Apr 10, 2018 | Announcements
Participants will obtain foundational knowledge of sexual violence and rape culture and its’ impact on those whom experience this type of victimization. Trainees will gain basic crisis intervention skills, explore the neurobiology of trauma and learn how to respond...
Mar 28, 2018 | Announcements
As required under the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, this training is the annual training required for anyone on campus who could potentially receive a report of sexual violence. This training will cover an overview of sexual assault, domestic...
Mar 28, 2018 | Announcements
This training provides an overview of the neurobiology of trauma, consent, and overcoming the challenges of delayed reporting, inconsistent statements, and lack of force in a sexual assault investigations. Participants will learn to approach an investigation in a...
Mar 27, 2018 | Press
Between Friends and Rape Victim Advocates (RVA) are continuing an urgent collaborative campaign for the third summer to make music experiences in Chicago safer for thousands of attendees at Chicago concerts and festivals in response to alarming new information on...
Mar 18, 2018 | Announcements
We can help you ensure your confidential advisor(s) is appropriately trained. To assist area higher education institutions in ensuring compliance with the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, Rape Victim Advocates (RVA) will be offering a 40-hour...
Mar 18, 2018 | Announcements
Participants will obtain foundational knowledge of sexual violence and rape culture and its’ impact on those whom experience this type of victimization. Trainees will gain basic crisis intervention skills, explore the neurobiology of trauma and learn how to respond...
Mar 13, 2018 | Events
Come listen to some incredible bands sing the good word of consent and enter to win a bunch of prizes and goodies! Featuring Baby Money and the Down Payments, Impulsive Hearts, Maggie Kubley, and DJ Claire Lyerla! When: Wednesday, April 4 at 8pm Where: GMan...
Mar 12, 2018 | Events
Come test your knowledge of the superheroes who fought for equality…without the help of superhuman strength, x-ray vision, or flight. Hosted by our amazing volunteer committee! When: Tuesday, April 10 from 7 – 9pm Where: FatPour Tap Works, 2005 W Division St...
Mar 12, 2018 | Events
Breaking the Silence is an open mic night for local Chicago artists to share their stories of survival and resistance through poetry and spoken word. We encourage performers of all ages, languages, and backgrounds to stand up against sexual violence with RVA and The...
Mar 6, 2018 | Events
Standing Silent Witness is RVA’s signature event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)! In a visual demonstration of the silencing of survivors, participants gather silently for one hour wearing t-shirts with stories and messages protesting sexual violence and...
Feb 8, 2018 | Announcements
Please note that all RVA offices will be closed on Friday, February 9 due to inclement weather. 24-hour crisis support to our partner hospitals will continue to be provided during this time. If you need to speak with someone immediately, please call the Chicago Rape...
Jan 22, 2018 | Press
More than 300 local leaders, philanthropists, and activists will raise awareness and funds to support survivors and work to prevent sexual violence. RVA’s Evening of Impact (formerly known as Soiree in the City) will be returning to Morgan Manufacturing on May...
Jan 10, 2018 | News, Press
Excerpt: The Chicago Tribune asked women activists, organizers and politicians two questions: What moved or shaped you the most this year? and What’s next for women in 2018? Read the full article...
Dec 20, 2017 | Announcements
Please note that all RVA offices will be closed December 22nd through January 1st. 24-hour crisis support to our partner hospitals will continue to be provided during this time. If you need to speak with someone immediately, please call the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline...
Dec 5, 2017 | News, Press
Sarah Layden, Director of Programs and Public Policy at RVA, joined FOX 32 Chicago to talk about defining harassment in the workplace. Watch the full segment at www.fox32chicago.com/mornings/297139902-video.
Nov 16, 2017 | Announcements
SB 407 requires the adoption of a sexual harassment policy for state employees, including legislators and lobbyists, to undergo sexual harassment training. On November 7th, 2017, this bill was approved and sent to the governor’s desk for consideration. Sexual...
