RNJ: Education Outreach Program
Mission
1. Provide information for those who aren’t yet involved in the advocacy community for victims of sexual violence to be a voice for others while providing accurate information to help educate others.
2. Provide statistical information that helps all individuals in the community understand they are not alone or helps in the educating of those who’ve not yet been involved in the activism of the community.
3. Provide information for those going through the healing process regarding various responses to a sexual assault that would help to further their healing process.
4. Create a magazine that reaches out to better and more specifically focus on various issues, concerns, or battles individuals face while highlighting a means of activism, support, and education for supporters and survivors alike.
Our Facebook page will import rapid updates from this website and photo albums may be created to share various images or news stories. We encourage you to follow our Program closely, but we would like to provide a statement that some of the information here may be triggering. When you visit our Facebook page, you will only see snipits of posts made to the website. Once you click the link provided ("View Post"), you will be able to access the entire post. This is an effective means of using a trigger warning for all individuals.
If you'd like to be a part of this team, you may email Josh@rnjstaff.com to get an application.
Again, welcome to the latest RNJ Project!
I’ve noticed that there is huge amount of information, on what a victim should or shouldn’t do after a sexual assault or rape. For example, if you plan to report, you shouldn’t shower, eat, drink or use the restroom. The purpose of this blog is to shed some light on the long term effects of sexual assault and rape.
The typical reactions to someone who has been sexually assaulted are as follows: Please keep in mind that this is not the order in which they occur and not all victims experience these reactions.
Fear and Anxiety
Reliving the Assault or Assaults’
Not eating or sleeping
Depression
Low Self-Esteem
Anger
Withdraw from friends and/or family
Changed feelings about sex (hyper or hypo sexual)
There are many other reactions to sexual assault, but for the purposes of this blog I’ve decided to focus on the one listed above.
Have you ever heard of the Rape Trauma Syndrome or saw the acronym RTS?
Rape Trauma Syndrome is defined as a form of psychological trauma - a cluster of psychological and physical signs, symptoms, and reactions common to most rape victims, during, immediately following, and for months or years after a rape.
RTS is broken down into four stages; again this can happen in any order:
Acute Crisis Phase (Immediately after assault)
Life is temporarily disrupted , task that are carried out on a daily bases becomes difficult and a frightening reminder.
Ex. Feeling of being overwhelmed, not sleeping or eating sense the assault and wanting be alone.
Outward Adjustment Phase (need to get back to normal)
Emotions and reaction to emotions are intense. The reactions could nightmares, change in eating habits, and isolation to becoming social
Ex. Ready for counseling, knowing that it wasn’t their fault but still blaming themselves for “ placing themselves” in that situation.
Interrogation Phase (belief that healing is possible)
Gradually begins to move on ,and this could take months or years
Development of coping skill to manage feelings about rape or sexual assault
Ex. I’d like to volunteer now
“This is a part of my life, but not who I am “
Reactivation of Crisis …
During any give time ( months or years) the survivor could experience of crisis
Triggered by sight’smell, phrase or, sounds situation and memories.
The more the survivor works developing coping skills,the more she/he feels they could manage feelings
In closing, I would like to say that patience is key, we live in a society where people are constantly trying speed up the process of certain situations. If you are a friend of a survivor be patient with him or her. If you’re victim or survivor just know that what you’re experiencing is normal and healing is possible. Most importantly don’t be afraid to ask for help and support.
Information on self care visit :
http://rnj-eduoutreach.tumblr.com/post/18847413376/the-importance-of-self-care
Written by Alexis ( Lexi) RNJ Educational Outreach Writer
References:
Training manual (YWCA)
My last blog was about Music Therapy and I thought it might be interesting to continue blogging about alternative therapies that are used for healing. Healing means to ‘get well’ or to ‘mend’. However, I think for those that have had a traumatic past or experience, such as sexual assault, healing is to alter your perception of that experience so that it is not negative.
