Aug 9, 2018 | Events, Trainings
Men in the Movement series (MITM) will sponsor a Bystander Intervention workshop, led by the People’s Response Team (PRT). Tuesday, August 28, 6pm-8pm Location: 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 610 Free. Registration not required. Folks of all genders are welcome to...
May 8, 2018 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Making Matters is a space for self-guided art making among individuals affected by sexual violence. When: May 15 and June 19, from 5 – 8:00 pm Where: Awakenings, 4001 N. Ravenswood Ave. Suite C-204 Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers,...
May 8, 2018 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Our Reiki Clinics are an open space where individuals can come for a free Reiki session from a trauma-informed Reiki practitioner. When: Wednesday, June 20 from 5 – 8:30 pm Where: Arts Incubator, 301 E Garfield Blvd Event page: www.facebook.com/events/325208321342049...
Apr 10, 2018 | Trainings
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 29, 2018 | Trainings, Trauma Therapy
This is a CE* training for mental health professionals. Full attendance at this course qualifies for 6 credits. Learn about the neurobiology of trauma, the social stigma of rape culture, and the compounding, cyclical relationship between neurobiology and cultural...
Mar 28, 2018 | Trainings
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 | Trainings
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 18, 2018 | Trainings
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 | Trainings
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, Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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, Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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, Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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, Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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...
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 24, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
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...
Sep 28, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
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,...
Aug 21, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
Aug 1, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
RVA, in partnership with The Awakenings Foundation, is pleased to hold our fourth 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...
Aug 1, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
Jul 27, 2017 | Trainings
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 | Trainings
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 while discussing how to be...
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 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 21, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
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 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 19, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
May 18, 2017 | Trainings
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 | Trainings
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 5, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
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...
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 | 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 17, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
RVA, in partnership with The Awakenings Foundation, is pleased to hold our third 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...
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 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in between. Making Matters welcomes self-exploration, healing, solidarity, community building, and self-care through art making while empowering participants to be in control of their...
Mar 16, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Sexual intimacy, including trust, closeness, sensuality and eroticism, can be complicated by past experiences of sexual violence. We welcome survivors who want to reclaim their sexuality as a healthy, pleasurable and non-threatening aspect of their lives,...
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 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 | Events, Trauma Therapy
All experience levels are welcome to a poetry discussion and creative writing workshopco-led by Poetry Foundation staff member Maggie Queeney & RVA Art Therapist Jordan Ferranto. In March, we will read and discuss poems that explore the connections,...
Jan 23, 2017 | Events, Trauma Therapy
All experience levels are welcome to a poetry discussion and creative writing workshop co-led by Poetry Foundation staff member Maggie Queeney & RVA Art Therapist Jordan Ferranto. In this session, we will explore image, the sensual description evoking the...
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 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 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 17, 2016 | Announcements, Events, Trauma Therapy
Open to survivors, their loved ones, trauma workers/volunteers, allies and everyone in...
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, 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 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 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 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 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 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...
May 5, 2016 | Events, Press
The Chicago Tribune covers RVA’s Education & Training Program work with Chicago Agricultural Sciences HS students about college sexual assault as part of a Chicago Says No More initiative....
May 4, 2016 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Female genitalia have an extensive history of being stigmatized, shamed, and left out of medical textbooks. Our feelings about what’s between our legs are shaped by a culture that tells us penises are powerful and vaginas are dirty. Let’s make art to...
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 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 16, 2016 | Events, Trauma Therapy
Come to explore the political implications of the war on reproductive rights of women and examine how this intersects with rape culture. Engage in art making to create a symbolic uterus as a way to nurture a part of the collective body that needs to heal. All are...
