Chuck Hays: President and CEO of MaineGeneral Health

Chuck Hays is one of those heroes who inspire others by simply being themselves.   The important job of CEO of a major healthcare agency can keep a person beyond busy and preoccupied but Mr. Hays always makes time to go the extra mile for victims of sexual abuse.  It was through these extra miles that the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kennebec and Somerset Counties program of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center has received rent free space from MaineGeneral Medical Center.   Without this donation,  the program would not opened and served over 180 children in the two counties who’ve reported child sexual abuse in the last year.  “We are honored to partner with the Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center to support this important community work that can help make a difference in the lives of too many people affected by sexual violence.” – Chuck Hays

When asked who his hero was and why, Chuck responded with “My heroes are the men, women and children affected by sexual violence who are able to be part of a productive society despite the horrors they have gone through. This incredible accomplishment is the results of many other heroes who are called to help these individuals during a very dark time in their lives.”

Chip Rumsey: Deputy Chief of Police, Waterville Police Department

Chip has been associated with the work of Sexual Violence advocacy centers for many years.  In addition to his work as a law enforcement officer, he has served on the board of directors, provided trainings t advocates, supported fundraisers and other events, and most recently been an integral part of the development of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kennebec and Somerset Counties.  It is apparent In all of his work that he has maintained the philosophy ( in his own words) “Every human being deserves to grow up, and live, in a world where they are free from fear and from violence, especially that of sexual violence.”  This type of dedication and consistency continues to positively impact victims of sexual abuse in the most profound ways.  When Chip was asked who his superhero was and why he gave this response: “.  My heroes are the advocates who provide their care and support to the survivors of sexual violence over the long-term: listening to the heartbreaking sobs of a person who’s suffered through a horrifying experience and offering words of encouragement and hope.  THOSE folks embody the strength, bravery and love for their brothers and sisters that we should all celebrate.”  This message is an example of how working together with heroes like Chip not only helps the victims directly but also helps remind the advocates who are working alongside them that we are not alone in this difficult journey of healing.

Pamela Boivin: Legal Specialist, Family Violence Project

Pamela has worked with the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center in several different capacities over the years.  In her current work she is Legal Specialist at the Family Violence Project where she works with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through the court system in obtaining protection from abuse orders and other needs in the often confusing and overwhelming system.   Her passion and drive to help make a difference in the lives of victims of violence stems from a person history that she describes as helping shape and fuel who she is and the work that she does.  “When I was nine years old a police officer knocked on the door of my childhood home and rescued me from a violent & abusive situation.  I basically thought this policeman was a superhero; my superhero.”

In addition to her work with the Family Violence project she has also served as a volunteer advocate for the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center, is currently a professor at The University of Maine and has recently obtained her Ph D. in Criminal Psychology.  In all of the work she does, Pamela is known as a powerful voice (and some would say “hero”) for those in our community who’s voices are silenced by violence.   When asked how she thinks people can become heroes in healing in their community she says: “People MUST behave and make the individual choice of promoting safety for everyone living within our community.  We must be vocal and communicate utter intolerance for any form of violence!”

Denis Culley: Senior Staff Attorney, Legal Services for the Elderly

Denis has worked with some of the elderly survivors of sexual assault that we have also provided advocacy services for over the years.  His compassion and dedication to helping find justice in these cases has made a huge difference to the victims as well as supporting the work that we do on behalf of all victims of sexual violence.  When we asked Denis what he thought the most important message he could send to our community about the work for the Sexual Assault crisis & Support Center he said: “That sexual assault happens – with a deadening regularity – to women of all ages.  Older women remain fully at risk of sexual assault and rape whether in the community, in their homes or in a facility.” It’s this kind of awareness and concern that makes Denis Cully a superhero to elder victims of sexual violence.

Colleen Lachowicz: State Senator

Colleen began her work with the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center as a Social worker by referring clients and collaborating with SAC&SC to help provide a comprehensive set of services for those she served.  Most recently she was part of the development committee for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC).  Her time and dedication to opening the CAC was essential to the process and her obvious passion for helping children who have experienced trauma truly enhanced the work that was done to make the CAC happen.  Colleen is a newly elected State Senator and is continuing her work on behalf of victims by keeping it in her platform as she has jumped bravely into the world of making laws.   When asked how she thinks a community can help stop sexual violence she stated “We need to celebrate parents who teach their children to honor their peers and the young men and women who speak out against a culture that excuses sexual assault at times.”

