Children’s Advocacy Center Ribbon Cutting
25 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized
February 13th, Maine General Waterville Seton unit, 5th floor, 12 noon. (Click to enlarge)
January is Stalking Awareness Month 2012
17 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized
Stalking Awareness Month 2012
In January 2004, the National Center for Victims of Crime launched National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM) to increase the public’s understanding of the crime of stalking. NSAM emerged from the work of the Stalking Resource Center, a National Center program funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, to raise awareness about stalking and help develop and implement multidisciplinary responses to the crime.
Stalking is a crime that occurs more than people may think.
In the United States,
- 3.4 million people over the age of 18 are stalked each year, and out of those 3.4 million, 3 in 4 are stalked by someone they know.
- 30% of stalking victims are stalked by a current or former intimate partner. 10 % are stalked by a stranger.
- 81% of women stalked by a current or former intimate partner are also physically assaulted by that partner. 31% are also sexually assaulted by that partner.
- Persons aged 18-24 years experience the highest rate of stalking.
- 87% of stalkers are men.
- 46% of stalking victims experience at least one unwanted contact per week.
- 1 in 4 victims report being stalked through the use of some form of technology (such as e-mail, text messages, or instant messaging).
- 10% of victims report being monitored with global positioning systems (GPS), and 8% report being monitored through video or digital cameras, or listening devices.
What to Do if You Are Being Stalked?
- If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, call for help.
- Always take threats seriously.
- Do NOT return calls or respond to attempts from the stalker to contact you.
- Talk with your local law enforcement. It is important to notify them of what is happening. The stalker may have broken other laws by stealing or vandalizing your property.
- Document the conduct. Keep an incident log. Document each time the stalker contacts you and your response. Give police a copy of your incident log with dates and times. This report might become public so use a postal box address to protect privacy.
- Keep evidence when stalking occurs. This can include things as simple as keeping emails, phone messages, and letters that the stalker has sent to you.
- Tell people about the stalking and seek out support. Be sure to notify any security at your workplace or school. Do not be afraid to ask them to watch for this person or walk you to your car.
- Call for help. Advocates can help design a personalized safety plan, give information on laws and provide options and advice on places to go to seek help.
In the News:
“Stalking can cause medical and psychological issues for its victims”
Pulaski County Daily News
Help for Victims:
Stalking Resource Center – Stalking Safety Planning
Stalking Resource Center – Incident and Behavior Log
Stalking – A Handbook for Victims
Stalking Resource Center – Address Confidentiality Programs
Outreach Materials:
Stalking Resource Center – Stalking Fact Sheet
Stalking Legislation:
More Information on Stalking:
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report – Stalking Victimization in the United States
The Model Stalking Code – Responding to the New Realities of Stalking
Resources:
Help is available to any victim through the local domestic violence projects and sexual assault support centers. You do not have to be a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault to seek help.
Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
Helpline: 1-866-834-HELP
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Line: 1-800-871-7741
Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center
Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Line: 1-800-871-7741
(Information gathered by Nathan Mitchell, Community Outreach Intern)
With your support…
19 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized
Dear Community Partners and Friends,
This coming May 5, 2012 marks our annual major fundraising event—the 13th Annual Celebrity Dinner. Our theme this year is “Cinco de Mayo!”
As many of you are aware the money raised during this event and throughout the year funds programs such as direct client, education and outreach programs developed to support victims of sexual violence; bring necessary awareness to the prevalence of sexual violence within our communities and provides guidance on how all of us can make a difference in prevention and response to sexual violence. In this past year alone our agency has been able to provide services to thousands of victims with the support and generosity of people like you!
In this season of giving we kindly ask that you consider making a tax deductible donation to support the live and silent auction during the Celebrity Dinner. Below are some ideas to consider and as always cash donation are always encouraged and welcome!
Ø Unwanted Holiday Presents
Ø Tickets to a local sporting event
Ø Tickets to the theatre
Ø Spa Packages
Ø Jewelry
Ø Getaways
Ø Free instruction classes
Ø Art
With your support, our goal is to ensure children; women and men are Silent No More against sexual violence!
To find out more about the sponsorship packages for the Celebrity Dinner 2012 Click here
The employees and the volunteers of the Sexual Support Crisis & Support Center wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season!
