SEXUAL TRAUMA AWARENESS & RESPONSE CENTER

THE CENTER LINE

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an international phenomenon that ago. Frank Baird

FALL 2013 NEWSLETTER

Men in Heels Take Over Baton Rouge

They strapped on their heels, then squirmed and stumbled as they took over downtown Baton Rouge in late September to raise awareness and funds for STAR. This year STAR hosted the 3rd annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, a mens march to end rape, sexual abuse and gender violence. Over 200 men, women and children joined us at North Boulevard Town Square on Sunday, September 22nd. The event featured The Around Town Shows Scott Rogers as the Master of Ceremonies and the Dunham High School Jazz Band directed by John Gray, who sported red patent leather heels to make his statement. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes garnered the support of local public officials, business leaders, student groups and concerned citizens from across the parish. Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne joined District Attorney Hillar Moore and Police Chief Carl Dabadie, Jr. to lead the one-mile march down North Boulevard.
MC Scott Rogers and public officials give out STARs High Heel awards on stage at Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Police Chief Carl Dabadie, Jr., Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and District Attorney Hillar Moore lead STARs Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

started over a decade created Walk a Mile in Her Shoes in 2001 to benefit a small nonprofit operating out of California. What started out as a small group of men daring to totter around a park has grown to become a world-wide movement with tens of thousands of men This is an important event to show support to survivors and take action to prevent sexual assault here in Louisiana, Lieutenant Governor Dardenne commented. raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other sexual violence education, prevention and remediation programs. The impetus behind Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is that sexual violence does not just affect women. It affects the men who care about them, their families, their friends, their coworkers and their communities. Sexual violence has become an international epidemic.

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8281 Goodwood Blvd., STE I-2 | Baton Rouge, LA 70806 | (225) 615-7093 | www.brstar.org

News From The Center

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Erlingson
Erlingson-Banks, Attorney at Law President

Who Do You Know?

Over the past year STAR has worked tirelessly to bring attention to sexual violence in our community. Our staff and volunteers have tabled at awareness events, presented to public officials and community leaders, visited local TV shows to promote our services and events and educated the community through online and social media. The overwhelmingly positive community response to our cause has fueled our passion for our mission and vision even more. Often people approach us when we are out in the community and say, I was raped when I was younger or I know someone who experienced sexual violence. And as much as we are trained professionals and advocates that work with survivors each day, it is still startling how many people are affected by sexual violence. National statistics estimate that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men are sexually violated at some point in their life (CDC, 2011). As high as that number appears on paper, I think its actually much higher. On a daily basis, our staff and volunteers witness the courage of survivors who share the devastation that sexual violence has had on their lives. While survivors come to STAR seeking help in their recovery process, they come first and foremost baring their deepest secrets to someone who will believe them. And while disclosing an assault aids in a survivors acknowledgment that a crime has been committed, survivors also need compassion from family, friends, and their larger community to support prosecution of these crimes. When survivors are fearful that they will not be believed, they often do not come forward. Low numbers of reported cases create a false sense of safety in our community, assailants rarely face criminal charges and survivors struggle in silence with the trauma of their assault. While conversations about what is happening in our community may ultimately prove to be very difficult, these discussions will also allow us to improve our support for survivors, to prevent sexual violence and to protect the most vulnerable in our community. As we look ahead, we find ourselves searching for answers, providing support and encouragement to survivors afraid of coming forward and advocating for systemic changes to best aid survivors. Who do you know who has been affected by sexual violence? Reach out to them and show them you care. Sincerely,

Stephanie Jacque
Department of Public Works Vice-President

Mark Dumaine
19th Judicial District Attorney's Office Secretary

Thomas Naquin
Postlethwaite and Netterville Treasurer

Randall Brown, M.D.

LA Womens Health Associates Medical Director

Captain John Attuso

Baton Rouge City Police

William Clark, M.D.