Michelle Galego: Child Protective Supervisor, Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Michelle has been a tireless advocate for abused children in her role as Supervisor of Child Protective Caseworkers at DHHS.  She has worked with SAC&SC for many years in helping spread the message of reporting child abuse and how the community can be part of the solution.  Most recently she has cochaired the advisory committee for the Children’s Advocacy Center and was a dedicated part of the development of this program as well.  She has inspired and led a group of professionals in a major project of opening the CAC and establishing a solid foundation that has led to a very successful first year in operation.   Although she “would never have identified [herself] as a hero” the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center have experienced firsthand that she has all of the qualities needed to be a superhero to those children in our community who would have otherwise suffered in fear and silence.   Michelle suggests that the community can make a difference in the lives of the children: “We must be advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.  We must empower those who feel they have no power or control over their own lives.  We can do this by being aware of the violence and not shutting the door to those who need us most.”

Sherri Thornton and Barbara Covey: Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners, MaineGeneral Medical Center

Sherri Thornton and Dr. Barbara Covey are two heroic medical providers who have been specially trained to provide sexual assault forensic exams.  Some may say that “it takes a special person” to be woken up at 2 in the morning, drive to the hospital and provide care while expertly collecting forensic evidence to a patient who has just come to the Emergency Department after experiencing a horrific rape.  We agree, it does take a special person and we have decided to recognize two of these superheroes this year because of it.  Both Sherri and Barbara help coordinate the regional Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program at MaineGeneral Medical Centers in Augusta and Waterville as well as Redington-Fairview General Hospital and Sabastacook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield.  Sherri and Barbara have spent many years working alongside advocates from SAC&SC and have always shown the utmost compassion and commitment and the patients have attested to how much of an impact their professional and empathetic skills have helped in their healing process.  Sherri’s message to the community about the work being done for survivors is “These patients are not always believed by those in medical practice or law enforcement and we need to be the catalyst to open health care to them without shame!” 

Steve Meister: Medical Director, Edmund Ervin Pediatric Center

Dr. Meister has worked for years in countless ways making a difference in the lives of children affected by trauma.  His work as a past Board Member of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center, his work with the CDC, Pediatric Rapid Response Program (PREP) for kids going into Foster Care and now his work as the Medical Director with Edmond Irving Pediatric Center which is a partner as part of our Children’s Advocacy Center’s Multi-Disciplinary Team, has without a doubt shown how committed he has, and continues to be in insuring that children receive the important trauma informed services they deserve.   We were fortunate to have him assist in the coordination of a clinic to provide Forensic Medical Exams for children that have disclosed Sexual Abuse. Dr Meister has been a “go to person” and always willing to share his wisdom and passion and for that reason and many more he has been chosen as one of our “Superhero’s”  in our community.

The Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center has chosen to honor these nine “heroes in healing” on May 4^th at the agency’s, sold out, 14^th Annual Fundraiser, the Celebrity Dinner.  They heroes have agreed to perform a short presentation at the beginning of the event and will receive awards and recognition for their heroics at the end of their performance.

=========================================================================================

