May
15
You do the math
Filed Under Diversity, Prevention | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
When I think of math, “cold heartless numbers” comes to mind. When I think of solving mathematical equations – after the panic subsides – I think of equality. Equality is the silver bullet solution to mathematical problems. For example, equations require the equality of two expressions to be correct while chemistry requires the balancing of equations. The reliability of numbers in engineering our infrastructure, medical treatment and research lends credibility to the notion of equality. Math and Science are seen as unemotional, impersonal, heartless subjects that are at the core of our existence. Yet equality is seen as the answer and the solution to its problems. Violence at its core is the manifestation of inequality through the exertion of power to establish control. Violence thrives on the imbalance of power in the equation. Equality should be at the center of our work as sexual assault advocates.
Day in and day out we work with the aftermath of inequality and the imbalance of power. We talk about working ourselves out of a job, yet the focus of our work is limited to serving survivors of sexual violence. Working toward equality as a solution to societal problems seems like the logical thing to do. The intolerance of imbalance, the rejection of subjugation and the elimination of inequality to resolve a problem is at the core of mathematical solutions from which we rely on a daily basis. As our grant monitors and my “Jenny Craig” scale can attest…..Numbers do not lie. And although math and science are seen as impersonal and heartless, its equality based solutions allow for hope that humanity will realize equality as a practical solution to its problems. Any step in the direction of equality can advance our goals in creating a safer and just community. Back in the day, my algebra teacher constantly quoted Bertrand Russell by saying, “Mathematics possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty.” The parallels of advocacy, public policy and mathematics are not often compared. All have problems to solve but only one utilizes equality with great result. Now you do the math.
Apr
25
A tale of two Americas
Filed Under Diversity, Guest Post, sexual assault awareness & prevention month | By Larry Alexander, Jr. | Leave a Comment
In recent months we’ve seen on the news, youtube clips, Facebook, and countless media outlets the Trayvon Martin tragedy. We all agree that no matter the outcome, this is truly a dark time for society. Right now a nation is more divided than ever about so many issues concerning the state of our nation. Unfortunately, it seems we are more united by the tragic death of a young man, due to a senseless act of violence. Above, I stated it was a dark time for society, we have been almost brainwashed to believe that anything “dark” is negative.
Being a minority you learn there are two sets of rules in life. The rules/laws you’re taught to obey to avoid fines, courts, and judges. Then the unwritten rules for children of color. Minority parents teach their children the “unwritten” rules to navigate safely in a society that is not so equal. Parents walk the tight rope of explaining to their children the beauty of their color but also the fear and hate it incites in others. Parents have “the talk” to list precautionary ways to stay safe and out of jail if pulled over by the police regardless if the stop was warranted.
“Right or wrong never argue with them, keep your voice lowered and keep your hands where they can see you” is what I was taught.
Respecting the law and enforcers of the law is a given, however a fear of those obligated to protect the community is a reality for people of color. Examples of black men targeted or profiled are countless. Often times with dire consequences (i.e. beating of Rodney King). How many incidences of police brutality include Caucasian victims?
The controversy now is about the Florida “stand your ground” law. I can’t help but think had the roles been reversed, would an African-American who had been instructed not to continue the pursuit of a suspect, still be allowed to walk around free two months after he shot and killed an unarmed teenager? The tale of two Americas continue.
Mar
28
The Significance of Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month 2012
Filed Under Announcement, child sexul assault, Diversity, Motivating Moments, News, Prevention | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
The climate in our society over the past few months has been unusual to say the least. The issue of women’s health, contraception and the reauthorization of the once unanimously bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are unfortunately at the center of a political firestorm. Also front and center is the untimely shooting death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.
