Duties:

• Research and approach sponsorship prospects

• Assist with planning and carrying out special events

• Work in Fundraiser Select (fundraising database) to maintain accurate . . . → Read More: Wanted: Special Events Intern]]> SARA seeks an organized, hard-working intern who is interested in learning about  non-profit development. This is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience with fundraising and donor cultivation.

Duties:

• Research and approach sponsorship prospects

• Assist with planning and carrying out special events

• Work in Fundraiser Select (fundraising database) to maintain accurate records and enter new information

Qualifications: Undergraduate student, high computer literacy, discretion, strong verbal communication skills,  and commitment to our mission.

The dates and hours of the internship are flexible, however, we are seeking a commitment of at least 6 weeks, preferably longer.

To apply, please contact Margaret Mikkelsen at 434-295-7273, ext. 20.

Annette Grimm and Pat Cheeks

SARA is requesting nominations for the annual Annette DeGregoria Grimm Award. In honor of Ms. Grimm, former SARA executive director, the award is intended to recognize extraordinary contributions to the elimination of sexual violence through education, advocacy, direct services to clients, through volunteer work, or legislative activities. The . . . → Read More: Time to Nominate the Next Grimm Award Recipient!]]>  

Annette Grimm and Pat Cheeks

SARA is requesting nominations for the annual Annette DeGregoria Grimm Award. In honor of Ms. Grimm, former SARA executive director, the award is intended to recognize extraordinary contributions to the elimination of sexual violence through education, advocacy, direct services to clients, through volunteer work, or legislative activities. The recipient may be recognized for a specific contribution of great magnitude or for a body of work over an extended period of time.

The award is intended to recognize the contribution of ordinary citizens or professionals who work in the field. The recipient must be a resident of the SARA service area, a resident of the Commonwealth whose efforts benefit the entire state, or a resident of another state whose efforts merit national recognition. Nominations may be submitted by any person or by any agency that is involved in the elimination of sexual violence.

The recipient will be honored at a breakfast November 9^th celebrating SARA’s 33^rd anniversary. Last year, a sold-out crowd honored Pat Cheeks, a Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist and long-time SARA volunteer and board member.

Nominations must be submitted by June 30th. Nominations are reviewed by a 5-member committee including one SARA Board member, one past SARA Board member, one citizen representative, one professional, and one SARA staff member. To nominate someone for the award, please send the following information to SARA, c/o of Rachel Smith, PO Box 1565, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or community@saracville.org.

• Name of nominee
• Contact information for nominee
• Nominating person or agency
• Contact information for nominating person or agency
• In less than 1,000 words, please tell us how the nominee has contributed to the elimination of sexual violence.  Please be as specific as possible about the nominee’s relevant work, activities, and achievements. 

Time and Date: May 6th 2012 11am-2pm Location: The Local (824 Hinton Ave) Tickets: $35 (includes brunch, a drink of your choice, . . . → Read More: Brunch with SARA May 6th featuring Ashley McMillen]]> Brunch with SARA

a benefit for the Sexual Assault Resource Agency

MoRawk Events presents a benefit brunch and silent auction to raise funds for SARA’s Emergency Advocacy Program

Time and Date: May 6th 2012 11am-2pm
Location: The Local (824 Hinton Ave)
Tickets: $35 (includes brunch, a drink of your choice, and musical performance)
Ticket information at http://morawkevents.com/Upcoming_Events.html

Featuring a Special Musical Performance by Ashley McMillen

Ashley McMillen

Sponsored by:

I’ve known for a long time that my husband was sexually abused as a child. I was never abused and I feel awful for him for having his innocence stolen that way. Recently I’ve realized that I didn’t know the full extent of the abuse. I’ve learned more and more, and I . . . → Read More: Dear SARA, I’ve known for a long time that my husband was sexually abused…]]> Dear SARA,

I’ve known for a long time that my husband was sexually abused as a child. I was never abused and I feel awful for him for having his innocence stolen that way. Recently I’ve realized that I didn’t know the full extent of the abuse. I’ve learned more and more, and I can’t help feeling a bit betrayed that he kept me in the dark for all these years. I feel bad about it, but don’t know what to do.

—-Confused Spouse

Dear Confused Spouse,

You are not alone.  When a spouse or partner learns about the abuse of a loved one, s/he often feels lied to, while the victim feels s/he has been protective and kind to have kept the details to his or herself.

Your husband may have feared your reaction, or just wanted you not to worry. Minimizing what happened may have been a way he coped with what he experienced. Adults who were abused as children may find it difficult to trust others, especially if the abuser was known and trusted.

Let your husband know you are willing to listen if he wants to talk, but that talking about the abuse is his choice. Your husband may need to feel heard, but he is unlikely to expect you to “fix” anything. Encourage your husband to get help and support in addition to what you can provide.

It’s also important to take care of yourself. Even though you were not abused, hearing your husband’s account and providing support can be difficult. To make an appointment for yourself or both of you at SARA, call our office at 434-295-7273 and ask for the Adult Advocate.

. . . → Read More: Focus Group on Forensic Exams, June 7th]]>

The Urban Institute is conducting a study on how sexual assault forensic exams are paid for throughout the country. They have picked Charlottesville as one study site, and are having a focus group to hear from people who have had an exam, or wanted or needed an exam.  More info: 

Make Your Voice Heard!

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Payment Practice Focus Group

• Have you had a sexual assault forensic exam (rape kit)? Wanted an exam but were refused? Didn’t want the exam?
• Have your voice heard and be part of a focus group with other survivors of sexual assault. We will not ask you details about the offender or crime, but rather the services you received after the experience.
• All responses will be completely confidential and the information learned in these focus groups will be used to inform policy.

 Compensation: $40

Age Group: 18 and older (no exceptions)

Date: Thursday, June 7th, 2012, 5-6pm at the SARA office

To participate, contact: Margaret Mikkelsen at the Sexual Assault Resource Agency at 434-295-7273, ext. 20

Study: The Urban Institute, in collaboration with George Mason University and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape/National Sexual Violence Resource Center, is conducting this study.  It is funded by the National Institute of Justice of the U.S. Department of Justice.  The purpose of this study is to: (1) Understand how sexual assault forensic exams are paid for throughout the country; (2) Identify best practices related to this; (3) Examine obstacles encountered when providing free forensic exams to victims; and (4) Provide information and analysis to help develop policies and practices that best serve victims. 

Care For Kids Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training

Wednesday, April 11, 6:00-7:30 PM Calypso Restaurant 1709 Emmett Street

Or

Monday, April 16, 12:00-1:00 PM Central Library~Jefferson Room 201 E. Market Street

Open to parents/guardians of children ages 2-6, early childhood educators . . . → Read More: Two Free Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Trainings in April]]> SARA is hosting two free child sexual abuse prevention trainings in April.

Care For Kids Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training

Wednesday, April 11, 6:00-7:30 PM
Calypso Restaurant
1709 Emmett Street

Or

Monday, April 16, 12:00-1:00 PM
Central Library~Jefferson Room
201 E. Market Street

Open to parents/guardians of children ages 2-6, early childhood educators and other professionals who work with children.

The training promotes adults’ understanding of the link between healthy sexuality education and child sexual abuse prevention and adult responsibility for the safety and healthy development of children. It places the responsibility for prevention on adults, rather than on the children themselves.

For more information contact Nancy Walker, 434-295-7273 ext. 42 or nwalker@saracville.org

To register, go to http://www.safeschoolscville.org/2012_ChildAbuseAwarenessMonthActivities.html