Place  Bib # Name           Team          Time

1 174 Danforth, Wes 27 Unattached 18:37.00
2 167 Janakis, William 19 Unattached 18:45.00
3 193 Jose, Dylan 25 The Safes Come Running In 19:25.00
4 182 Cook, Sam 18 Unattached 21:29.00
5 172 Desjardins, Ryan 19 Unattached 21:34.00
6 140 Browne, Michael 19 Unattached 21:40.00
7 53  Seth Smith 32  Augusta PD  21:59.00 (Correction)
8 197 Poirier, Christopher 39 Unattached 22:01.00
9 8 Pacholski, Norman 31 Pavement Pixies 22:15.00
10 119 Labbe, Forrest 19 Unattached 22:21.00
11 199 Stone, Matthew 27 Unattached 22:40.00
12 145 Collins, Daniel 19 Unattached 23:03.00
13 198 Rhoda, Erin 28 Unattached 23:33.00
14 70 Mitchell, Nathan 19 Got The Runs 23:57.00
15 49 Drouin, Anthony 19 Augusta PD 24:36.00
16 166 Chapman, Phillip 31 Unattached 24:56.00
17 44 Jose, Amy 19 The Safes Come Running In 25:16.00
18 16 Nile, Blaine 31 Pavement Pixies 25:32.00
19 107 Kimball, Angela 19 Unattached 25:35.00
20 50 Drouin, Laura 19 Augusta PD 25:39.00
21 126 Long, Amiee 31 Fvp-Know Excuses 25:40.00
22 201 Rampalla, Jedediah 27 Unattached 25:42.00
23 99 Gardiner, Brian 31 Waterville Heat 25:54.00
24 144 Lee, Hilary 31 Unattached 25:58.00
25 45 Elliott, Caitlin 19 The Safes Come Running In 26:02.00
26 80 Sirabella, Antonio 19 Mug Runners 26:08.00
27 176 Pachilski, Max 15 Pavement Pixies 26:16.00
28 118 Labbe, Jim 46 Unattached 26:20.00
29 120 Biche, Deb 31 Unattached 26:20.10
30 24 Galego, Michelle 31 Stop Chasing Me 26:34.00
31 187 Croswell, Bob 62 The Safes Come Running In 26:38.00
32 183 Southworth, Katie 19 Colby Swim & Dive 27:18.00
33 136 McLaughlir, Colin 19 Colby Swim & Dive 27:19.00
34 194 Phelan, Joe 48 Unattached 27:19.10
35 2 Hatch, Meg 31 Pavement Pixies 27:20.00
36 125 Gabrion, Sophie 19 Unattached 27:23.00
37 185 Gaumont, Kristina 24 The Safes Come Running In 27:24.00
38 22 Kibbin, Misty 31 Pavement Pixies 27:28.00
39 74 Mitchell, Mark 46 Got The Runs 27:48.00
40 100 Longley, Jason 31 Waterville Heat 27:56.00
41 132 Ziobro, Mikaela 31 Unattached 28:10.00
42 156 Lai, Emmie 19 Colby Swim & Dive 28:24.00
43 82 Babb, Melissa 31 Mug Runners 28:29.00
44 89 Wright, Kartika 31 Mug Runners 28:30.00
45 26 Bastien, Paul 31 Stop Chasing Me 28:36.00
46 175 Butler, Jessica 27 Unattached 28:37.00
47 112 Taylor, Sarah 31 Unattached 28:39.00
48 143 Stringos, Nicholas 31 Unattached 28:44.00
49 141 Stringos, Gust 56 Unattached 28:44.10
50 51 Gregoire, Robert 46 Augusta PD 28:45.00
51 139 Pullen, Morgan 19 Unattached 28:49.00
52 79 Sirabella, Samantha 19 Mug Runners 28:50.00
53 114 Leavitt, Amanda 19 Unattached 28:50.10
54 95 Smith, Alyssa 14 The Safes Come Running In 28:53.00