The parallel of interpersonal violence and victim blaming are evident. “I am urging the parents of black and Latino youngsters particularly to not let their children go out wearing hoodies,” Geraldo Rivera said. “I think the hoodie is as much responsible for Trayvon Martin’s death as George Zimmerman was.” The focus on victim behavior, attire, and history are ubiquitous in sexual assault cases. The issue of victim blaming has extraordinarily become central in the media’s coverage of the tragic shooting death of Trayvon Martin. This polarization is unfortunate. April 1st marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). It is imperative that our efforts during this important month break through the political smokescreen. We must not allow politics to relegate the issue of sexual assault and violence as a whole. TAASA’s Executive Director, Annette Burrhus Clay, vehemently challenged legislators to keep election year political rhetoric out of the issue of violence against women, in “Toning Down the Political Rhetoric on Women”. Because of this distraction it is particularly important to provide the facts, dispel the misinformation about sexual assault, and articulate the vital role of rape crisis centers in the community.
Social change work is also an important component of SAAPM efforts. We must underscore the community’s obligation and responsibility to and of its people. Addressing the underpinnings of violence is vital in creating a safe and healthy community for all to enjoy regardless of what we wear. Together we can provide a unified and strong message during the month of April. TAASA will host a variety of webinars, blogs and social media initiatives. Let us know what you are doing for SAAPM. Look forward to hearing from you.
For more information on TAASA’s 2012 “Get Social” SAAPM toolkit click here. For up to date SAAPM events during April visit TAASA’s blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Mar
7
Cesar Chavez: A Model of Men’s Nonviolence
Filed Under Diversity, Guest Post, Motivating Moments, Prevention, Resource | By Emiliano Diaz de Leon | Leave a Comment
This blog piece was orginally published by Joyful Heart and 1in6.org.
If you walk into my home office in Austin, Texas you will see two posters – one of Emiliano Zapata and the other of Cesar Chavez. Both of these men struggled for the rights of the poor and oppressed and organized movements that changed society; however, the tactics they used to achieve this social change differed greatly. As his birthday approaches, I would like to reflect on the example of change set forth by Cesar Chavez.
Chavez once said:
Nonviolence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak…Nonviolence is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win.
No one lived these words better than the man himself. Cesar Chavez modeled a deeper meaning of nonviolence, not just as a way of acting but as a basic principle of life. He realized that in order to change the world, he had to be willing to start with himself; therefore, in 1962, he resigned from his post of national director of the Community Service Organization and founded the United Farm Workers of America. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and the Southern Civil Rights movement, Chavez humbly led the union for more than three decades with nonviolence as the guiding tenet for all of his actions. Even in the face of violent attacks from landowners and growers, Chavez maintained his commitment to nonviolence, organizing and participating in successful strikes and boycotts, as well as fasting for nearly a month on several occasions to send a message to farm workers, who began to speak of responding in kind to the violent assaults against them. Chavez sacrificed personally, going days without eating, earning less than $6,000 a year, never owning a house, and leaving his family with no savings upon his death in April of 1993, but his sacrifice and dedication won fair wages, medical coverage, humane living conditions, and above all dignity and respect for farm workers.
It is for all these reasons and many more that a poster of Cesar Chavez hangs in my office. His image reminds me daily that with courage an ordinary man can accomplish extraordinary feats. This holds especially true in my work with 1in6. I have seen how the courage of one survivor coming forward to tell his story of childhood sexual abuse serves as the catalyst for others to come forward as well. I have also witnessed how the courage of bystanders taking a stand against social norms that perpetuate sexual violence has helped others question their own views and actions and how the courage of a loved one supporting his partner has made the long journey of healing a tad more bearable. Although it is often much easier to allow fear, doubt, and apathy to paralyze us into inaction, we must have the courage to look beyond ourselves for the greater good of others just as Cesar Chavez continually did and spoke of:
When you have people together who believe in something very strongly – whether it’s religion or politics or unions, things happen…We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.
