• Search for:

• Categories

  • Announcement
  • child sexul assault
  • Diversity
  • Guest Post
  • Human Trafficking
  • Humorless Feminist
  • Legal Servivces
  • Motivating Moments
  • News
  • Powerful Women
  • Prevention
  • Privacy
  • Public Policy
  • Resource
  • sexual assault awareness & prevention month
  • sexual assault laws
  • sexual harrassment
  • Stalking
  • Uncategorized
  • Vlog

• Recent Comments

  • Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker on “Owning” Change
  • Gabriel on Sexual Assault on College Campuses: What you Need to Know
  • Rose Luna on Politics on a Personal Level
  • Adam on Politics on a Personal Level
  • Linda Hunter on Toning Down the Political Rhetoric on Women

• Admin

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

• Archives

  • ▼2012 (13)
    • ▼May (1)
      • You do the math
    • ▶April (4)
    • ▶March (4)
    • ▶February (2)
    • ▶January (2)
  • ▶2011 (36)
    • ▶November (2)
    • ▶October (3)
    • ▶September (4)
    • ▶July (4)
    • ▶June (5)
    • ▶May (4)
    • ▶April (7)
    • ▶March (2)
    • ▶February (2)
    • ▶January (3)
  • ▶2010 (35)
    • ▶December (3)
    • ▶November (4)
    • ▶October (4)
    • ▶September (7)
    • ▶August (4)
    • ▶July (1)
    • ▶May (3)
    • ▶April (4)
    • ▶March (1)
    • ▶February (1)
    • ▶January (3)
  • ▶2009 (45)
    • ▶December (2)
    • ▶November (3)
    • ▶October (3)
    • ▶September (1)
    • ▶August (1)
    • ▶July (3)
    • ▶June (5)
    • ▶May (5)
    • ▶April (10)
    • ▶March (5)
    • ▶February (6)
    • ▶January (1)
  • ▶2008 (15)
    • ▶December (2)
    • ▶November (2)
    • ▶October (4)
    • ▶September (4)
    • ▶June (1)
    • ▶March (2)
  • ▶2007 (2)
    • ▶October (1)
    • ▶September (1)

“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.

—————————————————————————————

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

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?”

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

It is the morning of the Texas Peace Project and I am already inspired. The Texas Peace Project is a project of the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault to engage youth as agents of change through peer education. This year’s summit will take place this weekend (June 10-12) at Trinity University in San Antonio. Youth from across the state of Texas will attend. Youth leaders (titled Youth Advisory Board members) have partnered with adult facilitators in creating the workshops featured at this year’s summit. The overarching premise throughout the weekend is Racism, Adultism, Homophobia and Sexism. The aim is to address the underlying sources enabling violence inhibiting equality. If the discussions out of workshop preparations are an indicator of success, this weekend’s summit is sure to inspire peer-led social change in the state of Texas. Today is registration, welcome address and talent showcase. Workshops begin tomorrow morning. Let the learning begin!!!

In recent months, SlutWalks held in various locations have garnered national attention. Recently called the “most successful feminist action of the past 20 years”, they started in early April 2011 and are still happening all across the country. As a result, your agency may see an increase in calls and media activity. In response to that, we have prepared the attached talking points to help you and your staff not only know a bit more about the event, but also have a consistent message to share in support of both survivors and sexual assault activists.
History
On January 4, 2011 a member of Toronto’s law enforcement commented on a sexual assault incident with the following quote “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.
In response to the comment, enraged community members organized an event titled “slut walk” to highlight the term that both enraged and inspired them to join together with a message that victims are never to blame for their sexual assault.
Currently
TAASA works on behalf of sexual assault victims in many capacities. The blatant comment by the officer is a stark reminder of the societal views most often associated with victims of sexual assault . Confronting victim blaming statements is a vital component of TAASA’s mission.
SLUT Walk has taken the world by storm. Since the initial walk in Toronto other walks have occurred across the globe including here in Texas.
Consequences and Benefits
The term “slut” carries with it many negative connotations and may incite judgment and/or anger from an unassuming community member. Connecting the message to its original intent may proactively neutralize reactions.
SLUT Walk can be used as an opportunity to engage the public, create new local partnerships and create awareness about rape myths ubiquitous in our communities. The enthusiasm behind the movement has successfully activated communities around the world to unite in support of sexual assault victims while challenging the negative stereotypes that hinder justice for victims of sexual assault here in Texas and around the world.
SLUT walks are working to draw attention to societal norms about women and about sexuality that create an environment where sexual violence is more likely to occur. By bringing awareness to these norms and starting community conversations around them, we can all work to change these same norms and ultimately prevent violence from happening in the first place.

Congratulations to Oralia Jaure of the Family Crisis Center in Harlingen, Texas, for 18 years of service to survivors and the community.  Listen as Oralia shares valuable insights 18 years of serving victims brings.