55 6 Magoon, Libbi 31 Pavement Pixies 28:56.00

56 19 King, April 19 Pavement Pixies 29:22.00
57 14 Willette, Ryan-Marie 31 Pavement Pixies 29:23.00
58 91 Bragdon, Lindsay 19 Mug Runners 29:24.00
59 129 Beaulieu, Katie 31 Fvp-Know Excuses 29:38.00
60 142 Kletzer, Sarah 19 Colby Swim & Dive 29:51.00
61 133 Bacher, Annie 19 Colby Swim & Dive 29:54.00
62 65 Smith, Kelly 46 Fvp-Know Excuses 29:56.00
63 168 Vaillancourt, Penny 31 Mug Runners 30:05.00
64 189 Hill, Bill 51 Unattached 30:06.00
65 181 Donar, Tarsha 30 Pavement Pixies 30:19.00
66 173 Ross, Alisa 27 Kennebec County DA Office 30:41.00
67 28 Phair, Adrian 31 Stop Chasing Me 31:20.00
68 108 Smith, Bradley 19 Unattached 31:26.00
69 86 Giguere, Paul 56 Mug Runners 31:40.00
70 55 Fitch, Melody 46 Fvp-Know Excuses 31:46.00
71 63 Woods, Lori 46 Fvp-Know Excuses 31:46.10
72 180 Dorr, Caoline 26 Pavement Pixies 31:52.00
73 127 Chandler, Laurie 19 Unattached 32:05.00
74 171 Brown, Jennifer 19 Unattached 32:06.00
75 48 Mills, Jared 31 Augusta PD 32:19.00
76 52 Smith, Carly 31 Augusta PD 32:21.00
77 138 Madore, Lisa 31 Pavement Pixies 32:30.00
78 195 Mills, Peter 69 Unattached 32:31.00
79 78 Holzinger, Alex 31 Mug Runners 32:32.00
80 20 Cloutier, Kelley 31 Pavement Pixies 32:38.00
81 190 Sprague, Michaela 14 The Safes Come Running In 32:43.00
82 47 Harding, Sarah 19 The Safes Come Running In 32:58.00
83 110 Smith, Celina 31 Unattached 33:04.00
84 200 Gausselin, Laura 43 Unattached 33:05.00
85 38 Jose, Mark 56 The Safes Come Running In 33:06.00
86 191 Fortin, John 24 Unattached 33:57.00
87 117 Dubois, Michele 46 Unattached 33:58.00
88 184 Gaumont, Andrew 19 Unattached 34:05.00
89 57 Diehl, Monica 31 Fvp-Know Excuses 34:17.00
90 83 Marvelle, Jennie 31 Mug Runners 34:35.00
91 101 McDonald, Kyle 19 Waterville Heat 34:43.00
92 39 Covey, Barbara 56 The Safes Come Running In 34:50.00
93 116 Folsom, Dannielle 31 Unattached 35:24.00
94 178 Giguere, Rebecca 35 Pavement Pixies 35:35.00
95 115 Chapman, Alicia 31 Unattached 36:18.00
96 179 Shorey, Andrea 39 Pavement Pixies 36:59.00
97 13 ST Peter, Amy 19 Pavement Pixies 37:04.00
98 84 Hubley, Seth 31 Mug Runners 37:17.00
99 25 Gould, Jessie 19 Stop Chasing Me 37:21.00
100 109 Cartwright, Carrie 46 Unattached 37:24.00
101 163 Vigue, Kristina 19 Central Maine Motors Auto 37:49.00
102 164 Vigue, Sean 19 Central Maine Motors Auto 37:50.00
103 93 McCarthy, Jennifer 31 Mug Runners 37:54.00
104 -9 Unknown 38:22.00
105 -9 Unknown 38:24.00
106 59 Shepherd, Deborah 66 Fvp-Know Excuses 38:58.00
107 77 Slefinger, Kristen 19 Mug Runners 38:59.00
108 76 Smith, Andrea 46 Mug Runners 39:05.00
109 94 Hildreth, Steve 31 Mug Runners 39:06.00
110 147 Collins, Deborah 46 Unattached 39:11.00
111 196 Marin, Dawn 45 Unattached 39:12.00
112 170 Condon, Dakota 14 Pavement Pixies 39:16.00
113 15 Davis, Carrie 31 Pavement Pixies 39:35.00
114 -9 Unknown 39:38.00
115 159 Gaunce, Linanne 31 Central Maine Motors Auto 39:58.00
116 177 Massey, Joe 27 Unattached 40:14.00
117 165 Rumsey, CJ 13 Waterville Heat 44:23.00
118 97 Rumsey, Chip 31 Waterville Heat 44:28.00
119 35 Ellis, Lisa 31 Stop Chasing Me 44:29.00
120 113 Gibbs, Angela 46 Unattached 44:44.00
121 -9 Unknown 44:45.00
122 21 Seigars, Danielle 31 Pavement Pixies 44:46.00
123 23 Olson, Heidi 31 Pavement Pixies 44:47.00
124 12 Roes, Chris 31 Pavement Pixies 44:48.00
125 111 Beaulieu, Belami 31 Unattached 45:06.00
126 -9 Unknown 45:28.00
127 154 Papadis, Patricia 46 Central Maine Motors Auto 45:28.10

