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Making Matters Featured in Medill Reports Chicago
“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...
Newsletter: November 2016
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 –...
A Letter from Coretta
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...
Victims Needs Assessment
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...
Policing Women’s Bodies in Performance 12/2
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 sexual...
Our Message of Support to Survivors is Loud, Clear and Unequivocal:
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,...
Article by Broadly on Vow to Protect Sexual Assault Survivors
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.
Balanced Emotional Labor: Using Assertive Communication in Relationships 11/30
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...
Newsletter: October 2016
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 extremely...
I Fight Against Sexism Because…
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...
Congrats to RVA volunteer Nikhil!
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...
RVA Counselor Featured in The Columbia Chronicle
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...
Audrie & Daisy Screening 10/26
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...
“I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet”: OurMusicMyBody and the Music Scene’s Shift Away from Sexual Violence
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...
Ah, September. Crisp fall air. Pumpkin Spice. A new school year. Renewed hysteria over trigger warnings.
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...
Breaking the Silence with Technology 9/26
A public conversation with key stakeholders about reporting campus sexual assault and the emergence of mobile apps and technology designed to increase reporting. Featuring opening remarks by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and a guided demonstration of one...
Men in the Movement Fall Series
Join RVA's Men in the Movement group for three special sessions in fall 2016!
Our Music, My Body 9/17
#OurMusicMyBody: Safety, Sexism, & Harassment in the Music Scene Saturday 9/17 3:00-4:30 PM; Beat Kitchen 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago Sexual harassment in the music scene has been widely ignored for much too long. As partners, Between Friends and RVA have come...
