Click here to download the 2011 Spring Start Talking. Change Will Happen. Newsletter!
Imagine that sexual violence is a tree. If we cut the tree down, it will still grow. Instead of cutting it down we must focus on the roots of the tree to eradicate sexual violence. At the root of sexual violence is oppression. To work on oppression seems like a very daunting and sometimes scary task. Here are a few simple ways to help end oppression.
Educate yourself so you understand what oppression is. Look it up, read about it and talk to others about it. Don't expect others to give you a Cliff Notes version of information regarding a certain group or culture. It's important to do the leg work yourself.
Monitor your language and actions. Are you using oppressive language such as "You're such a retard!" or the N-word? Do you dominate or take over in conversations with friends, family or co-workers? Ask others to call you on your slip-ups.
Challenge someone's oppressive language or actions. You can say, "I'm offended by your use of the word 'gay' to describe something you dislike. Please pick another word."
Get people together to talk about oppression. Start a book club or an anti-oppression work group. Address issues common in your community or workplace.
Don't make assumptions about another group or culture. Check out your information; then ask questions. Ask what culture someone is from; do they identify as Native, Native American, Indian, or Mdewakanton?
Think of the privilege you have. Privilege is when you have 'rights' that you don't even think about, but may be limited or harder to obtain or uphold for others.
Sexual assaults have long been linked to the use of substances, primarily alcohol, that may decrease inhibitions and the ability to function. This type of assault is commonly referred to as a drug-facilitated sexual assault, and involves the use of an anesthesia-type drug to render a victim physically unable to function or helpless. The victim is then incapable of giving or withholding consent, even though they may have taken such a drug willingly. These drugs often render victims unconscious-an effect that is quickened and intensified when the drugs are taken with alcohol. Victims may remain unconscious during all or parts of the sexual assault and, after waking up, may experience anterograde amnesia-the inability to recall events that occurred while under the influence of the drug. Because of the sedative properties, victims often have no memory of an assault, only an awareness or sense that they were violated.
In addition to alcohol, the drugs most often used in sexual assault are:
GHB
Rohypnol (Roofie)
Ketamine (Ket)
Soma
Some prescriptive drugs, other sedative hypnotics, and some over-the-counter medications
Is drug-facilitated sexual assault illegal? YES. Most of the drugs typically used to facilitate sexual assaults-GHB, ketamine, and Rohypnol-are designated as controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-305) modified the Federal statute 21 U.S.C 841 to provide penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines for persons who intend to commit a crime of violence (including rape) by distributing a controlled substance to another indivicual wihtout that individual's knowledge.
Rape (or sexual violence) survivors who received advocacy were significantly more likely to have police reports taken and were less likely to be treated negatively by police officers. These (victims) also reported that they experienced less distress after their contact with the legal system." -The National Center for Victims of Crime, 2009
Victims often seek medical treatment in emergency rooms after sexual assaults. SVC wants to make sure every victim has an advocate. Our medical advocates are trained volunteers and staff that provide emotional support at the hospital during the medical exam and the filing of a police report. The advocate also provides information for follow-up care, additional support, resources, and services.
SVC currently has 15-20 active advocates trained to do medical advocacy, but is always in need of more support, both in volunteers and funding. Currently SVC is under-funded in the area of medical advocacy, even though the results of having an advocacte work alongside medical and law enforcement agencies has shown positive outcomes for victim recovery and reporting rates. SVC responds to requests for medical advocacy in ten area hospitals located in Hennepin, Scott and Carver counties. In 2010, SVC was able to respond to 241 requests. SVC would like to be able to respond to each and every request. Our advocates receive over 40 hours of sexual violence advocacy training, as mandated by the state, as well as a three and a half hour medical advocacy specific course. Advocates also receive ongoing supervision and staff support.
For more information on supporting this work, or if you are interested in volunteering as an advocate please call (612) 871-5100 ext. 14 or e-mail mclose@sexualviolencecenter.org. More information about medical advocacy here.