128 157 Edwards, Victoria 19 Colby Swim & Dive 45:33.00

129 54 Johnson, Kim 19 Colby Swim & Dive 45:33.10
130 121 Littlefield, Dwight 31 Unattached 46:08.00
131 124 Littlefield, Addison 13 Unattached 46:08.00
132 85 Morin, Leane 46 Mug Runners 46:14.00
133 72 Roberts, Kaley 13 Got The Runs 46:24.00
134 73 Mitchell, Lisa 31 Got The Runs 46:25.00
135 71 Marston, Georgie 13 Got The Runs 46:25.10
136 155 Berard, Judith 46 Central Maine Motors Auto 46:41.00
137 158 Gaunce, Christopher 31 Central Maine Motors Auto 46:42.00
138 30 Broadley, Glenn 31 Stop Chasing Me 46:55.00
139 87 Cardali, Loretta 46 Mug Runners 47:58.00
140 88 Hall, Donna 46 Mug Runners 47:58.10
141 96 Labun, Kelly 31 The Safes Come Running In 48:05.00
142 -9 Unknown 48:06.00
143 122 Littlefield, Kristie 31 Unattached 48:33.00
144 123 Littlefield, Autumn 13 Unattached 48:34.00
145 151 McQuillan, Jessica 31 Central Maine Motors Auto 48:43.00
146 152 West, Lea 19 Central Maine Motors Auto 48:44.00
147 102 McAvoy, Heather 19 Unattached 48:48.00
148 149 Leclair, Robert 56 Central Maine Motors Auto 48:54.00
149 150 Leclair, Marie 56 Central Maine Motors Auto 48:55.00
150 92 Laliberte, Jen 31 Mug Runners 49:47.00
151 46 Roy, Alaina 19 The Safes Come Running In 50:25.00
152 40 Simmons, Amy 31 The Safes Come Running In 50:26.00
153 27 Richardson, Tammy 46 Stop Chasing Me 51:15.00
154 41 Pelotte, Katherine 19 The Safes Come Running In 51:39.00
155 43 Govea, Amy 31 The Safes Come Running In 51:41.00
156 68 Wood-McC, Gabrielle 13 Fvp-Know Excuses 52:00.00
157 192 Landry, Stephen 49 Unattached 52:04.00
158 81 MACKEY, Jane 31 Mug Runners 52:09.00
159 1 Cloutier, Michelle 31 Mug Runners 52:10.00
160 66 Savage-Mc, Susan 31 Fvp-Know Excuses 52:35.00
161 67 McGuckin, Matthew 46 Fvp-Know Excuses 52:38.00
162 36 Miller, Kate 19 Stop Chasing Me 52:57.00
163 37 Smith, Shannon 19 Stop Chasing Me 52:58.00
164 4 Randall, Dorothy 66 Pavement Pixies 53:48.00
165 29 Saucier, Katelyn 19 Stop Chasing Me 54:26.00
166 188 Saucier, Patrick 31 Unattached 54:29.00
167 148 Liberti, Anne 46 Central Maine Motors Auto 54:34.00
168 162 Johnston, Paul 66 Central Maine Motors Auto 54:35.00
169 169 Day, Sue 31 Stop Chasing Me 57:26.00
170 33 Arnold, Jennifer 31 Stop Chasing Me 57:27.00
171 61 Miller, Robin 56 Fvp-Know Excuses 1:00:21.00
172 58 Patnode, Kimberly 46 Fvp-Know Excuses 1:00:26.00
173 64 Leclair, Michelle 31 Fvp-Know Excuses 1:00:56.00
174 69 Bell, Nan 56 Fvp-Know Excuses 1:00:56.10
175 135 Bagley, Abby 13 Unattached 1:03:19.00

Registration: https://oneinfive5k.webconnex.com/registration

Make your own fundraising page: http://grouprev.com/oneinfive5k

Location: Thomas College

Dates: Sunday, Apr 21 2013, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Address: 180 W River Road, Waterville, ME 04901

If you would like to sponsor this event, there are still sponsorship opportunities available.