East Baton Rouge Coroner

Kathi Gill
Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Ann Guedry
Retired

Sid Newman
CrimeStoppers

Jane Wood
Retired

STAFF
Racheal Hebert, MSW
Executive Director

Nicole Gillum, LMSW

Director of Client Services

Rebecca Marchiafava, MPP

Director of Education and Outreach

Portia Gordon, MA
Counselor

Crystal Kazik
Prevention Educator

Morgan Lamandre, JD
Advocacy Coordinator

Laneceya Russ
Administrative Coordinator

Cathy Thurmond
Outreach Coordinator

INTERNS
Sarah Backstrom, Debbie Barnett, Catherine Cooper, Shayla Polk

Racheal Hebert Executive Director

The Center Line

Trending Issues in Sexual Violence

The Prison Rape Elimination Act Sets New Standards for Correctional Facilities
A decade ago the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was passed with unanimous support from Congress. The purpose of the act was to provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in Federal, State, and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations and funding to protect individuals from prison rape. It took several years to compile research and pilot the Federal PREA standards, but in spring of 2012 the official standards for PREA were finally released. The motivation behind PREA is twofold. First, PREA requires development of standards for detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment of prison rape among Federal, State and local correctional facilities. PREA also standardizes the collection and dissemination of information on the incidence of prison rape. Just Detention International (formerly called Stop Prisoner Rape), a grassroots organization that has been around since 1980, was instrumental in securing and passing PREA and now serves as the premiere agency providing training and support to correctional systems. According to JDI: Prisoner rape is a crime and a human rights violation. Yet every year roughly 200,000 adults and children in U.S. detention are sexually abused. A study conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) showed that in 2012, 4.0% of state and federal prison inmates and 3.2% of jail inmates reported experiencing one or more incidents of sexual victimization by another inmate or facility staff in the past 12 months. Additionally, the reports found that rates reported by inmates were higher among females than males, higher among whites than blacks, and higher among inmates with a college degree than those who had not completed high school. Statisticians believe that the To learn more about PREA, visit www.justdetention.org. Until recently, public outcry against prison rape was very low. Many people felt that whatever happened to prisoners behind bars was for just cause. However, with recent studies showing not only the high prevalence of prison rape but also the devastating emotional and psychological effects on its victims, correctional systems are now taking action to appropriately prevent and intervene in sexual violence behind bars. In Louisiana, PREA standards will affect all state and local juvenile detention, community corrections and jail systems. STAR is working with the Louisiana Department of Corrections and local parish prison facilities to help educate staff on sexual violence and provide support to survivors in correctional facilities. To date, STAR has trained 75 medical and mental health staff working at state correctional facilities and parish prisons in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Like all sexual violence survivors, prison rape survivors suffer serious emotional and physical consequences. They are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and drug addictions, as well as contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Some even argue that these effects are heightened in a correctional facility where survivors literally cannot escape their abusers. number of reports is far lower than the actual number incidents, but due to increased stigma surrounding prison rape, many inmates choose to keep silent about being victimized for fear of retaliation from prison staff or other inmates.

The Center Line

Men in Heels Take Over Baton Rouge continued

Continued from page 1

According to national statistics, every two minutes someone in America is raped, and 1 in 5 American women are victims of rape or attempted rape. That means someone you know, someone you care about, has been or may become the victim of sexual violence. This year STAR hosted an inaugural Hunks in Heels Runway Show as a preview event for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on Thursday, September 19th at The Office in downtown Baton Rouge. Hunks in Heels featured a dozen local media personalities, business leaders and community organizers donning high heels for a good cause.