Nov 1, 2017 | News, Press
Excerpt: Beth Enterkin, a trauma therapist and clinical training specialist at Rape Victim Advocates in Chicago, offers her expertise on ways untrained listeners can best support someone who chooses to share a sexual trauma story. Read the full article...
Nov 1, 2017 | Announcements
We’re counting down the days until #GivingTuesday on November 28th. This is a day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. #ILGive is a corresponding campaign to engage Illinoisans in not only participating, but giving to organizations in...
Oct 24, 2017 | Events
To celebrate the work our domestic violence community partners do every day, and especially throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we’re hosting a self-care night for them! It’ll be an evening of drinking, snacking, and relaxing at self-care stations –...
Oct 21, 2017 | Events
Men in the Movement (MITM) is an open discussion series that focuses on men’s responsibility in the anti-rape movement. Our discussions are focused on a variety of elements related to masculinity and styled in a casual and engaging format. The discussions create...
Oct 19, 2017 | News, Press
Our Advocacy Volunteer Manager, Mariá Balata, was interviewed last night by FOX 32 Chicago. Read the full article at www.fox32chicago.com/news/gymnast-mckayla-maroney-alleges-sexual-abuse-by-team-doctor.
Oct 19, 2017 | News, Press
Watch the full segment at www.univision.com/chicago/wgbo/noticias/denuncias/metoo-la-campana-con-la-que-pretenden-denunciar-el-acoso-sexual-video.
Oct 18, 2017 | Announcements
I said #MeToo this week, as did many of us. Watching Harvey Weinstein fall from his post of privilege has unleashed a roller coaster of emotions for all of us. Here at Rape Victim Advocates (RVA), we’re glad another light is shining on the incredible courage of...
Oct 17, 2017 | News, Press
Excerpt: The response from Hollywood stars to everyday people was, both, overwhelming and eye-opening to many. “My first thought was, how brave,” said Megan Blomquist, who works with victims through the Chicago organization Rape Victim Advocates. “When you see someone...
Oct 13, 2017 | Announcements
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently reversed a 2014 memo that interpreted the Civil Rights Act to protect transgender workers. The DOJ then issued a new memo arguing that Title VII, the civil rights statute that outlaws certain kinds of workplace discrimination,...
Oct 13, 2017 | News, Press
Excerpt: Harvey Weinstein was one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers. But the fallout from Weinstein’s sexual harassment scandal continues to grow. “The person that is doing the harassing is trying to control the victim in these situations, so there’s a lot of...
Oct 13, 2017 | News, Press
“Ending Rape Culture,” a live program with Brendan Yukins of RVA and Brent Holman-Gomez of the Gay Liberation Network.
Oct 10, 2017 | News, Press
Excerpt: Megan Blomquist, Director of Education and Training at Rape Victim Advocates in Chicago, said it is important to hold offenders accountable for their crimes. “We need to take it seriously, not minimize the situation,” she said. “[Holding offenders...
Oct 6, 2017 | News, Press
Our Austin Trauma Therapist, DeVona Alleyne, was highlighted in Chicago Tribune’s Oak Leaves! Excerpt: Q: What brings you out today? A: I’m part of a consent panel today at Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church. I’m a trauma therapist at the Austin...
Sep 27, 2017 | Announcements
The Dear Colleague Letter of 2011 was an important turning point for survivors of sexual violence. Prior to this guidance, survivors were left to carry the burden of attending school in an environment that felt and – in many instances – was unsafe, while struggling to...
Sep 11, 2017 | Events
In recognition of International Day of Peace, we’re partnering with Connected Chicago to hold a peace circle on Thursday, September 21st from 10:00-11:30am at our Austin Community Office. This space is for members of the Austin neighborhood to meet one another,...
Sep 8, 2017 | Announcements
RVA believes all people have the right to safety and compassion. Immigrant families are some of the most vulnerable in our society who need to be supported, now and always. We will continue to fight for the rights of our clients and our community, and we encourage...