We at 1in6 believe strongly in our mission of helping men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives and through our work, we are beginning to see things happen. Recently 1in6 partnered with The Joyful Heart Foundation and NBC on a ground breaking episode of Law & Order: SVU “Personal Fouls,” which focuses on both courage and the role of bystanders. You can watch the episode (for $1.99) on Amazon, and please consider using the Viewer Guide created by 1in6.
In this time when so much emphasis is placed on self-preservation and retaliation, may the words and legacy of Cesar Chavez inspire and challenge us all to continue working in order to become the peace we seek in our community and in the world.
By: Emiliano C. Diaz de Leon
Emiliano C. Diaz de Leon is a Cultural Capacity Specialist for 1in6, Inc.
Besides his work with 1in6, Emiliano has more than a decade of experience working for multiple Domestic/Sexual Violence centers in Texas. Since 2008, Emiliano has worked as a Primary Prevention Specialist for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) and since October 2011 providing technical assistance to the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Engaging Men Program grantees around the country as a Men’s Engagement Specialist.
Feb
14
We are all Miramonte!!
Filed Under Announcement, child sexul assault, Diversity, Guest Post, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women, Prevention, Resource | By Rose Luna | 1 Comment
The following piece written by guest blogger Laura Zárate (Co-founder and Executive Director of Arte Sana)contains a position statement written collectively by members of a national Latina cyberactivist group named ALAS. The position statment has been endorsed by agencies from Texas and across the country. This effort demonstrates a unified front working on behalf of society’s most vulnerable populations.
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The membership of the Alianza Latina en contra la Agresión Sexual (ALAS) has developed the following position statement to articulate some of the critical issues that may place other communities across the nation at risk for an incident similar to the child sexual abuse tragedy at Miramonte Elementary School. We also wish to express our solidarity with all who are currently working to help the local community heal, especially the victim advocates from the East Los Angeles Women’s Center and the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles.
On this February 14, 2012 our hearts go out to all of the victims of this horrific case who have had their sense of trust and safety shattered. We offer the following position statement in solidarity with national and local victim assistance entities, and dedicate this page to all of the voiceless residents in countless communities across this nation who live in fear: fear of retribution, fear of authority, fear of deportation, fear of the police.
A heartfelt GRACIAS to the following agencies and coalitions that showed solidarity through their endorsement:
A CALL TO MEN
Alianza por el Bienstar del Hogar (North Carolina)
Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change
Arte Sana (art heals)
Big Voice Pictures, producer of BOYS AND MEN HEALING
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)
End Violence Against Women International
Hollaback!
Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault (INCASA)
Mamas of Color Rising Collective
La Mariposa Enterprises (Oregon)
Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women (MCBW)
Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition
Moving Forward Gulf Coast, Inc.
National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)
New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA)
North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA)
Latinas Unidas por Un Nuevo Amanecer (L.U.N.A.)
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Rape Victim Advocacy Program, Iowa City, Iowa
Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut
Sexual Violence Center (Minnesota)
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)
Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)
The position statement is available to download in both English and Spanish here.
The new dedicated webpage also includes Los Corazoncitos art exhibit that includes selections of art from adult survivors of child sexual abuse, and the advocates who work with them.
The position statement development and endorsement process was an urgent attempt to give voice to the broad implications of the events that took place at a particular school. The families of Miramonte Elementary School are Read more
Jan
4
Slut Walk Revisited: A Perspective Missing from the Conversation
Filed Under Announcement, Diversity, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
Since its inception the “Slut Walk” events have carried a storm of controversy and have been met with both acceptance and resistance. TAASA responded with talking points and also created a space for staff to openly discuss their thoughts on the Slut Walk events. The results were featured in Soapbox-SlutWalk-Summer2011. A viewpoint missing from the national and international conversation is that of women of color. Below please find the collective response in the “Open Letter from Black Women to the Slut Walk”
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We the undersigned women of African descent and anti-violence advocates, activists, scholars, organizational and spiritual leaders wish to address the SlutWalk. First, we commend the organizers on their bold and vast mobilization to end the shaming and blaming of sexual assault victims for violence committed against them by other members of society. We are proud to be living in this moment in time where girls and boys have the opportunity to witness the acts of extraordinary women resisting oppression and challenging the myths that feed rape culture everywhere.
