RapeTraumaServices

Our next blog post is live! Click here to read about the first time Congress ever took a stand against rape in prison. https://www.rapetraumaservices.org//2003-congress-unanimou

Our final project highlight is a graphic about human. trafficking created by Jessalyn Yepez and Izzy Gershfield. This concise two-page piece reviews definitions, myths vs facts, risk factors, signs of abuse, and how to help survivors. We are so proud of Jessalyn and Izzy for researching and compiling all of this crucial information into an easily-distributed graphic! If you are unaware of the prevalence of human trafficking in our county or you simply need to brush up on your facts, definitely check out this project. https://www.canva.com//DAEdpS/nxDn1XEDIiV8GWkhLCJ7qg/view

Our next project highlight was created by Hannah Schellenberg. This website delineates the cycle that creates and perpetuates rape culture in American society. Hannah takes a deep dive into the characteristics of infancy, childhood, the teenage years, and adulthood that create "an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against [people] is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture." If you are curious about the definition of rape culture and how it spreads, this is the right reading for you! We are so impressed by Hannah's depth of knowledge and all of her hard work on this project. https://the-cycle.my-free.website/

Our next Youth Ambassador project is by Lindsey Yang. Lindsey created her very own podcast in which she and two friends discuss their experiences with gender discrimination, including cat-calling and dress codes. Take 30 minutes this morning to hear from three high school students overcoming gender discrimination in your very own community. We truly cannot recommend this podcast enough. Thanks for all your hard work and creativity, Lindsey! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkkY4XX5LW4

Today we honor Cece McDonald.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Learn more about how RTS is working to educate parents and students on healthy relationship dynamics.

Disclosure of trauma is not an act of self-promotion. This myth continues to harm survivors and keep them from healing. Chastising survivors for not having 'moved on' from their trauma only further hinders the ability of survivors' to process and heal. We know the healing power of telling your story, and we are grateful that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez is sharing what she needs in order to heal, herself. https://www.huffpost.com//aoc-sexual-assault-trauma_n_6019

Today we honor Recy Taylor.

"But what I never waver from is that I am tired of Black women being erased from history, ignored and not believed exhausted by feeling guilty and condemned for calling out men in our tribe. Black women bleed real blood and feel real pain from the harm that sexual predators in our community cause. Yes, Black women are magic we have to be to survive this incredibly cruel world but we shouldn’t have to be magic to be treated with humanity, security and compassion." -Drew Dixon