mental health is more than just the absence of illness,” Vetzner said. “It’s about being able to handle life’s challenges and even flourish. We hope people will use these tools to improve their mental health and their well being.”

Much of this year’s site is devoted to stress, including a list of physical and mental health issues that can be caused by excessive or poorly managed stress. These include headaches, insomnia, overeating, back pain, high blood pressure, irritability, and vulnerability to infection. Mental Health America also lists difficulties in concentration and decision making as possible results of stress, and warns that it can contribute to the development of serious mental disorders such as depression.

The site also details methods of preventing these and other stress related illness through practical techniques, all of which can be personalized or adapted to each individual or family, and offers basic self screening tools for stress, anxiety, and depression.

Anyone who would like to use these screening tools, read Mental Health America’s advice for fighting stress and maintaining mental health, or learn more about Mental Health America may visit “Live Your Life Well” and find links to other Mental Health America publications online at: www.liveyourlifewell.org.

http://silverpinyon.homestead.com/SPJMentalHealth.html

Spaces for first showing of women’s self defense DVD reserved

2009-05-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

Spaces for first showing of women’s self defense DVD reserved

Second Humboldt County showing to be scheduled

Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

22 April 2009

WINNEMUCCA —Humboldt County, Nev residents and visitors who would like to attend a free showing of the women’s self defense DVD Girls Fight Back! will get a second chance to view the presentation. All of the spaces for the first showing have been reserved but plans are in the works for another one in the near future.

CAASA (Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault) Co-Coordinator Billie Wirthlin explained that interest in the film began pouring in as soon as the showing was announced. “Girls Fight Back! teaches women exactly what to do if they find themselves in a situation in which they cannot leave - whether they are cornered by an attacker or being approached by someone who is making them uncomfortable,“ she said. “Violence is a problem. We may not think anything will happen to us, but it's always better to be prepared just in case.”

Many people have found Girls Fight Back! a valuable tool to teach their family about personal safety and protection. “Several parents have signed their kids up, as well. As parents, we want to give our kids resources to protect themselves, to be empowered and to Fight Back! when necessary,” Wirthlin added.

The second area showing will also be free to attend and anyone with plans to be in the Winnemucca area in the near future is invited to reserve a space.

“We will schedule another free viewing of Girls Fight Back! in the near future. Anyone interested in signing up for a future class, and/or being informed of future dates, can e-mail CAASA at humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net or through our Web site at www.myspace.com/humboldtcaasa or on Facebook. You can also call us at one of the following numbers: 775-623-2328, 775-247-2395.” Wirthlin stated.

Humboldt CAASA is also offering a showing of the DVD free to any women’s group, parents group, business, or other organization that might want to make Girls Fight Back! a part of their retreat or safety presentation.

http://silverpinyon.homestead.com/SPJMentalHealth.html

NOTE: The next Girls Fight Back! viewing will be June 24th at 6:00 p.m.- reserve now!!!!

Why all girls (and women) should know how to fight back

2009-05-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Silver Pinyon Journal talks to Girls Fight Back! founder and CEO Erin Weed

By Jessica L Szabo

Silver Pinyon Journal

30 April 2009

WINNEMUCCA — Anyone who starts any new venture with the intent to serve others has some sort of personal reason for taking on the work involved. Maybe they are angered and saddened by an official policy or a lapse in judgment by elected officials, or they are seeking a solution to a problem they have observed plaguing their community or nation, or perhaps they were simply moved by the work of someone else. For Girls Fight Back! Founder Erin Weed, the work of educating and empowering women about self defense began with a personal tragedy. On June 12, 2001 Erin Weed’s close friend and Alpha Phi sorority sister, Shannon McNamara, was brutally murdered by a stranger who broke into her apartment. Upon investigating the horrible scene, police discovered that Shannon had valiantly battled the vicious coward who so coldly took her promising young life. As she grieved her sorority sister and friend, Weed became inspired by Shannon’s courage and gripped with the idea that young women like Shannon needed to possess concrete skills that would help them to fight off an attacker. She began to study various forms of self defense, eventually becoming a certified self-defense instructor. Weed’s own women’s self-defense program, Girls Fight Back! Began in 2002.

Any self-defense program that encourages behaviors and teaches skills that help ensure anyone’s safety is a good program, but Weed’s program has some features that make it particularly unique and effective.

“Our seminars are only 90 minutes, and we encourage women to take more training after seeing it,” she explained. “When possible, we bring local instructors to say hello after the seminars so women can meet their local options for self-defense training. We are also different because we use lots of humor and empowerment in the program. We believe when people are laughing, they are learning.”