Sep 7, 2017 | Announcements
It is incredibly troubling when the narratives of survivors are undermined by the perception that 90% of sexual assaults fall into categories that appear less than what society believes constitutes actual rape. Only 2-8% of rapes are falsely reported [1]. This is...
Sep 1, 2017 | News
The “Rape And Sexual Assault: Renewed Call To Action” report was recently removed from the White House website. We believe in access to information and expect transparency from the administration around the removal of vital resources – in this case, mainly nonpartisan...
Sep 1, 2017 | Announcements
All RVA offices will be closed Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day. 24 hour crisis support to our partner hospitals will continue to be provided during this time. If you need to speak with someone immediately, please call the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline...
Aug 22, 2017 | Announcements
Taylor Swift’s trial brought sexual violence into the limelight and her refusal to back down or be guilted showed the world she will not be silenced – and neither will we. We all play a role in creating a world free of sexual violence. The voices of supporters, like...
Jul 27, 2017 | Announcements
The deadline for our fall volunteer training class is October 2nd. Orientation sessions are by invitation only and will be held October 9th, 10th, or 12th from 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Training dates are October 23rd through November 30th, every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday...
Jul 20, 2017 | Announcements
Participants will obtain foundational knowledge of sexual violence and rape culture and its’ impact on those whom experience this type of victimization. Trainees will gain basic crisis intervention skills, explore the neurobiology of trauma and learn how to respond...
Jul 18, 2017 | Events
Join RVA on Saturday, August 5th from 2:00-3:30pm at the Maze Branch Library for an open discussion. This workshop for teens and adults will center around the messages we hear in music. We’ll look at genres, lyrics, and videos...
Jul 18, 2017 | Events
La serie de 5 talleres consiste en enseñar sobre diferentes tipos de violencia sexual entre varias edades. Vamos a hablar de temas de como prevenir e intervenir contra la violencia sexual a través de como padres pueden enseñarles a sus adolescentes como reconocer y...
Jul 13, 2017 | Press
RVA Prevention Educator, Kat Stuehrk, was interviewed by Chicago Tribune’s Jessi Roti about OurMusicMyBody and combating sexual violence at music festivals. Excerpt: RVA partnered with nonprofit, domestic violence agency Between Friends to develop the...
Jul 7, 2017 | Events
“Healing Embodied” is an awareness promotion campaign created by RVA in partnership with the Awakenings Foundation and Chicago artist, Victoria Herrera. Eight survivors of sexual assault/abuse collaborated with Victoria to express their stories of healing from sexual...
Jun 27, 2017 | Events
Back by popular demand! Join RVA as we discuss emotional labor, assertive communication, and how to utilize these skills within relationships affected by trauma. This workshop will explore what emotional labor is, how to balance emotional labor, and how to communicate...
Jun 20, 2017 | Events
In partnership with the P.O.W.E.R. Project, our Prevention Educators bring you an engaging workshop on safe and unsafe touches tailored for parents and their young children. Sexual abuse is a serious and difficult subject, we will help you learn about prevention...
Jun 9, 2017 | Events
Join Men in the Movement for three amazing events this summer! Men in the Movement (MITM) is an open discussion series that focuses on men’s responsibility in the anti-rape movement. Our discussions are focused on a variety of elements related to masculinity and...
May 30, 2017 | News, Press
Our Austin team was interviewed by NBC Chicago about challenges in the environment of Chicago’s Westside in relation to the topic of sexual violence. Excerpt: Amber Johnson, a medical and legal advocate for Rape Victims Advocates on the west side of Chicago, said...
May 25, 2017 | Events
Did you watch “13 Reasons Why” and can’t stop thinking about it? Join Rape Victim Advocates and the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center to discuss the show with other teens and young people. Participants will process what it was like to watch the show, explore the...
May 22, 2017 | Events
Even when your voice shakes. A workshop presented by the Survivor Engagement Committee. We invite all survivors of sexual violence who want to learn about sharing your stories of survival to enact cultural change or further your own healing. Explore spoken, written...
