Teen Dating Violence Awareness

Teen dating violence is an equal opportunity crime. It does not matter where you live, what race you are, what your family socio-economic status is, what kind of car you drive, what kind of grades you get, etc. It is alarmingly common. It is estimated one in three teens experience some type of abuse in their relationships, including verbal and emotional abuse. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, which is why we are dedicating this month’s column to the issue.
Date rape, also called acquaintance rape, is defined as any nonconsensual sexual activity between two or more people that know one another. Current statistics tell us that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will be the victim of a sexual assault sometime in their lifetime. There are 1 in 4 teen girls that have been in relationships that reveal they have been pressured to perform oral sex or exchange in intercourse (Teen Research Unlimited, 2005). In circumstances where the two people know each other, and even if they were intimate or had sex before, no one has the right to force a sexual act on another person without their consent.
When teen date rape occurs, the survivor may feel confused as to whether consent was made or not. Teens do not often have the dating experience to understand what consent is and what qualifies as abuse. Because date rape can often occur in situations where drugs and alcohol are being used, many teen victims are reluctant to report date rape due to their own illegal drug use or underage drinking at the time they were assaulted.
Many survivors feel ashamed or embarrassed, blaming themselves for the assault because they were drinking or using drugs, how they were dressed, how they were behaving, or who they were hanging out with. Most survivors will feel they are to blame in some way. This is not true. No survivor is ever “asking for it”, nor are they to blame in any way. No always means No. Remember, rape is not about sex, it is about power and control. It is not about sex or how the woman is acting, it is about the rapist wanting to exert control over a person.
According to experts, many teens do not realize they have been sexually assaulted right away (RAINN, 2008). They may think they have given mixed signals or did not fight enough. Sometimes weeks, even months, may pass before the teen realizes what has happened and can face that sexual assault had occurred. This is called “Date Rape Time Lag” and is common in 44% of date rapes (National Woman’s Health Information Center).
It is important to talk to your teen about date rape. Help them to learn about healthy relationships and recognize red flags in an abusive relationship. Talk to them about safety in situations, like never leaving a drink unattended, always knowing where the exits are, and high risk situations. CAASA offers free self-defense classes as well as a national program, Girls Fight Back!, check out other opportunities that may be available in your community or school that will help too. Programs that help teens feel empowered and raise their self-esteem make them less likely to give in to negative peer pressure and set clear boundaries.
Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions are made, sexual violence can still occur. If this happens, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. When making the report to law enforcement, remember to preserve all physical evidence, do not change clothes or wash. Call a friend, family member, or someone you trust and talk to them, have them stay with you if it helps. Write down as much as you can remember about the assault. If you’re not sure what to do, call a crisis center.
The Crisis Call Center in Reno has a toll-free number and can assist with crisis intervention as well as local referrals and resources- 1-800-992-5757.


Recommended websites:
www.loveisnotabuse.com
www.Breakthecycle.org
http://www.teendvmonth.org
www.chooserespect.org

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

ABOUT TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is not a problem just for adults. Teens experience domestic violence in their
relationships, too. In fact, domestic violence is very common in teen dating relationships. Here are
some important facts:
· One in three teens experience some kind of abuse in their romantic relationships, including
verbal and emotional abuse.i
· 40% of teenage girls, ages 14 to 17, know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by
their partner.ii
· Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue
to date their abuser. iii
· 1 in 4 teenage girls who have been in relationships reveal they have been pressured to
perform oral sex or engage in intercourse. iv
What do I need to know?
Recognizing abuse in a relationship is difficult, but especially for teens. There are many types of
abuse that teens often believe are not abusive or are normal in a relationship. Even though teen
relationships may be different from adult relationships in many ways, teens do experience the same
types of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse that adults do.
Teens also face unique obstacles if they decide to get help. Unlike many adults, teens may not have
money, transportation, or safe places to go. They may have concerns about lack of confidentiality,
reports to police and child protective services, and parental notification. But teens do have rights to a
safe and healthy relationship. In some states, teens may apply for restraining or protective orders
and get domestic violence services without the help of a parent or guardian.
What can I do?
If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, consider these steps:
· Learn about dating and domestic violence and what the laws in your state say about teen
victims of domestic violence.
· Share information you learn with your peers.
· Support your friends and family members to stay safe in their relationships.
· Speak out in your community to end teen dating violence.
i Carolyn Tucker Halpern, Ph.D. et al., “Partner Violence Among Adolescents in Opposite-Sex Romantic Relationships:
Findings From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.” American Journal of Public Health 91 (2001) 1680.
ii Children Now/Kaiser Permanente “National Poll on Kids Health and Safety,” December 1995.
iii Children Now/Kaiser Permanente “National Poll on Kids Health and Safety,” December 1995.
iv Liz Claiborne Inc. study on teen dating abuse conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited, February 2005.


