Monday, April 14, 2014

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month


Governor Rick Perry has designated April 2014 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) in Texas.

The Crime Victims' Institute (CVI) at Sam Houston State University joins rape crisis centers across the state and nation in commemorating Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to promote awareness and encourage support of this issue. This year’s theme, "First Class Male: Cultivating Change through Male Involvement," is motivating CVI to host a number of campus events this April.
  •  Sign a pledge against violence - weeks of April 14 and 21, 10am - 2pm on the SHSU Mall
  • Wear jeans for Denim Day to raise awareness and honor survivors - Wed. April 23
  • Screening of "Red Blooded Men," a documentary about men's perspectives on college life and sexual assault - Wed. April 23 at 6pm in Olson Auditorium
  • Ignite the Night Rally and March - Tuesday, April 29 at 5:30 behind Lonestar Hall

In Texas, nearly 2 million Texans have been sexually assaulted. That equals 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men in our state. Unfortunately, fewer than 20 percent of sexual assaults are ever reported to police for fear they won’t be believed or that nothing will be done. “First Class Male: Cultivating Change through Male Involvement” reminds us of the importance of collective responsibility of both men and women in raising awareness, responding to reports of sexual violence, understanding the dynamics of sexual violence, and improving community efforts to stop it before it starts.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development. Additional information about TAASA can be found at www.taasa.org.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline number is 1-800-656-HOPE

Monday, April 7, 2014

National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW)

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is being observed April 6-12, 2014. In recognition of NCVRW, the Crime Victims' Institute, Crime Victim Services Alliance, and Abuse Survivors' Support Group will host a panel discussion with victims and advocates. The panel will discuss victim rights in Texas, and panelists will talk about their personal experiences with the criminal justice system.

30 years: restoring the balance of justice
2014 NCVRW Resource Guide Ad