women who have no one else to look out for them. Dave Remmetter, owner of Chelseas Caf (pictured right), singlehandedly raised over $1700 for STAR and was the ultimate winner of STARs Hunks in Heels Runway Show. According to Dave, I have a close friend who has been through this trauma. She has taught me the importance of moving forward and moving past not only these experiences, but all negative experiences in life through positive channels. She is much wiser than me." Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and
Dave Remmetter shows off his heels at Chelseas Caf

to a heavy topic. Sexual violence happens more frequently than we know, and often victims suffer in silence due to the fear of not being believed or the fear of being stigmatized or labeled by society. By having men come forward to show their support for this issue by wearing heels and literally walking in womens shoes, we at STAR hope that survivors and the community at large will begin to understand this very serious issue. We want to remove the stigma of sexual violence. Our ultimate goal is for every survivor to feel that there is a supportive system of community members, law enforcement officials and social service agencies here to help. If you missed out on these events this year, be sure to join us next fall for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and Hunks in Heels. Visit our website at www.brstar.org for more pictures of these events.

When asked why he chose to participate, Jesse Hoggard, Communications Director at the Louisiana Technology Park and President of Forum 35, commented, I have four little sisters that mean the world to me; I don't know what I'd do if something happened to them. I walk for them and for all the

Hunks in Heels raised over $18,000 for STAR. All of the proceeds will go directly to providing free and confidential services to sexual assault survivors in the Greater Baton Rouge community. According to Executive Director Racheal Hebert: Both events are meant to bring a light-hearted spirit

Eric Dexter, President-Elect of Forum 35, tries on his heels

Hosts Whitney Vann and Leonard Augustus prepare for the runway show

LSU Law Professor Chris Tyson steadies himself on the runway

WBRZ Chief Forecaster Pat Shingleton busts a move

The Center Line

Take Back the Night

STAR Co-Hosts the 27th Annual Take Back the Night

In an effort to bring the community together and raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, the LSU Womens Center, Iris Domestic Violence Center and STAR are collaborating with campus and community organizations to host the 27th Annual Take Back the Night candlelight vigil and march on Sunday, October 13, in front of the LSU Memorial Tower. Take Back the Night is an important event because it not only honors and remembers those who have lost their lives to domestic and/ or sexual violence, said Summer Steib, director of the LSU Womens Center, but it serves as a call to action for our community to raise
STAR volunteers participate in last years Take Back the Night march at LSU

Take Back the Night is a national movement hosted by community organizations across the country. Here in Baton Rouge, Take Back the Night highlights the struggles and obstacles the Greater Baton Rouge community has faced in protecting the women, children and families in this area. This is the sixth year that the event will be held on LSUs campus at the Memorial Tower. One of the most unique and inspiring parts of Take Back the Night is when we invite survivors to share their stories with the community, said Steib. Through courageously sharing what they have overcome, these survivors give a face and voice to those who are often silenced.

awareness about these forms of violence and it further sends a message to perpetrators that domestic and sexual violence are not tolerated in our community.

The Center Line

Spotlight on Prevention

STAR Partners with Louisiana Delta Service Corps to Increase Prevention Capacity
STAR is pleased to announce a new partnership with Louisiana Delta Service Corps (LDSC) to build our Education and Outreach Program. LDSC is one of over 400 AmeriCorps National Service programs across the country and has been in the Baton Rouge community since 1992. LDSC fulfills its mission to create positive change in the delta through service by partnering with local non-profits, community and faith based organizations, public schools and government agencies to help build safer, smarter and healthier communities. We are so pleased to work with an organization rooted in community service that focuses on building healthier communities. The mission of LDSC is aligned with STARs mission to build a healthy community free of oppression and sexual violence. Our This year, STAR was selected as one of nine Baton Rouge non-profits working towards LDSCs healthy futures initiative. Through this partnership, two LDSC members have been placed at STAR. According to STARs Director of Education and Outreach Rebecca Marchiafava: LDSC members Cathy Thurmond and Crystal Kazik will work as Outreach Coordinator and Prevention Educator, respectively, at STAR from September 1, 2013 to July 31, 2014. With their help, STAR will increase its prevention education and awareness efforts in the Greater Baton Rouge community. two new corps members are highly motivated individuals who bring a tremendous value to our organization.