When learning truly occurs, students take their skills and knowledge with them and adapt the information to any relevant situation. True learning also changes the learner, and the skills taught in Weed’s seminars are no different.

“Many women have taken their first self-defense class, broke up with a bad boyfriend, realized a past violent incident was NOT their fault and some have even used our techniques and escaped safely,” Weed said. She further described the positive impact this new strength can have on a woman’s friends, family members, and others in her community. “The more strong women in a community, the better. We have left behind empowered women, who in turn empower others,” she stated.

Anyone who would like to purchase a DVD or other materials, or would like to learn more about Erin Weed or Girls Fight Back! is invited to visit the group online at: www.girlsfightback.com

National Crime Victims Rights Week Kick-off and Fundraiser!

2009-03-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) will be holding a kick-off for National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 26- May 2, and in Humboldt County on April 26.
The event will be held at the Winnemucca Pizzeria on Bridge Street from 2:30- 5:00 p.m.
Speakers with be Mayor DiAn Putnam and County Commissioner Tom Fransway!
We are inviting all agencies and organizations who serve crime victims to come and raise awareness about the crime victims' rights. If your agency or organization has any materials, brochures, pamphlets, etc., you would like to get out to the public, please bring them!
This is an opportunity for all the voices of crime victims to be heard and we hope that you will be able to join us!
There will also be a fundraiser, which will go toward CAASA to help us with funding the services we provide for survivors and secondary survivors of sexual violence: such as counseling and emergency needs.
For the fundraiser, we will be having some wonderful donated items!

Two beautiful quilts made by Irene Burkholder and quilted by DiAn Putnam
home telephone system with 3 handsets donated by A&G Telephone
Jewelry piece donated by Pink Flamingo Designs
$50 gift certificate from Gen X Computing
free haircut from Tovi HIlbish

Raffles for the fundraiser are $1 each or 6 for $5. Participants do not have to be present to win a raffle, we will contact you.
Tickets for the event itself are $10 each, which will supply you with a buffet of pizza, salad, knots, and a soda! Seating is limited, however, so buy your tickets now!

To purchase tickets to the fundraiser and awareness event, or to purchase raffle tickets, contact Humboldt CAASA at::
775-623-2328, 304-1114, or 775-247-2395

Denim Day is April 22nd!!!

2009-03-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) is sponsoring Denim Day! Denim Day is April 22nd and is an international event to raise awareness about the myths surrounding sexual violence.
If you and/or your organization would like to participate in Denim Day, we are providing denim ribbons, free of charge. Of course, donations are happily accepted! Just email or call us with how many ribbons you would like and we can deliver them.

What is Denim Day?

In Italy in 1992 an 18-year old girl was picked up by her married 45-year old driving instructor for her very first lesson. He took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car, wrestled her out of one leg of her jeans and forcefully raped her. Threatened with death if she told anyone he made her drive the car home. Later that night she told her parents and they helped and supported her to press charges. The perpetrator was arrested and prosecuted. He was convicted of rape and sentenced to jail.

It would appear as though the perpetrator received his justice and the victim her day in court. Sadly, the tale does not end there because the rapist appealed his conviction. The case made it all the way to the Italian Supreme Court. Within a matter of days the case against the driving instructor was overturned, the charges were dismissed and the perpetrator was released. In a statement by the Chief Judge he argued “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans she had to help him remove them and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex. Enraged by the verdict, within a matter of hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same.” Robinson explained that this action inspired Patricia Giggans , the Executive Director of a rape prevention education campaign named “Peace Over Violence” to launch the first Denim Day in Los Angeles.

Calendar of Events

2008-11-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

LINKS

2008-06-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid
Break the Cycle
Chantal Claire Hager Charitable Foundation
Crisis Call Center
Denim Day in LA
Frontier Community Coalition
Girls Fight Back!
Great Basin Arts and Entertainment
Great Basin College
Humboldt Chamber of Commerce
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
Humboldt Sun
It's About Jobs
Medical Assistance Programs
National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Nevada Coalition Against Sexual Violence
Nevada 211
Nevada CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates
Nevada Child Seekers
Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence
Nevada Victim of Crime Program
NV Dept. Of Corrections Victim Notification
NV Dept. Of Welfare
Park Cinema
Peace Over Violence
Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
State of Nevada
Spare Time Bowling
Stop Bullying Now
Supplemental Nutrition Ass. Program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevada
Victim Information Notification Everyday VINE
Winnemucca Community Garden
Winnemucca 'Round the Clock Winnemucca, NV
Winnemucca Works