May 18, 2017 | Announcements
We can help you ensure your confidential advisor(s) is appropriately trained. To assist area higher education institutions in ensuring compliance with the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, Resilience will be offering a 40-hour training specifically...
May 15, 2017 | Events
Join this virtual summit centered around sexual assault awareness, prevention and healing. This 5-day summit will feature expert coaches, advocates and spiritual leaders from across the country to educate you on how to have healthy conversations around sexual...
May 10, 2017 | Announcements
Participants will obtain foundational knowledge of sexual violence and rape culture and its’ impact on those whom experience this type of victimization. Trainees will gain basic crisis intervention skills, explore the neurobiology of trauma and learn how to respond...
May 9, 2017 | Events
Annie E. Clark and Andrea L. Pino, co-authors of the book, We Believe You, will be at Women & Children First bookstore on Wednesday, May 31st starting at 7:00pm. Prior to the book signing will be a training session facilitated by Chicago’s Courage Campaign...
May 5, 2017 | Events
Join RVA as we participate in #OnTheTable2017 to discuss what we can do to better support sexual assault survivors in our community. How do we respond to victims? What do survivors need from us? What does prevention and fighting rape culture look like? Spend an hour...
May 4, 2017 | Events
Join RVA as we discuss the trials and joys of being in a relationship with a person who does trauma-related work. Come meet other people who want to learn how to set boundaries, communicate with their partner about how trauma effects their relationship, and learn...
May 2, 2017 | Events
The Awakenings Foundation is proud to present their THIRD installment of Songs of Survival – an hour long program of multi-media performances by survivor artists at their gallery space in Ravenswood. Please join to witness, support and share the healing of survivors...
May 2, 2017 | Press
More than 300 local leaders, philanthropists, activists and urban professionals raise awareness and funds for critical sexual assault counseling, education and advocacy work. CHICAGO, IL (May 2, 2017) RVA honors Annie E. Clark and Andrea L. Pino, co-founders of End...
May 1, 2017 | News, Press
RVA Director of Education and Training, Megan Blomquist, was interviewed by CBS during Friday’s signature Sexual Assault Awareness Month event, Standing Silent Witness. Read it here.
Apr 27, 2017 | Articles
Dear Survivor, First and foremost, I want you to know how incredible you are and how much I love and care about you. Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe you when you say you’ve been harmed, and I’m so sorry that you’ve experienced violence. To say that you have...
Apr 21, 2017 | Events
Taller de Educación de Prevención del Abuso Sexual de Niños Para Padres Que Hablan Español Workshop Name / Nombre del Taller: Talking With Your Children: Strategies for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse / Platicando Con Tus Hijos: Estrategias Para Prevenir el Abuso Sexual...
Apr 21, 2017 | Articles
Dear Faith Community Leader, Sexual violence is a spiritual issue. As the topic of sexual violence has slowly become less of a taboo subject, plenty of information has become available about how abuse and rape affect someone emotionally, physically, and even socially...
Apr 21, 2017 | Events
Taller de Educación de Prevención del Abuso Sexual de Niños Para Padres Que Hablan Español Workshop Name / Nombre del Taller: Talking With Your Children: Strategies for Preventing Child Sexual Abuse / Platicando Con Tus Hijos: Estrategias Para Prevenir el Abuso Sexual...
Apr 20, 2017 | Announcements
We are excited to announce Annie E. Clark and Andrea L. Pino as the 2017 Dr. Natalie A. Stephens Visionary Award recipients! This award recognizes the work of far-sighted leaders who have made a powerful and lasting impact on the issue of sexual violence. Annie and...
Apr 14, 2017 | Articles
Dear Fathers, Fear: we all feel it when it comes to sexual violence. As a dad, you experience this fear in a unique way. No one wants to imagine their children experiencing violence of any form, but add in the shame and stigma that surrounds sexual violence and...
Apr 14, 2017 | Announcements
The NO MORE Challenge ended this week and RVA placed 4th out of the 120 organizations who participated – raising $65,397 and winning an additional $7,500 for a grand total of $72,897! Overall, this fundraising challenge raised nearly $650,000 for organizations...
