We are looking to fill two full time direct services positions! One position requires the applicant to speak Spanish. Apply by clicking here, please include a cover letter and a resume. Contact Peggy via email at pladue@cmsac.org or call (320) 251-4357 for any questions or concerns.
Para leer en español, haga clic aquí.
(February 10, 2016) – A brand-new peer-support service is available today as part of RAINN’s commitment to supporting Spanish-speaking survivors of sexual assault. La Sala de Ayuda is a confidential chat room service that offers survivors another way to get help and support. Last year, the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline launched Spanish hotline services at rainn.org/es. RAINN’s top content is also now available in Spanish to offer survivors important information about things like the rape kit process and how to spot child abuse.
La Sala de Ayuda (Help Room), is similar to a group chat service. Up to 10 survivors will take part in each group session, which is moderated by a RAINN staff member. Participants decide as a group what topics to focus on during the session.
“The addition of a group-based service means that survivors and their loved ones can better understand that they are not alone,” said Candice Lopez, program manager for the National Sexual Assault Hotline. “We know that a group setting can help survivors connect with others to strengthen self-confidence, increase resiliency and promote individual healing.”
La Sala de Ayuda, like all of RAINN’s other services, is designed with privacy and safety top-of-mind: no chats are saved, and no IP addresses are stored. Participants can leave at any time, and can also messages the moderator privately with a question or concern.
Josue Melendez, a moderator for La Sala de Ayuda, says of RAINN’s newest service, “It provides the space to speak about your experience, and receive knowledge that can benefit [survivors] in the road to recovery. Sometimes the Spanish community may not have support from family when it comes to sexual assault. La Sala de Ayuda gives you hope that you are not alone.”
Anyone impacted by sexual violence can join La Sala de Ayuda on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 pm to 9 pm ET. La Sala de Ayuda is made possible through a Vision 21 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org, y en español:rainn.org/es.
About RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE andonline.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than two million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.
La Sala de Ayuda (“Helproom”) was created by RAINN under #2014-XV-BX-K005, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this press release are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
To visit the RAINN website click here.
CMSAC is currently accepting intake applications from individuals interested in joining a “Concerned Person’s” support group. Concerned persons may include family members, friends, neighbors, or coworkers of individuals impacted by sexual violence. If you are interested in participating in this group, please follow the link below, or look under the “Support Groups” tab (on the right hand side) to complete the intake form. http://ow.ly/XwaPa
See below for some facts about consent and remember, sex without consent is sexual assault:
- Consent should never be implied or assumed. Consent needs to be clear and something more than not hearing “no.” Never assume you have consent based on body language and non-verbal cues.
- Consent is situation specific. If someone consents to sex a week ago, or any amount of time in the past, it doesn’t mean they will consent to sex with someone today. Consent can always be withdrawn at a later time.
- Consent is behavior specific. Just because someone consents to one set of actions and/or activities it does not mean they are giving consent to any other sexual act.
- Consent is clear. If someone is incapacitated to the extent that they cannot make clear and informed decisions on their own behalf, they cannot consent to sexual activity. For example, someone who has slurred speech, is passing out, falling over etc. Drugs and alcohol blur consent.
- Finally, consent is fun! Consent by definition is a communication about an individual’s desires, needs, and level of comfort in different sexual interactions. When used properly, consent can enhance sexual interactions!
For more information, click on this link to a video on consent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNN3nAevQKY&index=1&list=PL3xP1jlf1jgJRkChwVOlwQcV0-UqcWiFV
If you were a victim of child sexual abuse and were older than 24 at the time the Child Victim Act was passed (May 25th, 2013) you have a three year window of opportunity to bring a civil claim forward. This 3 year window of opportunity ends on May 24th, 2016.
Survivors should consider what they hope to gain from engaging in the civil legal process. A defendant may not always have financial resources to make a survivor whole, with regard to injury, but other results may be just as satisfying such as legal recognition of the harm done, validation of the survivors claims, and notice of the defendants actions to the community.
The Child Victim Act provides survivors of child sexual abuse an opportunity to seek civil justice in a situation where the criminal statute of limitations has likely run out.
Survivors of child sexual abuse have the option to pursue both criminal and civil actions. CMSAC advocates are available to help you explore all options.
For more information or referrals on your options to report criminally or civilly please contact us by calling 320-251-4357 or e-mail us at cmsac@cmsac.org.
Central MN Sexual Assault Center 