Resilience

Congress Must Pass the Debbie Smith Act

Jul 12, 2019 | Announcements

As you may have heard, the rape kit backlog has become a 2020 presidential campaign issue (see below for RAINN’s statement). We’re encouraging advocates to spread the word about the rape kit backlog — and urge Congress to pass S.820, the Debbie Smith Act,...

Meet Tom Andreesen, FY2020 Board President

Jul 2, 2019 | Announcements

We’re so pleased to welcome our FY2020 Board President Tom Andreesen! We interviewed Tom about his connection to the Resilience mission, his vision, and his new role as Board President. Keep reading to learn more about Tom: Tom Andreesen, FY2020 Board President Why...

40-Hour Confidential Advisor Training 7/23/19

Jun 3, 2019 | Announcements, Trainings

Resilience is hosting a 40-hr training for professionals. 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 designed for...

Maggie Arthur Interviewed in UPROXX

May 17, 2019 | Announcements, Articles, News, Press

In an article published in UPROXX on May 15, 2019, Prevention Educator Maggie Arthur was interviewed about her work for OurMusicMyBody, a collaborative campaign between Resilience and Between Friends to promote consensual music experiences.

ACTION ALERT: SUPPORT SB 1411!

May 16, 2019 | Announcements

TAKE ACTION! SB 1411 (Third Consideration in the House): CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES and tell them they must look at both tracking and timely resolution of our current backlog as this bill is considered. Click here to find your representative. Synopsis: Illinois State...

ACTION ALERT: SUPPORT HB 92!

May 16, 2019 | Announcements

TAKE ACTION! No sexual assault survivor should be arrested when seeking medical aid. Call your state senator and tell them to support House Bill 92! Click here to find their info. Allows a Court Summons to be Issued instead of an Arrest for Survivors Seeking Emergency...

Consulta gratuita de abogados el 24 de abril

Apr 12, 2019 | Announcements

Resiliencia se ha asociado con la Fundación de Asistencia Legal (LAF), el mayor proveedor de asistencia legal civil gratuita y completa de Chicago, en un esfuerzo por asegurar que los sobrevivientes tengan acceso a abogados civiles que puedan brindar apoyo en asuntos...

Free Attorney Consultation 4/24/19

Apr 12, 2019 | Announcements

Resilience has partnered with Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF), Chicago’s largest provider of free, comprehensive civil legal aid, in an effort to assure survivors have access to civil attorneys who can provide support on legal matters that have arisen from sexual...

Support HB 92, Amendment 1 – Submit a Witness Slip!

Mar 25, 2019 | Announcements

Resilience is supporting HB 92, House Amendment 001, which allows a person with an outstanding warrant for a non-violent crime to report sexual assault against them or seek medical treatment for that assault without concern of being arrested for the alleged...

Free Attorney Consultation 3/27/19

Mar 15, 2019 | Announcements

Resilience has partnered with Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF), Chicago’s largest provider of free, comprehensive civil legal aid, in an effort to assure survivors have access to civil attorneys who can provide support on legal matters that have arisen from sexual...

Support HB 3550!

Mar 12, 2019 | Announcements

Support HB 3550! “It’s never too early to begin educating about consent. Education on consent fosters compassion, empathy, accountability, and respect for others’ boundaries. It provides a framework for helping young people understand that the choices they make,...

ACTION ALERT: Ask Congress to Support Reauthorizing VAWA

Mar 11, 2019 | Announcements

ACTION ALERT: Call Your Members of Congress and Ask Them to Support H.R.1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019! March 8, 2019 Please forward widely! House Judiciary Crime subcommittee Chairwoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37) and Representative Brian...

Child Sexual Abuse Training 4/18/19

Mar 1, 2019 | Announcements, Trainings

Resilience is offering a training on child sexual abuse on April 18, 2019. This announcement contains information and details about the training, presenter, and registration, so please read thoroughly. BUY TICKETS NOW Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious problem in...

Free Attorney Consultation at Resilience Tuesday 2/26/19

Feb 19, 2019 | Announcements

Resilience has partnered with Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF), Chicago’s largest provider of free, comprehensive civil legal aid, in an effort to assure survivors have access to civil attorneys who can provide support on legal matters that have arisen from sexual...