Apr 7, 2017 | Articles
Dear Fraternity Member, I believe that you have the power to end rape. As a member of a fraternity, you have the ability to harness your social power and leadership skills to move the needle on important issues affecting your campus, including sexual violence. Before...
Apr 5, 2017 | Announcements
We are entering Sexual Assault Awareness Month with some very exciting news! Rape Victim Advocates is pleased to announce that our new Executive Director, Erin Walton, will be joining the RVA team on April 10th, 2017. “I am overjoyed to join the RVA team,”...
Apr 5, 2017 | Events
Estrategias Para Prevenir el Abuso Sexual de Menores. Organizador: Rape Victim Advocates (RVA) Defensores de Víctimas de Violación Facilitadores: Bianca Herrera y Jessica Salgado Evento: Taller de Educación de Prevención del Abuso Sexual de Niños Para Padres Que...
Apr 4, 2017 | Announcements
The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is to raise awareness about sexual violence & educate communities on how to prevent it. Here are a few ways to get involved. Show your support by changing your Facebook profile picture:...
Mar 23, 2017 | Announcements, Press
Interim Executive Director, Sarah Layden, spoke with CBS 2’s Jim Williams on the assault of a 15-year-old that was broadcast on Facebook Live. “I definitely think it speaks to people not taking these types of crimes seriously,” said Sarah. “That people would...
Mar 9, 2017 | News, Press
Central Counselor & Art Therapist, Jordan Ferranto, was interviewed by Medill Reports Chicago: “At Rape Victim Advocates, art therapy sessions can include crafting, painting, drawing, and poetry to work through the trauma of sexual assault. Last month, art...
Mar 9, 2017 | Announcements, Events
An open mic night featuring poets and artists who are resisting rape culture and amplifying stories of survival! The night will be emceed by Mojdeh Stoakley. Mojdeh is an award winning artist & educator. She’s performed in front of thousands, she’s...
Mar 7, 2017 | Announcements
RVA will be participating in the International Women’s Strike on March 8th. As an organization, we stand for gender justice, economic justice, and racial justice. And every day, we fight to end violence against women – including Black women, Native women, poor women,...
Mar 2, 2017 | Announcements, Events
Hosted by RVA’s amazing volunteer committee: A #SAAMChi trivia night fundraiser! Come see how knowledgeable you are about sex on TV. When and where? April 5th at 7:00pm FATPOUR 2005 W DIVISION ST CHICAGO IL 60622 How to get tickets? Snag your trivia tickets by...
Mar 2, 2017 | Announcements, Donate, Events
We’re excited to let you know that we’re a part of the NO MORE Challenge again this year! It’s a fundraising campaign launched by NO MORE and Verizon benefiting organizations focused on ending domestic violence and sexual assault. It starts March 2nd...
Mar 2, 2017 | Announcements, Events
In the first 100 days of the new administration, we’re taking action by writing postcards to our congresspeople telling them what matters to us. We invite survivors, advocates, and allies to come write postcards together in a positive atmosphere. For this event,...
Feb 6, 2017 | Announcements, Events
Do you want to support survivors of sexual assault, but aren’t sure how to do so? Join RVA for a crash course on allyship to survivors. Participants will learn about the effects of sexual violence on survivors, explore allyship as a practice, and create personal...
Jan 23, 2017 | Announcements, Events
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined Narrow Definitions of Masculinity as one of the 5 key norms that make Sexual and Domestic Violence more likely. It is also a major risk factor for individual perpetration of sexual assault...
Jan 19, 2017 | Announcements
RVA will be participating as an organization in the Women’s March on Chicago this Saturday, January 21st. Our objective is to make ourselves seen and our voices heard by the new administration that women’s rights are human rights. We march to be seen… We march...
Dec 22, 2016 | Newsletter
Upcoming changes & holiday greetings. Dear Readers, As a valued supporter of Rape Victim Advocates, we would like to share with you the upcoming changes happening within our team. After nearly 9 years as our Executive Director, Sharmili Majmudar will be resigning...