I am going to focus on clinical hypnosis in this blog. Hypnosis is an artificially induced trance state resembling sleep, characterized by heightened susceptibility to suggestion, according to the dictionary. Clinical hypnosis is different; it guides a client gently to mental relaxation through visualization. According to Psychotherapy magazine, clinical hypnosis has a 93% recovery rate after 6 sessions (1 session per week).
In clinical hypnosis, the subconscious mind is transformed to change its way of thinking about beliefs and perceptions. The subconscious mind stores a person’s past experiences and emotions. We cannot change our past but we can the perception of that past experience and clinical hypnosis is a good way to do that.
During a clinical hypnosis session, you remain awake and can come out of hypnosis when you choose. Clinical hypnosis is relaxing the mind not mind control. Also, it is not used to forget a traumatic experience but it is used to alter how you react to that memory.
You can find a hypnotherapist near you by going to this website: http://aaph.org/directory_search
Resources:
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Previous Therapeutic Treatments discussed:
Art Therapy – by Sharray-RNJ Volunteer
Music Therapy – by Jennifer-Public Representative
It is important for people, especially rape victims/survivors to give themselves the time and space to work on themselves. The act of self-care helps people become more independent and more confident in themselves. It is essential for everyone to take the time and care to make sure the well-being and mental health of yourself is doing well.
Personally I use self-care when I am extremely stressed out or getting triggered in order to calm my nerves. Some activities that I like to do for self-care are painting my nails (or getting them done!), watching movies, taking walks, and writing. All of these activities help me really zone the rest of the world out and give me the time and space to focus on myself. What is important about this time is that I am taking part in activities that make ME feel good. After doing them I feel better about myself and refreshed.
How can people find out what can be their self-care technique? Just simply ask yourself questions like; what do you like to do? What activity makes you feel good when you are doing it? What is an activity that is a good stress reliever for you?
Some people find that more structured tasks such as going to a Pilates or Yoga class or working out at a particular time helps them and thus they are able to fit this into their daily routine/schedule. However, others find that self-care has the best effect for them when it comes about spur of the moment. Either way works!
The reason why most people have a hard time with this is because we are so busy in other activities going on during our day and/or we are used to catering to other’s needs. However, as the saying always goes, the little things really go a long way and this statement is more than true when it comes to self-care.
Consequently, it is because of these already existing relationships that it is hard to not want to blame oneself. As human beings we are taught at a very young age that we are responsible for our actions and thus, we should always be conscious of what we are doing. For example, if my best friend and I get in a huge argument, even if I am really mad at her and completely disagree with her, I cannot help but think about the part that I am responsible for. I may think, “What if I had done something differently in the conversation? Would she be mad? What if I hadn’t even talked to her at all today? Would things have still been the same?”
It is these lingering thoughts that often cause people to self-blame. It is only natural! Thus, when a violation like a rape occurs, it is hard to get the thought of responsibility out of our heads. People often think, “Maybe if I had done something differently, a different outcome may have happened.” or “Maybe it’s my fault because I was doing something that I feel like I shouldn’t have.”
What is my response to this? People are allowed to do whatever they would like, AS LONG AS THEY ARE NOT HURTING OTHERS. Therefore, if a person wants to walk on the street, then he/she has every right to do this. If someone would like to have a conversation with a person, then he or she has every right to do this. If a person does not want sexual contact, then he or she should not be given sexual contact. People should be able to contain themselves and do not need to violate and hurt others.
I am so sick of hearing about how rape is “justified” or “all right” or that a “woman (or man) was asking for it because of what he or she was doing, wearing, or acting”. As humans, we should be able to do whatever we would like. And when it comes to sexual contact if we do not want to be touched, don’t touch us! It all starts with boundaries and knowing what our boundaries are. Once we know what our boundaries are, we can know that when someone crosses them, it is wrong. People have every right to be themselves and to live their lives. Nothing should stop them.
Therefore, we should stop putting so much emphasis on making sure women (or men) watch what they are wearing, what they are doing, who they are with, and how they may be perceived by others. Instead, let’s put the real blame where it belongs: the rapists and people who violate innocent people doing every day things just trying to live life.