The police officer’s comments in Toronto that ignited the organizing of the first SlutWalk and served to trivialize, omit and dismiss women’s continuous experiences of sexual exploitation, assault, and oppression are an attack upon our collective spirits. Whether the dismissal of rape and other violations of a woman’s body be driven by her mode of dress, line of work, level of intoxication, her class, and in cases of Black and brown bodies—her race, we are in full agreement that no one deserves to be raped.
The Issue At Hand
We are deeply concerned. As Black women and girls we find no space in SlutWalk, no space for participation and to unequivocally denounce rape and sexual assault as we have experienced it. We are perplexed by the use of the term “slut” and by any implication that this word, much like the word “Ho” or the “N” word should be re-appropriated. The way in which we are perceived and what happens to us before, during and after sexual assault crosses the boundaries of our mode of dress. Much of this is tied to our particular history. In the United States, where slavery constructed Black female sexualities, Jim Crow kidnappings, rape and lynchings, gender misrepresentations, and more recently, where the Black female immigrant struggle combine, “slut” has different associations for Black women. We do not recognize ourselves nor do we see our lived experiences reflected within SlutWalk and especially not in its brand and its label.
As Black women, we do not have the privilege or the space to call ourselves “slut” without validating the already historically entrenched ideology and recurring messages about what and who the Black woman is. We don’t have the privilege Read more
Nov
16
Personally Speaking…..
Filed Under child sexul assault, Diversity, Guest Post, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women, Resource, sexual harrassment | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
The topics of child sexual assault and sexual harassment have ushered onto the national spotlight. As the Presidential nomination process continues and the Penn State scandal unfolds, advocates across the country cautiously watch as sensitive matters are frivolously discussed across media outlets. Local, state and national sexual assault organizations have garnered words of encouragement and official position statements. In addition, we gathered the personal thoughts weighing heavily on the minds of TAASA staff.
A trilogy of blogs authored by TAASA staff as events unfolded.
PART I of 3
I AM WOMAN hear me ROAR!
By Rose Luna
Credit: Free images from acobox.com
Sexual harassment has been the topic of the month since the claims against a current Presidential candidate surfaced. On my drive in this morning I haphazardly listened to the radio when the following comment caught my attention: “Well women just need to distinguish between someone ‘making a pass’ at work and sexual harassment” the other (a woman I might add)said this “Well this last woman has no credibility, she didn’t file a claim like the others”. I jammed the radio button to silence the absurdity and quell my rage.
The flippancy in the discussion of sexual harassment was disheartening. And the lack of media critique on the dismissal of these claims as a “distraction” to “real issues” (in my opinion) undermines years of social change attained by the women’s movement of the past. Throughout history sexualized violence against women has been met with conspicuous suspicion. The focus remains on the victim’s behavior, dress and/or choices as opposed to the criminal acts of the offender. Sexual harassment in the workplace is also met resistance and doubt. Many of the victims primarily women, suffer in silence for fear of losing their job.
A 2008 telephone poll by Louis Harris and Associates on 782 U.S. workers revealed:
* 31% of the female workers reported they had been harassed at work
* 7% of the male workers reported they had been harassed at work
* 62% of targets took no action
* 100% of women reported the harasser was a man
* 59% of men reported the harasser was a woman
* 41% of men reported the harasser was another man
Of the women who had been harassed:
* 43% were harassed by a supervisor
* 27% were harassed by an employee senior to them
* 19% were harassed by a coworker at their level
* 8% were harassed by a junior employee
The stark parallels on the realities of sexual assault and sexual harassment paint a bleak picture for women in contemporary society. In 2011 the thought of powerful independent women is still met with skepticism. According to a 2009 sexual harassment study at the University of Minnesota,Researcher Heather McLaughlin reported “This study provides the strongest evidence to date supporting the theory that sexual harassment is less about sexual desire than about control and domination….Male co-workers, clients and supervisors seem to be using harassment as an equalizer against women in power.”