40-Hour Confidential Advisor Training 7/23/19

Feb 12, 2019 | Announcements, Trainings

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 designed for Confidential Advisors. Resilience has an extensive history of...

Resilience office closure Wednesday, 1/30/19

Jan 28, 2019 | Announcements

Please note that all Resilience offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 30th due to weather. If you need to speak with someone immediately, please call the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline at 1-888-293-2080. Thank you for your understanding.

OurMusicMyBody Winter Volunteer Training 1/26/19

Jan 24, 2019 | Announcements, Trainings

OurMusicMyBody is a campaign by Between Friends and Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates) promoting safe and consent-informed music experiences for all and trying to end sexual violence in music spaces. This grassroots movement relies on volunteers to both...

Free Attorney Consultation this Thursday at Resilience

Jan 22, 2019 | Announcements

Resilience has partnered with Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF), Chicago’s largest provider of free, comprehensive civil legal aid, in an effort to assure survivors have access to civil attorneys who can provide support on legal matters that have arisen from sexual...

Upcoming Volunteer Training Dates & Deadlines

Nov 6, 2018 | Announcements, Trainings

You can help Resilience support survivors and end sexual violence. Find out more about our volunteer opportunities and which one is right for you. 2019 volunteer training dates and application deadlines are now available – click here. Upcoming Volunteer Training...

Do You Feel Prepared to Vote on November 6?

Oct 23, 2018 | Announcements

Midterm elections are right around the corner in Illinois, and in addition to electing representatives in the U.S. House, which has the potential to sway control between democratic and republican parties, Illinois voters will also choose a governor, an attorney...

Light Up the Lakefront 2018 #DVAM

Sep 26, 2018 | Announcements

Support the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month by attending partner Between Friends’ annual event, Light Up the Lakefront. #DVAM Monday, October 1, 7:00 pm North Avenue Beach 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago...

Volunteer Spotlight: Alicia Babich

Aug 22, 2018 | Announcements

What do you do with Resilience? I’m a Volunteer Medical Advocate and Mentor to the August 2018 Volunteer Class Pronouns: She, her, hers What do you do outside of volunteering? Outside of volunteering, I get to manage the Sales Training & Development...

Kathryn Meyer and Lauren Pesa Join Board of Directors

Aug 2, 2018 | Announcements, News

Resilience’s Board of Directors welcomed two new board members in July 2018. Kathryn Meyer is senior director of media & entertainment engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, where she leads national media relations strategies for the Association to raise...

40-Hour Confidential Advisor Training 7/10

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...

Weather Closure

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...

Holiday Closure

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...

SB 407: Step Forward for IL

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...

Save the Date for Giving Tuesday

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...

#MeToo

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...

Our Commitment Needs No Interpretation

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,...

We Will Not Give Up Fighting For You & Believing You

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...

Protect Our Community #DefendDACA

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...

Statement from Director of Programs and Public Policy

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...

Labor Day Closing

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...

Taylor Swift Won and the World was Watching

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...

RVA is Hiring!

Aug 11, 2017 | Announcements

RVA is now hiring for the following positions: Director of Development Director of Advocacy Services Austin Legal/Medical Advocate Austin Youth Educator and Counselor Case Management Specialist (Bilingual) Central Counselor (Bilingual) Central/Northside Counselor...

Fall 2017 Volunteer Training Info

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...

40-Hour Confidential Advisor Training 7/10

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...

2017 Dr. Natalie A. Stephens Visionary Award Recipients

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...

Thank You for Supporting RVA

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...

RVA Welcomes New Executive Director

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,”...

It’s #SAAM Day of Action!

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:...

RVA Interviewed by CBS 2 Chicago

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...

#SAAMChi: Breaking the Silence 4/20

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...

International Women’s Strike 3/8

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,...

#SAAMChi: Trivia Night 4/5

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...

NO MORE Challenge! 3/2 – 4/11

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...

Postcard Writing Happy Hour at RVA 3/30

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,...

The UnMasc Project

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...