It all officially started with Oleta “Lee” Kirk Abrams. She enlisted the help of two friends and in 1971 opened the first Rape Crisis Center in Oakland, California. The Bay Area Women Against Rape, BAWAR is still in service today in Oakland. Lee Abrams was a lifelong activist who also created the first 24 hour hotline as well as the first person to accompany rape survivors to court as an advocate. She was the first Victim Advocate for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, a position that is now held nationwide. Bill Danenhower met Ms. Abrams while working as an investigaor with the Oakland Police Department’s Sexaul Assault Unit. He described her as his unit’s “right arm, our mother confessor and advisor.” She was prompted to open the Rape Crisis Center and all that followed after her foster daughter’s rape, at the age of 15, in a stairwell at Berkley high by someone who enterd the school off Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. A janitor interrupted the attack . He shrugged it off as two kids just “fooling around” and did not report it. It’s not clear who did report it, but when the police eventually arrived they did not let her foster daughter phone her and kept the girl separated from her family at the station. She had to wait an hour for a doctor at the hospital who upon arriving made jokes in the examination room. Rebecca Abrams, Lee Abrams biological daughter, stated, “It’s horrendous enough to be raped, but then to be treated as if you are guilty or you asked for it, that outraged my mother.” Oleta Kirk Abrams could have simply protested. Instead she gathered two friends and acted on it. I’m sure in 1971 her fight was harder than even we can imagine. But she stood her ground and was a force to reckoned with. “She was a visionary person, and she was willing to do the hard work behind it to creat that vison. ” ~ Diane Beyynon “In the Bay area, her generosity made her a local legend. Rape vitims would come in and she would take care of them for days.” ~ Joan Thomson, Friend. On January 8, 2005, Oleta “Lee” Kirk Abrams light went out. But her legacy will live on forever in the hearts of the many lives she touched and the awareness she brought forth in the name of the many victims she loved and helped. She knew victims were worthy and deserving. Her name, Oleta, means “Winged One”. She certainly flew and helped so many in finding their wings.
Statistics has shown that every 2.5 minutes some one is sexually assaulted in the United States 2/3 of those assaults are by someone the victim knows. About 60% of sexual assaults are said to be unreported every year. There are many reasons women don’t report sexual assaults, but one of the main reasons is because they told one person and that one person didn’t believe them. That one person could be a friend, family member, police officer, etc. While researching I found these quotes (victim-blaming trigger): “Well, if you weren’t drunk that night that wouldn’t have happened right?!” (Mother said this to her daughter) “You deserved to be raped. You should have taken the bus to school like the rest of us.“ (Friend) “I told you he was a bad guy,but you didn’t listen. You got what you deserve” (Friend) “If you weren’t dressed like a slut, that wouldn’t have happened.” “Are you sure that happened or did you say no in your mind, but your body’s reaction meant other wise?” Investigators admit: “A Brooklyn suspect could have been caught two years ago.” Unfortunately it took another incident to occur that lead investigators to believe the first victim was telling the truth. Gang rape victim, 8 years old: The little girl’s family blames her for what happened. They accused her of bringing shame to the family. 7th grader made two reports: Once again, school officials said they didn’t believe the student when she reported the crime, reportedly telling her that they had “already been through this.” Girl commits suicide because of constant bullying for being rapped by a class mate. “I told you no one would believe you “ (rapist to their victim)
Referenced http://www.rainn.org/statistics
So what happens to these 10% who report their rape? Some decide to leave it at this report, while others decide to press charges against their rapist through the school’s disciplinary system. However, with the nature of these cases, it is hard to prove to college officials that the rape occurred. Typically these situations turn into a “he said” vs. “she said” situation because colleges need concrete evidence to find someone guilty of a crime. Thus, unless there is clear physical evidence that the rape occurred many cases that go through a college’s disciplinary system have no consequence for rapists.
At places where students are supposed to be receiving an education, the last thing they should feel is in danger or uncomfortable. Accordingly, these cases should be taken extremely seriously and the students who report these crimes should be given the attention and credit they deserve. In my opinion, reporting a rape and going through a college’s disciplinary system is one of the hardest things to go through. Rape is a personal crime that forever changes a person’s life. Sometimes, survivors feel that if they pursue legal action or college disciplinary action and the case does not turn out their way, they should feel invalidated and their rape was not as bad as they imagined.
