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...
Aug 1, 2018 | Announcements, News, Press
The rebrand will capture the organization’s breadth of services from empowering survivors to ending sexual violence CHICAGO, Aug. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Chicago-based nonprofit Rape Victim Advocates announced today its rebrand and name change to...
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...
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...
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 | 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 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 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,...
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 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 | 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...
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...
Jun 19, 2017 | Announcements
RVA is currently hiring for the Director of Development position. The Director of Development will provide strategic leadership in the creation and implementation of a comprehensive plan that reflects a diverse portfolio including an individual donor program,...
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 | 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 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 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 14, 2017 | Announcements
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS TO HELP IMPROVE POLICE RESPONSE Every 107 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted, and only about 30% of assaults are reported to police, leaving many perpetrators on the streets. The University of Illinois at...
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, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in...
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 26, 2017 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in...
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...
Jan 5, 2017 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
We’re creating a safe place for anyone dealing with the impact of sexual assault in their lives to cope together during this potentially triggering event. It will be a very informal setting with chatting, snacks, and self-care items. You don’t have to go...
Jan 4, 2017 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
For adult survivors of sexual violence. We will chat, share snacks, and use the creative process to explore topics important to you. No artistic experience or expertise required, just a desire to connect with other survivors and explore what your vision of healing...
Dec 27, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
This group is for anyone who is dealing with the impact of sexual assault in their lives. This group is a safe and supportive space where survivors can help one another, share ideas, and talk about sexual assault and how it relates to current thoughts, feelings, and...
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 15, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
RVA, in partnership with The Awakenings Foundation, is pleased to hold our second Reiki Clinic. RVA’s Reiki Clinic is an open space where individuals can come for a free Reiki session from a trauma-informed Reiki practitioner. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing...
Dec 14, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in...
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 17, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in...
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, Trauma Therapy
This event is open to survivors and their significant others. Individuals of all gender identities are...
Nov 14, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
We invite all survivors of sexual violence who want to learn about sharing your stories of survival to enact cultural change and/or further your own...
Nov 14, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Red Thread is a DIY craft-based project with a mission to build community around reclaiming and celebrating the vulva, whether you have one or...
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 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Join fellow survivors in exploring simple techniques that can be used in a variety of settings to help you stay grounded in the present....
Nov 8, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Join us to learn tools for coping with the holidays, including simple self-care and breathing techniques. This event is open to survivors and their loved ones. Individuals of all gender identities are welcome. Wheelchair...
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 31, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between.Making Matters is an art based community gathering for survivors of sexual violence, loved ones, supporters and advocates alike. This month, we seek to create safe space for...
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 6, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
RVA, in partnership with The Awakenings Foundation, is pleased to hold our first Reiki Clinic. RVA’s Reiki Clinic is an open space where individuals can come for a free Reiki session from a trauma-informed Reiki practitioner. Reiki is a Japanese energy healing...
Sep 27, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in...
Sep 22, 2016 | Announcements, Events, News
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...
Sep 22, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to all male-identified persons, cis or transgender, who have experienced sexual assault/abuse recently or in the...
Sep 22, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Join RVA’s Men in the Movement group for three special sessions in...
Sep 14, 2016 | Announcements, Events, News
#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...
Sep 9, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
For female-identified college students who have been impacted by sexual assault or abuse. Fridays September 30th – December 9th, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 180 N Michigan Ave. Suite 600 Contact Reneé at 312-443-9603...
Sep 9, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
The couples support group will be exploring issues couples face. Participation is open to all couples of all genders. 18+ Mondays October 3rd – November 28th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm 180 N Michigan Ave., Suite 600 Contact Reneé at 312-443-9603 x31 or Brittany at...
Aug 18, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Sometimes words are not enough to express the emotions that come with a traumatic experience; that’s where art therapy comes in. No artistic experience necessary. Art Therapy Group for Adult Survivors of Sexual Violence Wednesdays September 7th – November...
Aug 18, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
This group is for anyone who is dealing with the impact of sexual assault in their lives. This group is a safe and supportive space where survivors can help one another, share ideas, and talk about sexual assault and how it relates to current thoughts, feelings, and...
Aug 3, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Making Matters is a space for self-guided art making among individuals affected by sexual violence. Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community...
Jun 30, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Join RVA’s Men in the Movement group for three special sessions in summer...
Jun 22, 2016 | Announcements, News, Trauma Therapy
Rape Victim Advocates is honored to announce a generous grant from Jean Cozier to expand our Counseling and Communications staffing! Jean Cozier is a longtime Rape Victim Advocates supporter who has an extensive history within the anti-rape movement. She is the...
Jun 16, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Explore new pathways to healing through written and visual artistic expression. This group is structured around reading and responding to poetry about and by survivors of sexual violence. Responses will take the form of art making and discussion. Open to adult...
Jun 8, 2016 | Announcements, Press
Read the powerful statement from “Emily Doe,” victim of Brock Allen Turner’s violence...
