Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence Advocate Name, Advocate Title Sexual Assault Support Center Date 2 MIN Introductions Overview of the purpose Remind people to take care of themselves

Training Goals To increase understanding of sexual violence and it’s impacts To increase the ability of community partners to respond to disclosures more effectively To increase awareness of sexual assault support center services 2 MIN Sexual violence is defined by the person who experiences it.  It includes behaviors that may or may not be against the law. Not all forms of sexual assault, for example, fall under the law of Gross Sexual Assault.  

Defining Sexual Violence Sexual violence is any type of sexual activity committed by one person without the consent of the other. It involves the use of threats, force, or any other form of coercion or intimidation. Sexual contact with a person who is unable to give consent is also considered sexual violence. -Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2 MIN Sexual violence is defined by the person who experiences it.  It includes behaviors that may or may not be against the law. Not all forms of sexual assault, for example, fall under the law of Gross Sexual Assault.  

What is consent? What does it look like or feel like? “Sexual violence is any type of sexual activity committed by one person without the consent of the other…. Sexual contact with a person who is unable to give consent is also considered sexual violence.” Consider: What is consent? What does it look like or feel like? Who might be unable to give consent? 5 MIN Consent can be defined in many ways, but it is generally considered by our community to be the Informed, Willing, Enthusiastic Presence of Yes. People who can’t consent are those who are unconscious, severely intoxicated (though this can be complicated by the relationship between the two parties); some cognitive or intellectual disabilities which make one unable to consent; some age differentials; some professional distinctions (such as doctor/patient, therapist/client). Essentially – the law tries to grapple with the power differential between two people.  

Defining Sexual Violence Consider: What kind of behaviors, actions, or crimes might be included in this definition? Street harassment Sexual abuse by a caregiver Gender bullying Stalking, in some circumstances Sexual harassment Drug- and alcohol-facilitated sexual assault Sexual coercion Commercial sexual exploitation Power differentials which makes sexual contact inappropriate Child sexual abuse Elder abuse Sexual assault Sex trafficking Intimate partner sexual violence Unwanted sexual contact 5 MIN con’t Ask the group: What examples of sexual violence can you think of? (prompt – hands on, hands off, digital, etc)

One in five Mainers will experience sexual assault at some point in their lifetime1 - that’s nearly as many people as the combined populations of Portland, Lewiston/Auburn, Augusta, Rockland, Bangor, Ellsworth, Calais, and Presque Isle. 2 MIN The statistics tell us that sexual violence is pervasive and that it effects all of us. Each year, 14,000 Mainers will experience sexual assault.2  In 2016, only 383 rapes or attempted rapes were reported to Maine law enforcement.3 2Ibid.   1Dumont, R & Shaler, G. (2015). Maine Crime Victimization Report: Informing public policy for safer communities. Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine

Who is Impacted? Consider: What populations or groups of people might be most likely to be targeted for sexual violence? 2 MIN Some populations experience higher rates of violence. Briefly brainstorm what populations might be most at risk.

Populations At Risk People with disabilities. 80% of people with disabilities are sexually assaulted; half of those have more than 10 assaults. (CDC, 1998) Native American Women. Over 25% of Native American women will be raped in their lifetime. Half will experience another type of sexual violence. (Black, 2011) Children. 42.2% of female rape victims were raped before age 18; and 27.8% of male victims when they were under ten. (Black, 2011). Trans People. Over 50% of trans people will experience sexual violence. People without homes. 44% of women at Preble Street Shelter report experiencing sexual violence. (Mclaughlin, 2009) 2 MIN con’t What do these populations have in common? Everyone is at risk, to not minimize the rates and experience of sexual violence.

Impact of Sexual Violence Consider: What are some of the impacts of sexual violence? What are some of the impacts you are most likely to see in your field or with those you serve? 8 MIN It impacts everyone differently. Impacts all aspects of someone’s life. Immediate and on-going effects. Ask the group: What are some of the impacts of sexual violence? How might survivors show up in your work?

Responding to Disclosures 5 MIN If someone trusts you enough to disclosure, you are already a resource for them. Survivors may not know what they want or what their options are. Know your role and know how to make a referral. Review the Do’s and Don’ts of disclosure. Ask folks if they can think of other things. Ask if they have any concerns about disclosures. Why this will positively impact their work and their experience.

– Sexual Assault Advocate The Role of Advocacy “The role of a sexual assault advocate is like being a seeing eye dog. It’s not our job to determine where the survivor is going or where the survivor wants to go. It’s our job to help them know if there are obstacles in the way that we can work around to help them get their safely, and we do that at their direction.” – Sexual Assault Advocate 2 MIN Work with anything related to sexual assault prevention and response Train providers Helpline, support and resources

Sexual Assault Support Center Services 24-hour helpline, chat and text available Support groups, drop-in groups, and peer support Go with survivors through civil & criminal systems Go with survivors to emergency medical care and kits Prevention education Professional & community training Outreach 2 MIN Work with anything related to sexual assault prevention and response Train providers Helpline, support and resources

Sexual assault support centers are here for you. Our Partnership Sexual assault support centers are here for you. We support all Mainers impacted by sexual violence, no matter when it happened, no matter whether it was a crime, and even if you want to help a friend or client. 2 MIN Review outreach offices and how to make a referral We depend on your partnership to support survivors. Our benefits to you. Why they refer When they refer Why clients will be better served if you refer

For More Training 1 MIN Review contact info for more training or collaborations. Community events Coordinated response

Thank You 1 MIN There are a lot of ways that you can combat sexual violence in your everyday life. How can you continue this conversation? Hand out outreach materials.