The “Penn State” news may be triggering…
07 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Local News Regarding Sexual Violence, Sexual Violence Info
This is a great article that speaks on how the frequent and sometimes graphic reports on the news of the Penn State case as well as others can trigger strong feelings and even flashbacks to survivors.
“Sandusky case triggers pain well beyond campus”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45314171/ns/us_news-life/#.Tt-7vLIk6dA
“Psychologists say that any sex abuse victim — man or woman — may find that news of the Penn State case sparks painful memories. But the way this case is unfolding strikes an especially deep chord with men.”
From the Community
14 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Making a difference, Sexual Violence Info
In case you missed this article in our Fall 2011 Newsletter, we have decided to re-post this terrific article written by Deputy Chief Chip Rumsey of the Waterville Police Department. We are so lucky to be working with such caring and knowledgeable professionals in our mission to support survivors of sexual violence!
During my sixteen years of law enforcement, I’ve encountered plenty of tough cases – but witnessing the devastation of sexual assault and the trauma of child abuse have been the most challenging for me. Certainly, I never appreciated how sheltered and protected I was growing up until I came face-to-face with the reckless disregard some individuals hold for the health, safety and security of others. As I was exposed to the negative side of human nature, though, I was lucky to simultaneously meet, interact, and learn from a group of folks who soldier along with the goals of stopping predatory behavior, holding law-breakers accountable for their behavior, healing physical and emotional wounds, and working to educate men and women – young and old – in an effort to eradicate sexual abuse and child abuse.
For me, there was never any thought of playing my role as a police officer in an “us versus them” light – I knew from day one that the professionals in the medical, prosecutorial, welfare, counseling, educational and support fields all had roles to play that were equally important to mine – and that the skills those men and women brought to bear eclipsed mine, in many cases. For all these reasons, I have tried to reach out and work collaboratively with as many individuals and organizations as possible in an effort to make a positive impact.
One relationship that I’ve found particularly valuable is the one shared between the Waterville Police Department and the committed staff and volunteers of the Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center. When SAC-SC moved into our area, we were immediately impressed with the quality and demeanor of the advocates who worked with our officers on sexual assault cases. Members of our staffs have forged a partnership to bring R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) training to the women of central Maine. And recently, we’ve joined a comprehensive group of stakeholders to develop and establish a Child Advocacy Center. For us at the Waterville Police Department, there was no sales pitch needed. When we learned that SAC-SC wanted to take action to provide a space where children who are alleged to have been sexually abused can receive their medical exams and care, be forensically interviewed by trained CAC interviewers, and be connected to the resources to assure their safety and health as well as to begin or continue the healing process, we couldn’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
The core of the community policing philosophy is that in order to be effective, law enforcement must engage the assistance of those community members who care enough to make a difference. In our eyes, this collaboration is the essence of community policing. We are proud to be associated with an organization committed to the noble cause of fighting sexual abuse, and I think we will all be very satisfied with the fruits of our labor.
Charles J. Rumsey, IV
Such a Yummy way to give back!! **November 22, 23 & 25th**
03 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
Between November 22, 23 & 25th Ruby Tuesday in Augusta will generously donate 20% of your bill to the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center.
“Ruby Tuesday is extremely proud to be art of your hometown and believe n giving back. As a fellow member of the community, we invite you to participate in…
RUBY TUESDAY”S COMMUNITY GIVEBACK PROGRAM!
Grab your family and friends and join us at the 58 Stephen King Dr. Location on November 22, 23 & 25. Please present this flyer to your server, and we will give back 20% of the purchase to this organization!”
We hope to see you there!
25 Years ago…..
21 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in SAC&SC News, Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center Info
25 Year’s ago, a group of concerned and compassionate community members rallied to open Augusta’s First Rape Crisis Center. Today, we are thriving but still supporting survivors with same the compassion and care that was sparked 25 years ago! We’ve done some digging and have found some materials chronicling the last 25 years. Stay tuned for more…
This is an article published in the Kennebec Journal in January of 1986. By November of 1986, the Augusta Area Rape Crisis Center opened its doors!
