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 – are more important than ever to counter those who dismiss and ignore sexual violence.
Rape Victim Advocates remains steadfast in our commitment to support survivors and end sexual violence. With your help, we will continue to listen to and amplify the voices of survivors – voices like Coretta Dixon, who kept silent for over 20 years, but thanks in part to RVA, is now being heard loud and clear. Learn more about her journey of courage and healing here.
Thank you for standing with RVA, with survivors, and for compassion and justice.
With gratitude,
Rape Victim Advocates
Upcoming RVA Events
12/2 – Policing Women’s Bodies in Performance
12/5 – Home for the Holidays
12/6 – Speak Your Truth: Even When Your Voice Shakes
12/8 – In the Here and Now: Yoga-Based Grounding Techniques for Survivors
12/13 – Making Matters
12/13 – Couples Workshop
12/14 – Red Thread
RVA in Action
Advocacy hosted RVA’s first webinar to review medical advocacy and important changes to emergency room procedures as a result of the Sexual Assault Incident Procedure Act.
Counseling held RVA’s first Reiki Clinic, where 5 practitioners welcomed 15 clients for a 20-30 minute Reiki session. Read more about Reiki and trauma.
Training and Education authored, illustrated, and printed an amazing children’s book to support the essential prevention education work they do in schools.
RVA News
- Watch RVA’s appearance on Univision’s Vida Mujer
- Faced with Trump Presidency, Advocates Vow to Protect Sexual Assault Survivors
Volunteer Spotlight
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 for the wide range of work he does in support of our organization. Nikhil has completed over 75 hours of training on the issue of sexual assault. He helped push our volunteer medical advocacy program forward by collaborating on a program for male volunteers. His dedication to male accountability drives him to facilitate trainings and workshops on behalf of our organization – he is also a part of our “Men in the Movement” discussion series planning team. Through all this, Nikhil continues to approach his work from a feminist and survivor-centered perspective.
Nikhil is a great advocate for social justice and we are proud to call him one of our volunteers. Read Nikhil’s acceptance speech here.