However, I completely disagree with this statement. If they are brave enough to go through such an exhausting process and are still able to survive knowing what happened, they can handle anything. Karma will win in the end. Rape is much more common than most people think and in order for people to finally realize this, it is important for those who report it to be proud about what they did. Even though the process was not easy and things may not have gone their way, they are making things better and easier for survivors after them. I definitely wish there was a better and more efficient way for these cases, in college disciplinary systems, to be handled. However, because there isn’t, we have to make the best out of our situations. Each time a rape gets reported and goes through a college disciplinary system, the college officials learn more about these types of situations and will be able to ask better questions and get to the bottom of these cases.
You’ve decided to prosecute and now you’re going to trial. You feel overwhelmed and afraid, questioning if you’re doing the right thing. Many times the feeling of dread and fear stem from not being aware of what the court process is or what your rights are. Not being aware of these things can easily disempower a victim and rob them of confidence in their decision. There are many agencies that can assist you in deciding whether or not going to trial is right for you. Many local Rape Crisis Centers will aid you in finding a lawyer, will advise you of the court process and your rights, and will support you emotionally and physically (going to court with you) throughout the whole process.
Preparing for Court
Gather all the support you can from family, friends, advocates from the local agencies, other survivors, and counselors. You will need a support system as the trial can be very trying emotionally and can bring up a lot of emotions, anxiety, and flashbacks.
Know your rights. Rights for a victim going to trial can vary from state to state and local agencies will advise you of what the rights are in your state. You have the right to a victim advisor, someone that is employed by the courts and are there to provide you with information you are entitled to about your case. A victim advisor can also take you into the court room a few days before the trial begins to familiarize you with the surroundings. As stated above, local Rape Crisis Centers can educate you on everything you will need to know, can provide you with booklets on what to expect, and inform you of your rights. They will accompany you to court and assist you in finding a lawyer. Your lawyer may also go through mock trials with you.
The Trial
Your lawyer will advise you of times and where to go on the day your trial begins. The court will provide a private room for you as to not see or be in contact with your accused attacker or their family and friends. They will come and get you when it is time for you to testify. Usually, the victim will only be allowed in the court room during their testimony, the accused will more than likely be in the court room the whole time. While testifying, you will see your attacker. Some states allow the victim to address the court or write a letter to the judge prior to sentencing. One victim after speaking to the judge was asked about a tattoo she had on her wrist. It was a tattoo of a teal blue ribbon, and it covered a scar that was left from being bound. Her reply was, “If I have to remember what happened for the rest of my life, I want to remember that I survived.”
You need to be aware and prepared that you may not get the conviction you want or any conviction at all. This can be so overwhelmingly disappointing and can make you so angry and hurt. You can be left with feeling like it was all for nothing. Hold onto the fact that you had your day in court, that you used your voice for empowerment and that you were a voice for others. You told what was done to you, what it took from you, and about the pieces you are now left to pick up. The accused had to set and be quiet while you had all the power at that moment. One victim reported, “He had always told me to stay quiet about the abuse, not to tell anyone and there I was telling all the people in the court what he had done to me. He couldn’t shut me up at that time.” That was powerful. If you are a victim that decides going to trial is right for you, no matter the outcome, know that you used your voice to break the silence on rape and sexual assault. Know that we all appreciate that and you are an inspiration.
We need to work hard in using our voices to promote awareness and educate government agencies and our courts to ensure better conviction rates. It needs to be the right of the victim in all states to be able to address the court prior to sentencing. We must let all know that, victims have rights and a voice that deserves to be heard.
potential-trigger level — walks through the direct aftermath of a sexual assault; discusses a rape kit; specific examples
Title: FBI Rape Terms Align With SC Law
Author: Nicole E. Smith
Location: Herald Online
Date: January 15, 2012
mild-trigger level: Provides some definitions of rape, sexual assault; non-specific examples