Click here for the Sponsorship Packages

   [heer-oh]  noun, plural he·roes

This was a great year for sexual violence education! Demand for our programs was higher than ever and we are quickly becoming the source for bystander intervention programming in our area. One great initiative that started this year was The Burden of a Backpack: Junior High Edition. This student-led activity is a spin-off of our already successful elementary bystander intervention program The Burden of a Backpack.

Both versions of the presentation help build empathy while encouraging students to become “upstanders” instead of simply being bystanders. Students are given the chance to practice “upstander” behavior by helping a peer who acts out the part of a bullying victim.

   

This year also saw collaboration with Cony High School to orchestrate their first White Ribbon Campaign this year. The White Ribbon Campaign is an initiative where men take an anti-violence pledge and wear a white ribbon to symbolize that commitment. We were lucky to have national sexual violence prevention educator and director of We End Violence Jeff Bucholtz as keynote speaker to the student body. Our tabling event just prior to the talk gave students valuable information about our agency and what they could do to help prevent sexual violence.

Cony High School at the White Ribbon Campaign Presentation

Jeff Bucholtz, Director of We End Violence

Finally, as a sign of solidarity between ourselves and the schools we serve, we crafted memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to outline our mutual commitment to ending sexual violence. Here are the schools and school districts that have shown us their support by signing these documents:

MSAD/RSU 49 (Fairfield)

MSAD/RSU 54 (Skowhegan)

MSAD/RSU 59 (Madison)

MSAD/RSU 74 (Carrabec)

AOS 92 (Waterville/Winslow)

St. John’s Catholic School

Kennebec Valley Community College

Augusta Area Schools

Gardiner Area Schools

Monmouth Schools

Maranacook/Winthrop

For a total of over 42 schools that have signed a formal MOU with our agency to work collaboratively in order to best meet the needs of our students in helping to reduce the risk and prevent Sexual Violence.

This list is impressive but even more impressive was the vocal support from teachers, guidance counselors, and students who rallied together to make this all possible. I owe them a tremendous amount of gratitude and wish them all a very relaxing summer.

From their website:

The Backbone Zone project is an innovative approach to bystander intervention, and is about helping people recognize the actions that everyone can take to change the world they live in.

Recognizing sexist and homophobic language, realizing that it has an impact, encouraging students to choose different words, and giving them the skills to be active bystanders when

“All you need is love.”

 - John Lennon (1940-1980)

Facts about Tweens and Teen and Dating Violence

Prevalence of Violence in Tweens

• Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the Unites States is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner.
• In a national online survey, one in five tweens – age 11 to 14 – say their friends are victims of dating violence and nearly half who are in relationships know friends who are verbally abused.
• A survey found that one in four 7^th grade girls (24.9 percent) and more than one in five boys (21.2 percent) reported perpetrating physical violence in a dating relationship in the past year.
• Boys are more likely to inflict injuries as a result of perpetrating dating violence than girls. This trend – where girls slap and push and boys hit and punch – continues into adulthood.

Prevalence of Violence in Teens

• Nationwide, nearly one in ten high-school students (9.8 percent) has been hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Teens in same-sex relationships experience rates of violence and abuse similar to rates experienced by teens in heterosexual relationships. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health finds that nearly one in four teens and young adults (ages 12-21 years) in same-sex romantic or sexual relationships reported some type of partner violence victimization in the past year-and-a-half. One in ten reported experiencing physical violence by a dating partner. Females were more likely to report victimization than males.
• Nearly one in ten 15-year-old girls disclosed experiencing physical dating violence and one in four disclosed experiencing psychological abuse.
• Nearly one in three sexually active adolescent girls in 9^th to 12^th grade (31.5 percent) report ever experiencing physical or sexual violence from dating partners.
• One in four teen girls in a relationship (26 percent) says she has been threatened with violence or experienced verbal abuse, and 13 percent say they were physically hurt or hit.
• One in three teens reports knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, or physically hurt by a partner.

Teen Dating Violence Facts vs. Myths

Myth

Teen dating violence rarely happens.

Fact

Teen dating violence is as common as domestic violence in adult relationships. A 2001 study of high school students conducted by Harvard University found that one in five teenage girls had been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.

Myth

Teen girls are as abusive as boys.

