The following post from the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault does a great job of explaining why the CDC’s recent survey and crime statistics differ:

A response: How the CDC is overstating sexual violence in the U.S. — CALCASA – California Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Saturday, February 4th 3:30pm-5:00pm The Sanctuary at The Haven, 112 West Market St

For more information and to receive a script please contact:

Sabrina Wells, Director 434-207-4683 vdaycharlottesville@gmail.com

A Department of Justice report found that 3 percent of men, or one in 33, had been raped. Some experts believe that one in six men have experienced unwanted sexual contact of some kind as minors.

But for many men, the subject is so discomfiting that it is rarely discussed — virtually taboo, . . . → Read More: New York Times: Men Struggle for Rape Awareness]]> http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/health/as-victims-men-struggle-for-rape-awareness.html

A Department of Justice report found that 3 percent of men, or one in 33, had been raped. Some experts believe that one in six men have experienced unwanted sexual contact of some kind as minors.

But for many men, the subject is so discomfiting that it is rarely discussed — virtually taboo, experts say, because of societal notions about masculinity and the idea that men are invulnerable and can take care of themselves.

“We have a cultural blind spot about this,” said David Lisak, a clinical psychologist who has done research on interpersonal violence and sexual abuse and is a founding board member of 1in6, an organization that offers information and services to men who had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences as children.

We are excited to announce that the second annual SARA Three-for-All will be held April 14th, on the Downtown Mall. The Three-for-All is a giant three-legged race to raise funds for SARA’s programs.

This fun, family-friendly race will encourage personal and community responsibility for ending sexual violence. Participants of . . . → Read More: Sponsors Wanted for Three-for-All!]]>

Two enthusiastic Three-for-All participants

We are excited to announce that the second annual SARA Three-for-All will be held April 14th, on the Downtown Mall. The Three-for-All is a giant three-legged race to raise funds for SARA’s programs.

This fun, family-friendly race will encourage personal and community responsibility for ending sexual violence. Participants of all ages will pair up to step out together against assault, abuse, stalking, and harassment.

If 500 pairs participate, we will break the world record for the most pairs in a three-legged race!

To pull off this event, we will need support from local business sponsors. We have structured the activities to provide many opportunities for sponsors to have a high level of visibility. Our sponsorship packet has more details. Packages start at only $100!

Is this something you would like to help make happen?

Yes? Give me (Margaret Mikkelsen) a call at 434-295-7273, ext. 20 and I can answer any questions you might have. I hope I will be able to add you to our list of local business sponsors!

A local production of The Vagina Monologues is auditioning actresses and interviewing volunteer crew. The performances will be March 8th and 9th. Proceeds will benefit SARA!

Auditions: Saturday, January28th 1:30-5:00 pm The Sanctuary of The Haven, 112 West Market Street, Charlottesville

For more information or to receive a copy of the script, please . . . → Read More: Actresses Wanted!]]>

A local production of The Vagina Monologues is auditioning actresses and interviewing volunteer crew. The performances will be March 8th and 9th. Proceeds will benefit SARA!

Auditions:
Saturday, January28th
1:30-5:00 pm
The Sanctuary of The Haven, 112 West Market Street, Charlottesville

For more information or to receive a copy of the script, please contact Sabrina Wells, the director, at 434-207-4683 or vdaycharlottesville@gmail.com.

This new, more-inclusive definition is a definite improvement over the old definition used to collect national crime statistics. The old definition defined rape as  “the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will.” That definition left . . . → Read More: FBI Announces Revisions to Definition of Rape]]> FBI — Attorney General Eric Holder Announces Revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s Definition of Rape.

This new, more-inclusive definition is a definite improvement over the old definition used to collect national crime statistics. The old definition defined rape as  “the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will.” That definition left out so many victims—men, women raped by other women, anyone incapacitated by drugs, alcohol or disability who could not consent, oral penetration, object penetration, etc.

The new definition, while not perfect, is much better:

“The 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.”

This definition is used just to collect and aggregate crime data from local police departments, and does not affect statutes.

While you’re at it, . . . → Read More: Parents: Get media-savvy!]]> Common Sense Media (who we LOVE!) just posted a fantastic new list of Six Ways to be a Media-Savvy Parent in 2012! Take a look and get smart! Another fantastic (and brief!) Common Sense article we suggest is First Times: Tips for Talking About Virginity and Sex in Teen Dramas.

While you’re at it, take a look at SARA’s new video training for parents – all about parenting your child to lead a healthy sexual life. If you’d like to skip to the final chapter on Media and Technology, that’s fine, but please leave an evaluation too!