Meet Our New Corps Members

Crystal Kazik
Originally from Wisconsin, Crystal Kazik earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Womens Studies with a minor in French and Sociology, from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire in 2011. Having recently returned from Cameroon after serving as a Community Health Volunteer in the Peace Corps, she is excited to call Baton Rouge, Louisiana her new home! Prior to serving with Louisiana Delta Service Corps, Crystal worked as a Prevention Intern for an HIV/AIDS resource center; and as a Direct Support Professional for people living with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Within her role as Prevention Educator for STAR, she will be opening up discussions with youth and community partners about gender violence, healthy individuals/ relationships, and bystander engagement. She is interested in using this year to create sustainable collaborations with partners and allies in Baton Rouge, and delving into the multifaceted factors which add to the many isms she is trying to dispel. Crystal is an avid reader, loves dancing, traveling, learning new languages, and relaxing in hammocks. She is passionate about maternal and child health as well as sexual health education; and hopes to pursue a Masters degree in Public Health before becoming a Midwife.

Cathy Thurmond
Cathy Thurmond was born and raised in Slidell, Louisiana. She then moved to Hammond for college and received her Bachelors in Sociology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2012. She witnessed abuse and violence in all realms of society, from school to family to the media, and Sociology gave her the tools to understand that gender ideology is one of the keys driving this violence. She became a passionate community activist interested in resolving issues of unequal power relations in order to address the systemic root causes of gender violence. She has been involved with the LGBTQI+ community, women's rights, safe sex education among other issues. After graduating from Southeastern in 2012, she moved to Baton Rouge to work towards her Master's in Liberal Arts with a Minor in Women's and Gender Studies at LSU. She also began training to be a hospital advocate for STAR in the spring of 2013, and then interned with STAR that summer. As Outreach Coordinator, she is responsible for building relationships with the community and conducting outreach activities.

The Center Line

Join Our Circle of Healing

STAR Launches Annual Campaign for 2013-2014

Our Annual Fundraising Campaign is now underway! Help us meet our $35,000 annual goal today by contributing any amount you can. We need your support to continue providing our programs and services in the Greater Baton Rouge community. $100 provides training and materials for 1 STAR volunteer who responds to the 24-hour crisis hotline and offers hospital accompaniment for sexual assault victims. $250 provides 5 sessions of group counseling to 10 survivors. Group counseling is offered at no cost to our clients. $500 provides 10 hours of individual counseling for sexual assault survivors from our licensed counselors. Individual and family counseling is offered at no cost to our clients. $1,000 covers the cost of a sexual assault forensic evidence collection exam for 1 survivor of sexual assault. $1,000 provides training and materials for 500 middle and high school students who take part in violence prevention education programming each year.

Give the gift of help, hope, and healing so that together we can work to end sexual violence!

JOIN OUR CIRLCE OF HEALING TODAY!

Our center relies heavily on community supporters like yourself. Donate to STAR today and become a member of our Circle of Support. Contributors to STAR will receive: Email updates on new and exciting events and resources available at STAR Quarterly newsletters highlighting STARs progress Use of STAR resources, including lending of books, videos, and much more Updates on public policy initiatives and other issues affecting sexual assault survivors Reduced registration rates at STAR trainings and workshops And, of course, the comfort of knowing you are contributing to an organization that serves the community, and uses 100% of its donations to provide direct services to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones

How to contribute: 1. Mail a check to: Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center, 8281 Goodwood Blvd., Suite I-2, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 2. Make a secure online donation through PayPal on our website at www.brstar.org.

The Center Line

SEXUAL TRAUMA AWARENESS & RESPONSE (STAR)

8281 GOODWOOD BLVD., SUITE I-2 BATON ROUGE, LA 70806 OFFICE: (225) 615-7093 24-HOUR HOTLINE: (225) 383-RAPE

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8281 GOODWOOD BLVD. SUITE I-2

BATON ROUGE, LA 70806