Fact

Research shows that teen girls are not as likely to be as abusive as teen boys. Teen boys are far more likely to initiate violence and teen girls are more likely to be violent in a case of self-defense.

Myth

Some victims of teen dating violence or sexual assault provoke the violence committed by their dates by making them jealous, acting mean, or teasing them into thinking they want to have sex.

Fact

Dating violence is NEVER a victim’s fault. There is no such thing as victim precipitated violence.

Myth

Teen dating violence is just arguing. It’s not dangerous like domestic violence in adult relationships.

Fact

Teen dating violence can be very dangerous – sometimes lethal. Results of teen dating violence and sexual assault include serious physical harm, emotional damage, sexually transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancy, and death.

Myth

Teen dating violence only occurs between boys and girls.

Fact

Teen dating violence and sexual assault is estimated to occur between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth at about the same rate as in straight teen relationships. (NCAVP, 2001; Dahir, 1999) However, LGBTQ youth are even less likely than heterosexual youth to tell anyone or seek help, and there are fewer resources for these teens.

Myth

Teens experiencing dating violence usually tell a trusted adult.

Fact

Teens experiencing dating violence usually tell no one. When they do tell, they usually tell another teen. One study found that only 6% of girls and 11% of boys told anyone about the abuse that they experienced (O’Keefe and Treister, 1998).

Myth

Alcohol and drugs can cause teen dating violence and sexual assault.

Fact

Alcohol and drugs can and do exacerbate violence, but they are NEVER the cause of violence (Bennett, 1997; Schechter and Ganley, 1995).

Myth

Sexual assault rarely happens to teens, and when it does, it is perpetrated by a stranger.

Fact

Middle school, high school, and college age women experience a higher rate of rape than any other group. Rape is most likely to be perpetrated by someone the victim knows, such as a friend, an acquaintance, a date, a family member, or a partner (Silverman, Raj, Mucci, and Hathaway, 2001; Warshaw, 1988; Haplem, Oslak, Young, Martin, and Kupper, 2001).

Myth

Some teens like to be abused that’s why they stay in the relationships.

Fact

No one likes to be controlled or abused! There are many reasons youth stay in abusive relationships. These include:

1. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend is very important to a youth’s social status;
2. Wanting to be loved and needed;
3. Believing the abuser’s apologies and promises to never do it again; and
4. Peer pressure.

Television, music, movies and other forms of media normalize violence (Aldridge, Friedman, and Occhiuzzo Giggans, 1995).

Dating Abuse Statistics

Too Common

• Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
• One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
• One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.

Why Focus on Young People?

• Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence — almost triple the national average.
• Violent behavior typically begins between the ages of 12 and 18.
• The severity of intimate partner violence is often greater in cases where the pattern of abuse was established in adolescence.
• About 72% of eighth and ninth graders are “dating”.

Long-lasting Effects

• Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications by putting the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence.
• Being physically or sexually abused makes teen girls six times more likely to become pregnant and twice as likely to get a STI.
• Half of youth who have been victims of both dating violence and rape attempt suicide, compared to 12.5% of non-abused girls and 5.4% of non-abused boys.

Dating Violence and the Law

• Eight states currently do not include dating relationships in their definition of domestic violence. As a result, young victims of dating abuse often cannot apply for restraining orders.
• New Hampshire is the only state where the law specifically allows a minor of any age to apply for a protection order; more than half of states do not specify the minimum age of a petitioner.
• Currently only one juvenile domestic violence court in the country focuses exclusively on teen dating violence.

Lack of Awareness

• Only 33% of teens who were in a violent relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.
• Eighty one percent of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue.
• A teen’s confusion about the law and their desire for confidentiality are two of the most significant barriers stopping young victims of abuse from seeking help.

Teen Dating Violence Resources

Futures Without Violence

LoveIsRespect.org

Love Is Not Abuse

National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Network to End Domestic Violence

Nicole Brown Foundation

Information from this page comes from:

The Facts on Tweens and Teens and Dating Violence

Between Friends – Building A Community Without Domestic Violence

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:

Are You Being Stalked?

Stalking Resource Center – Stalking Fact Sheet

Stalking Legislation:

Maine Criminal Stalking Laws

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

Model Campus Stalking Policy

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)

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!