U.S. contemporary society has undergone many changes in recent years due to technology. The use of technology has streamlined workloads, condensed geographical locations with the use of webcams and has made efficient our professional and personal lives, including the search for “the one.” According to the Dating Journal.com, U.S. Census numbers suggest 44% of American adults are single, 40% have tried online dating AND more than 120,000 marriages a year occur as a result of online dating in the U.S.

With less than 5% of single adults in America searching for love organically, risks and opportunities exist for both businesses and the community at large. Not only has online dating altered the landscape of meeting potential life partners,  it also provides lucrative business opportunities. The U.S. online dating market is expected to reach $932 billion this year alone. Skeptics maintain electronic and/or internet communications lack intimacy and may provide a false sense of hope and security. Does this online dating phenomenon intersect our work with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence?

Read more

Most girls are immediately trusting of others—especially those in authority. Usually, this is the right choice. Usually, people are not bad, are not violent and are not rapists. Unfortunately, the definition of usually is “not always”.
For one teenage girl in Italy, her trust in others was ruined by her 45-year-old driving instructor. During her very first driving lesson he asked the young woman to drive further and further from her town into the country. I imagine she might have begun to feel nervous, but she trusted this man, he was her driving instructor, an authority figure, and her parent s trusted him. Why would she question him?
Once out of town he asked her to pull over into a wooded area. He threatened to kill her and her family as he forced one of her legs out of her jeans and brutally raped her.
She was a smart young woman, and she trusted her parents and the police to do the right thing—and they did. They supported her, arrested the man; he was convicted of rape and sentenced to prison.
Eventually, through the appeals process, his lawyers came up with the often used defense that it was consensual sex. She was dressed provocatively, she was driving the car herself…and because her jeans were tight she had to help him remove them.
The case made its way through the system to the Italian Supreme Court where it was finally overturned. The chief justice said, “Since the victim wore very, very tight jeans; she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans, it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”
Within hours of the verdict, women of the Italian Parliament rushed home to change into jeans in protest, standing in support of this girl, and all girls and women who are blamed every day for something someone else did to them.

In 1999, Peace Over Violence, an anti-violence organization in Las Angeles, began the Denim Day campaign to show a unified front in support of survivors. Anti-violence and sexual assault centers across the United States and the World have followed suit. In 2008, SafePlace brought the campaign to Austin. Other organizations, including TAASA have joined in the movement.
Now, when someone hears the story behind Denim Day, they are outraged. They tell friends and co-workers and want to sign up immediately to support survivors and to show their outrage that anyone –women, girls, boys and men– are ever to blame for an assault against them.
The blame hasn’t ended. The brutal gang rape of the 11-year-old girl in Cleveland, Texas brings this point home. She was a little girl, and she didn’t know not to trust.

I did a very quick tweet/Facebook post earlier today from SlutWalk Dallas, which raised the question what is a slutwalk? In short, it’s an event to bring awareness to the community that a sexual assault victim is never to blame for being violated. The Huffington Post reported that since the first one in Toronto earlier this month, the event is sweeping the nation. Yay! The next one in Texas (that I know of at the time of this blog) is scheduled for June 4 in Austin.

Here’s a quick chat with SlutWalk Dallas organizer, Elizabeth Webb about the event:

If you’d like to see footage from the walk itself, here is the story that channel 33 ran tonight.

Football season in the small rural town of Bartlett, Texas is filled with anticipation and excitement.  After all, the Bartlett High School football team was named “team of the decade” after winning three state championship titles during the ‘90s. The not-so-typical thing about the 2009 football season is 10-year-old Danielle’s decision to trade in her cheerleading skirt for a football helmet.

For two years Danielle participated in the youth football league as a cheerleader. “She was not very happy and did not particularly care to be a cheerleader,” says her mother.  But she participated because “that’s what girls did.” This year Danielle decided she would not cheer but instead follow her desire to play football. Initially her parents were hesitant and for good reason. “You tackle like a girl” is a common insult used to demean a player’s ability (not to mention the obvious correlation to femininity as a weakness).  Her parents were not only concerned with their daughter’s physical ability to play football but her emotional ability to face possible rejection. Danielle was persistent though, and with her parents’ support embarked on a journey that challenged societal expectations in her town.

Danielle (#32) is wearing the blue jersey with gray sleeves.

Her immediate reaction to dust off and adjust her clothes after her “manly” tackle is priceless.

Danielle’s decision to play was not calculated to take a stand or to rebel against conformity (although it was a consequence).  It simply was to follow her heart. Often times following your dreams comes with restrictions. Danielle’s courageous decision to defy gender role expectations is exceptional. And surprisingly both her coaches and fellow players welcomed Danielle to the team.  “It (football) helps both boys AND girls gain confidence and character while building camaraderie,” says Zachary Buchhorn, a coach for the Bartlett Youth Football League. I ran into Danielle last weekend and asked if she planned to play next year. She responded, “nah, football is not for me. I just wanted to prove I could do it.” My heart skipped a beat! Her unwillingness to allow gendered expectations to stop her is awesomely refreshing and a standard we all should follow.

← Previous Page — Next Page →