Hillary Clinton’s bid for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination may have “cracked the glass ceiling” however the indifferent characterization of sexual harassment victims this past month exposes a renovation project far from over.
PART 2 of 3
Sexual Harassment is a voting issue
Annette Burrhus Clay- TAASA Executive Director (our fearless leader!)
Credit: Free images from acobox.com
Annette has been in the movement for over 30 years and is a nationally renowned authority on sexual assault issues.
I have been absolutely flabbergasted with the general disinterest by the public in Herman Cain’s sexual harassment allegations. Some media has kept the story out in the public but it doesn’t really seem to be getting any traction. When Cain publicly and unapologetically all but dared reporters to ask any more questions about it and then bragged that his donations have actually increased since the story broke, made me very sad for our country.
Why is it in this primary season we are much more interested in Mitt Romney’s religion or Rick Perry’s debating skills than we are of the blatant disregard and disrespect of half of the electorate? This does matter! First I hear this is gossip fueled by two disgruntled women and then two more victims surface. Next is the claim that the accusations are completely baseless, not even worthy of remembering they actually occurred. And then we find out a considerable settlement was paid. That was followed by the outrage that the victims were anonymous so couldn’t be trusted. Finally, two victim identities are revealed (through both a press conference and an outing) and the victim’s character and motivations became the headline. Is it any wonder that most women never report their victimization?
I have seen sexual harassment downplayed and joked about for years, so under normal circumstances I might not be so surprised by this reaction, but this is the primaries where candidates are under a microscope and their every word and action scrutinized. So why have so many people given Herman Cain a pass? Why is the treatment of women such a low priority? I wonder if it’s not the same reason why it’s so much harder to find Congressional co-sponsors for the Violence Against Women Act this session. Are we so concerned about the economy and jobs that we’ve collectively decided women can be the sacrificial lamb? I hope that’s not the case but I can assure you, women are watching and we are voting.
PART 3 of 3
Unthinkable complacency
By Lyn Williams
Credit: Free photos from acobox.com
Lyn is TAASA’s training director. He is a father, husband and an avid LSU fan.
I will soon be 62 years of age and I have been a college football fan as long as I can remember. I follow professional sports to a degree but because it has become nothing more than a business it does not have the same luster as college sports. For many years college football was basically pure in its approach to the game. Read more
Sep
19
A letter to agencies regarding the “Slut Walk” events
Filed Under Diversity, Guest Post, Powerful Women, Resource | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
“Slut Walk” events have have taken the world by storm. Communities across Texas have recently experienced the “Slut Walk” phenomenon. Below please read TAASA Executive Director -Annette Burrhus-Clay’s letter in regards to the “Slut Walk” events sweeping our nation.
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Since the first SlutWalks began taking place in Texas this past spring, TAASA has been fielding questions from the media, rape crisis centers, and community members concerning these marches and whether TAASA endorses these events. We have had several discussions with our staff regarding our endorsement or participation in Slutwalks. As was illustrated in our most recent newsletter, our individual perspectives differ. Factors such as age, culture, and personal experiences have colored our opinions regarding the word “slut.” For some of us, we experience a very visceral reaction to the term and there is no interest to participate in any event that embraces the word. For others, there is a strong desire to stand in solidarity with the many women who have been immobilized, blamed and marginalized by this term.
In the end what TAASA staff could agree is that mobilizing communities to respond to misogyny, violence against women, and victim-blaming is a positive action. There was an acknowledgment that in any social justice movement there are awareness strategies with which we are eager to participate and others that cross our personal boundaries of comfort. We also felt individual rape crisis centers would grapple with the same feelings and choices and would make decisions in the best interest of their agencies, their communities, and the survivors they serve. Collectively our staff decided we would support Slutwalks when it was asked for but we would also let others be the driving force behind these local endeavors.