Assumptions, Judgments and Victim Blaming
20 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
in Local News Regarding Sexual Violence, Sexual Violence Info Tags: assumptions, Sexua Abuse by a teacher, victim blaming
In Response to a recent case printed in the newspaper:
It’s not against the law in Maine for a 17 year old to be in a consensual sexual relationship with a 38 year old. It may be against better judgment or against your personal morals or beliefs but it’s not illegal, unless the 38 year old is in a position of power, for example; a teacher, a coach, a doctor or a pastor.
In light of the recent events in our community involving a high school teacher and a student it is necessary to remind community members where the blame should be placed. It is also important to address some of the judgments and assumptions that community members make without all of the information which, I will add, no one except the teacher and the student have. For example, when the defendant was first arrested in this case I was shocked and disappointed by some of the comments after the news paper article. One contributor wrote this:
“I don’t know this guy or anything about the case. With that said, coaches are usually in a pretty bad position sometimes having to choose one player over another because of the skill of individual players. That can lead to some pretty bad feeling among some players on a team who feel they were unjustly passed over for a position on a term. I hope the “investigation” will have more to go on other than a few kids who may be accusing out of retaliation, or support for a friend, for not being chosen for a position on the team. I certainly don’t know what went on, I just remember years ago when playing sports in school and at times not being chosen for the position I trained hard for and I felt I was the right person to play and not being seen that way by coach. In those situations the coach can go from being your best friend to your worst enemy. Not being chosen can be a big ego let down.”
The first sentence is probably where this should end. But, they continue and start making assumptions that the victim lied about the allegations in retaliation for not getting to play the position that she wanted. This only reinforces and perpetuates the MYTH that victims lie about sexual violence in order to retaliate or get what they want.
Then another wrote this:
“He is a man, and a professional, he should have known better period!! But these days the “little” girls toss themselves at you, it’s sickening I pick up my son at the high school and I cannot believe the way these young ladies are dressed or not dressed for this matter. Let’s start sending them home to dress, how about a dress code. Needless to say this should have never happened.”
Again, the first sentence is good and the last one isn’t bad but, the middle is where the problem is. He goes on to say that in order to fix this problem what we need to do is send the girls home to dress more appropriately. This reinforces and perpetuates two myths; one, that women and/or girls ask to be sexually violated by the clothing that they wear and two, that men just can’t help themselves. Even if this student was wearing a tube top and a mini skirt and she had approached him, it is HIS responsibility as an ADULT and an EDUCATOR to explain why it is inappropriate and illegal for him to engage in a relationship with a student.
It is the ADULT’s responsibility in these cases to refuse to engage in a sexual relationship with the student. As an adult and a teacher, the 38 year old knows that when he engages in an inappropriate relationship with a student that he will not only lose his job if someone discovers it, but that he might also end up in jail. He also has a better idea of what will happen to the student, her family, his family, his colleagues, the school environment and the larger community. So, when he chose to cross his professional boundaries and engage in a relationship with this 17 year old, it was a CHOICE. It was his responsibility so, we should STOP BLAMING HER.
Megan Hatch, SART Advocate
Our Team meets with Senator Snow
16 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Child advocacy center, meeting with Maine's Senators, victims of sexual violence
Last week Donna Strickler our Executive Director and Kat Perry our Resource Development Manager, went to Washington DC
Donna Strickler, Senator Olympia Snowe and Kat Perry
Fundraiser totals!!!
13 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized
I know that everyone has been eagerly awaiting the results of our Celebrity Dinner Fundraising Event. I apologize for the delay in getting the information out but we needed to wait for all of the expenses as well as some income items to come in. Now that we have everything……drum roll please……thanks to all of your hard work and efforts and particularly our local hero’s the McAvoy Family and Amcomm wireless, as well as our other generous sponsors I am VERY pleased to announce that we have increased our net proceeds by almost $7,000! We raised almost $40,000! I am so proud of this community and all of the work that went into making this a fabulous event that will continue to make a difference throughout the year and beyond in the lives of those effected by Sexual Abuse. You all have made a difference in helping our community become Silent No More! I look forward to next year. Please mark your calendars for May 5th! I hope you will take the time to look at some of the pictures of the night at www.silentnomore.org . There will be more added along with some video and we will let you know when it is added. Have a fabulous day!
Donna Strickler
Executive Director
Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center