Dec 19, 2016 | Announcements
Please note that all RVA offices will be closed December 23rd and will reopen January 3rd.However, 24 hour crisis support to our partner hospitals will continue to be provided during this time. If you need to speak with someone immediately, please call the Chicago...
Dec 12, 2016 | News, Press
“We started this group as a way to build community and solidarity around the issues of sexual violence,” says organizer Jordan Ferranto. “A place to kind of unwind, relax, enjoy each other’s’ company, make some art, and just kind of be present with each other.” Read...
Dec 1, 2016 | Newsletter
Reflecting on November & moving forward. Dear Readers, This is a time of change and uncertainty. More survivors are speaking out than ever before, but they are still being blamed, and sometimes even shouted down. The voices of supporters – supporters like you –...
Nov 21, 2016 | Announcements, News
Dear Friend of Rape Victim Advocates, I am a survivor of childhood molestation and rape. As a child I was molested for years by a trusted family member. As an adult a was raped by a boyfriend and his friend. For more than 20 years I could not discuss the personal...
Nov 14, 2016 | Announcements
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is conducting a Victims Needs Assessment. If you are a victim of crime, ICJIA would greatly appreciate your participation in this survey, created to better understand your needs. Responses will be kept...
Nov 14, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Rape Victim Advocates is hosting “Policing Women’s Bodies in Performance,” a panel on the current regulations that prohibit women’s full nudity at establishments where alcohol is being served. Is this a manifestation of rape culture that blames women for...
Nov 10, 2016 | Announcements
We believe you. We support you. We are here for you. We are still who we are. We are a community. We are here for one another. We fight, as survivors and as allies, alongside and on behalf of those whose voices are ignored, those whose experiences have been dismissed,...
Nov 10, 2016 | News, Press
RVA Executive Director, Sharmili Majmudar, was interviewed by Broadly, a channel of Vice Media, Kimberly Lawson for her article “Faced with Trump Presidency, Advocates Vow to Protect Sexual Assault Survivors.” Read it here.
Nov 7, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Are you a survivor of sexual violence who feels drained or misunderstood when interacting with loved ones? Are you an ally who wants to communicate in an effective and supportive manner with people who have experienced trauma? This workshop will explore these needs by...
Oct 26, 2016 | Newsletter
See what’s happening at RVA this month. Dear Readers, With sexual violence dominating recent headlines, thousands of people are sharing their stories. Whether you are a survivor, a loved one, a trauma worker, or an ally, these headlines can be triggering and...
Oct 25, 2016 | News
I fight against sexism because I want to be my complete self without conforming to rigid definitions of gender and masculinity. I fight against sexism because I want to be close friends with people all along the gender spectrum. I fight against sexism because I want...
Oct 24, 2016 | Announcements
Please join us in applauding RVA volunteer, Nikhil Trivedi, for being a recipient of UN Women-Chicago Chapter’s inaugural Gender Equality Award – this award aims to recognize local men who embody the spirit of UN Women’s global HeForShe campaign. RVA nominated Nikhil...
Oct 17, 2016 | News, Press
Central Counselor & Art Therapist, Jordan Ferranto, was interviewed by The Columbia Chronicle about her work in art therapy with survivors. Read the article here. RVA’s next art therapy session, Making Matters, will be help on Tuesday, October 17th at The...
Sep 29, 2016 | Events
Join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and empowerment as we come together to have a discussion about the real life experiences of these two girls and what we can do to ensure safe homes and communities for all people. This event is hosted by Between...
Sep 28, 2016 | News
When we track down passes for a summer festival, once-over the loudly arranged concert flyers at coffee shops and dive bars, ask a friend who they’re belting along to during the ride home, press into the edge of the stage because there’s nowhere else to go, we are in...
Sep 28, 2016 | News
Last September, The Atlantic published a now much debated article about the supposed coddling of American college students. The authors lumped several issues together as evidence of a purported trend towards intellectual laziness and the manipulative use of emotions...