You have the right to a safe and healthy relationship…
free from violence and free from fear.
© 2008 Break the Cycle Updated 7.08


www.breakthecycle.org
www.thesafespace.org
888.988.TEEN
askanything@breakthecycle.org

Teen Dating Bill of Rights

Teen Dating Bill of Rights

I have the right:
To always be treated with respect – In a respectful relationship, you should be treated as an equal.
To be in a healthy relationship – A healthy relationship is not controlling, manipulative, or jealous. A healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, and communication.
To not be hurt physically or emotionally – You should feel safe in your relationship at all times.
Abuse is never deserved and is never your fault – Conflicts should be resolved in a peaceful and rational way.
To refuse sex or affection at anytime – A healthy relationship involves making consensual sexual decisions.
You have the right to not have sex – Even if you have had sex before, you have the right to refuse sex for any reason.
To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend – Spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy.
To end a relationship – You should not be harassed, threatened, or made to feel guilty for ending an unhealthy or healthy relationship. You have the right to end a relationship for any reason you choose.
I pledge to:
Always treat my boyfriend or girlfriend with respect.
Never hurt my boyfriend or girlfriend physically, verbally, or emotionally.
Respect my girlfriend’s or boyfriend’s decisions concerning sex and affection.
Not be controlling or manipulative in my relationship.
Accept responsibility for myself and my actions.

Copyright © 2007-2010 Love is respect – National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

Volunteering with CAASA!

Do you want to get involved in your community?

Do you want to help victims become survivors? Impact Lives?

Are you interested in Victim Advocacy? Community Outreach? Education and Awareness Events? Fundraising? Grant writing?

CAASA is looking for volunteers in different areas to assist with the variety of programs we currently have, as well as some new programs that will be coming soon to Winnemucca!

Worried about having enough time?
Different types of volunteers are always welcome: some require training hours, some don’t require much time, or you can work on your own time!

Contact us now to find out more about what YOU can do to help make a difference for survivors and secondary survivors of sexual violence in
Humboldt County!

January is National Stalking Awareness Month

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 3.4 million victims a year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. This year’s theme is: “Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It”, which challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it. Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault is working with the Stalking Resource Center to raise awareness about stalking in our community.
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, yet many victims and criminal justice professionals underestimate its seriousness and impact. In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims, and stalking is one of the significant risk factors for femicide (homicide of women) in abusive relationships, according to the American Journal of Public Health.
Stalking behavior may include, and is not limited to, unwanted phone calls, sending unsolicited or unwanted letters or e-mails, following or spying on their victim, showing up at places without having a legitimate reason, waiting at places for the victim, leaving unwanted items, presents or flowers, and posting information or spreading rumors about the victim online, in a public place or by word of mouth.
Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression at much higher rates than the general population, and many lose time from work or have to move as a result of their victimization. Of stalking victims, 46% fear not knowing what will happen next. [Baum et al., (2009). “Stalking Victimization in the United States.” BJS.]
One in four victims report that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, global positioning system devices, or hidden cameras, to track the victim’s daily activities. Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile, and many stalkers follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another, making it difficult for authorities to investigate and prosecute their crimes.
Communities that understand stalking can support victims and combat the crime. No one should ever have to live in fear! CAASA Case Manager, Billie Wirthlin advises, “Inform your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers of the situation. Pass along a picture or physical description of the stalker. Friends, coworkers and family can help to screen phone calls, sort mail or inform the police in the event that the stalker shows up. Relying on trusted friends and family is important for victims of stalking and allows them to feel (and stay) safer, while reducing feelings of isolation and desperation”.
CAASA is collaborating with Paul Montenegro of the Montenegro School of TaeKwon Do to provide a free Self-Defense class to women and girls to promote safety awareness and public education about stalking during the annual observance. The class will be taught by TaeKwon Do Instructor Paul Montenegro and will be held Saturday, January 16 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
For more information or sign up for the free class, please contact CAASA at 623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395, Fax: 623-3251, E-Mail Address humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net, Website: www.humboldtcaasa.com
For additional information on stalking please visit:
http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org and www.ovw.usdoj.gov.