We are aware that some Texas sexual assault centers have been key organizers of SlutWalks; others have taken a very minor role in the public aspect of the event but have coordinated with organizers to assure that survivors who disclose or are triggered will have immediate access to services. Still others have chosen to “sit this one out” either as a deliberate, well-thought out decision or because the activists planning the event did not reach out to them or had a preference not to ally itself with the local rape crisis center. There is not one best answer that fits the needs, culture, or climate of every Texas community. TAASA’s endorsement (if asked for) of a local SlutWalk is in no way intended to suggest that our member centers have or should endorse the event.
TAASA’s support is based on the premise that more Texans need to be discussing this issue openly and regularly and if activists and survivors take the initiative to bring these critical issues into the limelight we want to provide encouragement. Social change does not happen without some conflict, uncomfortable conversations, and challenges. SlutWalks are a perfect illustration of this. I hope we will all use these events as both an opportunity to examine our personal attitudes and feelings and engage in meaningful dialogue with others who may not agree with our perspective. Reasonable, passionate, and intelligent individuals may come to very different conclusions about participation in SlutWalks and TAASA respects whatever decision is reached in your community.
Sincerely,
Annette Burrhus-Clay
Jul
8
Dynamic Duo: Cultural Awareness & Volunteer Training
Filed Under Diversity, Motivating Moments, Powerful Women, Prevention, Resource | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
Featuring a blog post by Corey Seldon – Structured Education Coordinator with Hope Alliance, in Round Rock,TX.
Volunteers play a vital role in the survival and function of any non- profit agency. Training volunteers is always a challenge. The amount of information to cover, how much is too much or too little, will the information prepare for the volunteer for the challenges ahead? The list of potential content is exhausting and the decision on what to include is never easy. The issue of cultural awareness, although recognized by agencies as very important, very seldom makes the cut. Hope Alliance in Round Rock, Texas incorporated a diversity portion to their volunteer training and has experienced great feedback from the volunteer to be.
Check out Blogging for Hope featuring “Cultural Competency? Really?”
Jun
30
Slut Walk Austin
Filed Under Diversity, Guest Post, Motivating Moments, News, Powerful Women, Prevention | By Rose Luna | Leave a Comment
Emiliano is a Primary Prevention Specialist with TAASA
As kids, we said that “sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us.” As adults, we know better. Words can shake us to our very core. One word in particular – SLUT – has shaken people across our country into action.
Since January 2011, SlutWalks have been organized internationally, each one garnering both praise and criticism, forcing men and women alike to engage in a difficult dialogue in order to confront the rape-culture that has permeated our communities. Regardless of people’s views of the use of the word “slut,” most can agree that SlutWalks have been effective in bringing attention to the issue of sexual violence. The organizers of each walk have been able to mobilize hundreds and, in some cases, thousands to take to the streets to demand an end to victim-blaming.
Similar to many of the other walks, SlutWalk Austin began as a buzz in social networks and culminated with a diverse group of people joining together to let their voices be heard, their presence be felt, and their demands be known. On Saturday, June 11, 2011 SlutWalk Austin got off to a shaky start with a few technical difficulties, but the message of each speaker remained clear – a woman’s clothing does NOT determine her worth and does NOT justify an attack. Victim-blaming will not be tolerated in the state of Texas, and in order to bring this message to others, the hundreds of participants from around Central Texas who had gathered marched down Congress with their signs and protest clothing, reclaiming their bodies and their streets.
SlutWalk Austin, like those before it, continues to peak interest and spark both conversation and action. A SlutWalk is scheduled for next month in Houston and more are being organized globally in small and large communities alike. Do you want to help put an end to victim-blaming? Think about joining this movement and organizing a SlutWalk in your community.
Check out video footage from the Slut Walk event in Austin:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/p0eWDtkG-i4