What's New

Forensic Research Network's sexual assault prevention video

Here is an advance peek at the Forensic Research Network's sexual assault prevention video, which will be premiered at the sexual assault workshop in Calgary, AB June 9th. It is 1 minute in length and is based on information in our literature review by the Forensic Research Network on the most effective sexual assault prevention initiatives.

The literature has shown that the focus in prevention has shifted from trying to change victim behaviour to trying to get bystanders to step in. The video will be sent to television channels across the country in their desired format. I am just getting the broadcast license now. Feel free to share this link.

https://breeze.mtroyal.ca/sexualassaultprevention/

If you would like a complimentary copy of the CD, contact Dr. Cathy Carter Snell, RN PhD, Assoc Professor/Coordinator - Forensic Studies, and Director - Forensic Research Network at Mount Royal University at ccartersnell@mtroyal.ca or by phone at 1-800-240-6891 toll free or 403-440-6679.

The Voices and Faces Project in Canada: A new global initiative funded by the Donner Canadian Foundation

We are proud to announce our newest initiative in the fight to end sexual violence against women. Through generous funding provided by the Donner Canadian Foundation, The Voices and Faces Project (TVFP), in cooperation with Making A Difference Canada, will be working together to put voices and faces to the issue of sexual assault in Canada.

Through a series of survivor driven presentations and workshops that we will co-host in Canada, TVFP seeks to explore how the media impacts public attitudes about sexual violence, what faith-based groups can do to better support those who have lived through rape and abuse, and how legal and cultural responses to violence are connected. Each workshop will be grounded in the testimony of survivors of sexual violence from the US, Canada and regions beyond our borders.

In Canada, as in the US, the absence of the voices and faces of survivors serves to alienate and isolate those who have lived through abuse. Anne Ream, TVFP's project founder notes, "At present in Canada, there are no nationally focused public education efforts designed to challenge how Canadians view and respond to sexual assault. In bringing our survivor-focused documentary project to the region, and partnering with our allies at MDC, we hope to raise awareness of how rape impacts victims, families and communities, while calling the public to a more compassionate and activist response to such violence."

Watch for details on our project efforts in the coming months. Special thanks to our Canadian project leadership team, which includes Ruth Montgomery, Katie Feifer, Janet Holmes and Anne K. Ream.

To learn more about The Voices and Faces Project, click www.vimeo.com to view a recently released US Department of Justice and Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault video where Voices and Faces Project Founder Anne Ream speaks about the role that first responders play for victims of sexual violence. Anne's mother, Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault Board member Melva Luker, talks about the ways that rape impacted her own family, and what communities can do to help survivors heal.

 

2010 National Crime Victim's Rights Week Video Featuring The Voices and Faces Project
The Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) at the United States Department of
Justice has just released its 2010 National Crime Victims' Rights Week
video, one that features The Voices and Faces Project as representative of
the "changing face" of the anti-violence movement. As this video will be
useful in our Canadian outreach, we wanted to share it with you.

Directed by Emmy Award-winning journalist Robin Smith, this mini-documentary
reflects on the unique challenges faced by victims, and calls us to respond
to their cases with fairness, dignity and respect. The Voices and Faces
Project is featured as part of what United States Assistant Attorney General
Laurie O. Robinson calls "a growing movement of young pioneers who are
coming forward with new ideas." The video includes images and text from the
forthcoming Voices and Faces Project
book, and some wonderful survivor testimonial.

I hope that you can take a moment to view the video, one that serves as a
powerful reminder that though we have made terrific progress in the fight
for the rights of victims, there is still much important work to be done.

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2010/multimedia/videoFiles/2010_NCVRW_Theme.mov