January 16- FREE Self-Defense Class for Women and Girls! RSVP NOW!!!

Paul Montenegro and Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault (CAASA) are pleased to introduce:


TaeKwon-Do Self-Defense Classes for Women and Girls!!!
January is
National Stalking Awareness Month!
Did you know? 1 in 14 people are Stalked in the United States every year?
Saturday, January 16, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

5184 1/2 E. Winnemucca Blvd.
(Behind Computer Tamer and next to BLM offices)

Cost for class is: FREE

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Call 623-2328, 247-2395 or 623-2312 to sign up now!
Or email us at: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
Information on the free program- Girls Fight Back! also available!

For more information on the Montenegro School of TaeKwon-Do call Paul at 623-3025 or 544-9947

Rape Trauma Syndrome

The following article originally appeared in the Humboldt Sun:

Current statistics suggest 1 out of 3 women worldwide has experienced rape or sexual assault and it is now estimated that 1 in 3 American women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime as reported by Worldwide Sexual Assault Statistics from George Mason University. This means that if you go out to lunch with a group of four friends, it is likely that three out of four of you have been a victim of rape. That is a very scary thought and to put it into even harsher terms, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, in the United States a woman is raped every two minutes.

Rape is legally defined by NRS 200.366 Sexual assault as: “A person who subjects another person to sexual penetration, or who forces another person to make a sexual penetration on himself or another, or on a beast, against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of his conduct, is guilty of sexual assault.”
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Syndrome or Rape Trauma Syndrome is often associated with an assault. Following a rape, women generally react in two different ways; they may show intense emotion or maintain a false sense of control. Rape Trauma Syndrome sufferers often exhibit a cluster of psychological and physical signs, symptoms and reactions which is common in most rape victims.

There are three stages associated with Rape Trauma Syndrome. There is an acute stage which occurs within days to weeks after the incident has taken place. The amount of time that a victim remains in this stage is variable. They may show intense emotion, which ranges from hysteria to numbness. How soon the survivor tells someone about the rape provides an indication about her own feelings about guilt, what happened to her and her role in it. Talking to someone you can trust is very important, because it can help clarify feelings and justify your emotions and reactions. It may also be helpful to talk to an advocate who can provide information about the decision to report the rape in addition to other options, including medical and legal assistance if desired.

Phase two is the outward adjustment phase in which the survivor has resumed their normal lifestyle. They may still be suffering from internal turmoil which can manifest in a variety of ways as the victim copes with the long-term trauma of a rape. RAINN identifies five main coping strategies during the outward adjustment phase which are: minimization, dramatization, suppression, explanation, and flight. During this phase, the victim often chooses how they will handle the assault and it is important to remember that one is capable of going from a victim to survivor.

The final phase of Rape Trauma Syndrome is the Renormalization Phase in which the survivor integrates the sexual assault into her life so that the rape is no longer the central focus of life. Negative feelings such as guilt and shame are then able to be resolved and the individual realizes that the attack is not through any fault of their own and they are not to blame. The trauma experienced from an assault is something that never goes away, however it is important to remind yourself or your loved one that the worst is over and there are support groups available to both victims and secondary survivors.

This column is not is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice or treatment.
Community Advocates Against Sexual Assault
P.O. Box 1338
Winnemucca, NV 89446
Contact Information:
775-623-2328, 775-623-2312, 775-247-2395
Fax: 623-3251
E-Mail: humboldtcaasa@sbcglobal.net
The mission of CAASA is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy and crisis intervention and to raise awareness in the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.