Jun 3, 2016 | Announcements, Events, News
Our annual fundraiser, Soirée in the City, will be on Thursday June 9, 2016 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM at the beautiful Morgan Manufacturing venue in Chicago’s West Loop, 401 N. Morgan Street. 300 urban professionals will gather in support of Rape Victim Advocates....
May 24, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
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. Spoken, written, and artistic testimonies and the emotional impact of speaking out will be explored. Speak Your...
May 24, 2016 | Announcements, Events
This two-day series aims to open a conversation amongst theatre makers about the physical, emotional and community impact of sexual trauma and survivorship. Featuring local experts in this intersection of theatre and trauma, we will investigate how performing artists...
May 17, 2016 | Announcements, Events
The Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act recently passed in Illinois, detailing a number of expectations of higher education institutions in Illinois regarding various aspects of the sexual violence response on campus. Among the many provisions is a...
Apr 8, 2016 | Announcements, News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE photos available Contact: Alexa L. Markoff, Director of Development Rape Victim Advocates (312) 443-9603 x21 Rape Victim Advocates Volunteer Receives Governor’s Volunteer Service Award Chicago, IL (April 8, 2016) Rape Victim Advocates (RVA)...
Apr 6, 2016 | Announcements, Events
PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURING: Rape Victim Advocates The Chicago Police Department Swedish Covenant Hospital Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office This informative event will foster dialogue and discussion about sexual violence in our community. Parking vouchers will be...
Mar 25, 2016 | Announcements, News
InfoNet is a web-based data collection and reporting system used by rape crisis centers across Illinois. Developed by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority in collaboration with the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) and other agencies,...
Mar 24, 2016 | Announcements, Events, News
Click here to visit RVA’s #SAAMChi events and information page.
Mar 22, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
RVA will host a psycho-educational group for female-identified college students who have been impacted by sexual assault or abuse. Students will be able to connect with other students to understand the aftermath of sexual...
Mar 9, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Join Rape Victim Advocates at Uncommon Ground for Breaking the Silence, an open mic night featuring poets and artists who have survived sexual assault and are now speaking...
Mar 9, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Join us to stand silently for one hour at Federal Plaza. Participants will wear t-shirts bearing the stories of sexual assault survivors in order to “break the silence” about sexual...
Mar 3, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Join RVA on March 22nd from 6:00 – 8:00 pm for a discussion on identity after death, divorce, or...
Mar 1, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Fundraising Websites -...
Feb 25, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Twisted Scissors Beauty Salon presents “Resurrection of the Beehive” Dance Party & Big Hair Contest, Sunday 3/20/16 7:00 – 10:00...
Feb 18, 2016 | Announcements
Rape Victim Advocates is hiring for several staff positions. Click here to view all open listings.
Feb 11, 2016 | Announcements, Trauma Therapy
This group is for female identified survivors who are dealing with the impact of sexual assault in their lives. This will be a safe, supportive space where survivors can help one another, share ideas, and get new information. The group will be survivor centered and...
Feb 5, 2016 | Announcements, Events
The award-winning play The Vagina Monologues is based on V-Day Founder/playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace the piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength. Through this play and the liberation of this one...
Jan 28, 2016 | Announcements, News, Press
RVA Executive Director Sharmili Majmudar was interviewed by Fox32’s Mike Flannery. Click here to view the full story at fox32.com Click here to give to...
Jan 26, 2016 | Announcements, News, Press
Sharmili Majmudar, Executive Director of Rape Victim Advocates (RVA) in Chicago, IL, spoke at a press conference today regarding the impact of the Illinois state budget crisis on rape crisis services. She was joined by Martha Alicia Montes Madrid, a survivor and...
Jan 25, 2016 | Announcements, Events
For any questions about the forum, please contact Megan Rose at the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network at (312) 527-0730 ext 233 Submit questions for candidate via email to...
Jan 6, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Sometimes words are not enough to express the emotions that come with a traumatic experience; that’s where art therapy comes in. We will chat, share snacks, color, collage, and explore topics important to you. No artistic experience or expertise required, just...
Jan 5, 2016 | Announcements, Events
Rape Victim Advocates’ Men in the Movement is hosting “Parenting Off the Binary“, a discussion on how age and gender affects our interactions with children. Along with discussion, parents (or soon to be) will be able to share stories and advice with...
Dec 2, 2015 | Announcements
On Sunday, November 22nd, celebrated author Liz Crokin hosted an event at SoulCycle Old Town to benefit Rape Victim Advocates. Over 30 guests cycled in a candle-lit room while listening to motivating music. The energetic SoulCycle instructor had even the triathletes...
Nov 18, 2015 | Announcements, Events
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Nov 18, 2015 | Announcements, Events
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Nov 16, 2015 | Announcements, Events
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Oct 7, 2015 | Announcements, Events
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Oct 7, 2015 | Announcements, Events
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month RVA and The Butterfly Poetry Project are organizing a night dedicated to raising our voices about an oft silenced issue of intimate partner violence. We will have featured performers and an open mic component. Join us at...
