For the immediate future, individuals should reach out directly to the YWCA for Victim Advocacy either through their main line 269.345.5595 or the 24-hour crisis line 269.385.3587 to receive services. An update for on-campus services will be provided when they are available again.
Survivor
Anti-Victim Blaming Workshop this weekend!
Join the Wellness and CARE Coordinator, Haley Mangette, in Hicks Banquet Hall for a workshop on victim blaming. We talk about what victim blaming is, why it happens and how we can stop it. Refreshments and cookies provided.
Date: Sunday, April 16th
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Hicks Banquet Hall
Victim-Survivor Love Letters Video
As part of efforts for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are hoping to put together a compilation of videos from faculty, staff, and administration with messages of support for victims and survivors of sexual assault. We are hoping to collect 15 to 20 second videos by April 17th to compile and send out on the SPEAK Instagram. If you need any assistance in developing the letter or recording, please let Haley Mangette (Haley.Mangette@kzoo.edu)!
Examples of positive affirmations:
- “I want you to know that even though we may have never met, I care about you and believe in you. You are not at fault for what happened to you. You are brave, powerful, intelligent, and I am here for you.”
- “You are not alone. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to resources here at K like the counseling services, the office of gender equity, or our YWCA Advocate, Mya. You are strong. I care about you and want you to know that you do not have to go through this alone.”
- “I believe you. This shouldn’t have happened to you and you are not at fault. You did not do anything to deserve this.”
Phrases/ words to avoid:
- “I understand what you are going through.”
- “You will be okay” or “You will get through this”
- Triggering words (such as rape).
If you would like to participate in this effort but not on video, we have an online anonymous collection you can submit to as well: https://sexualsafety.kzoo.edu/sll/.
Take Back The Night Speak Out: Speakers
Every April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). During SAAM, different groups and organizations hold events to raise awareness for and acknowledge the impact that sexual assault has on those within our and other communities. A Speak out, hosted on Denim Day (Wednesday, April 26), is an annual event with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. The Speak out allows victims and survivors of gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence to share their stories and/or pieces of writing or art to empower themselves and raise awareness of the issue in a supportive, “off-the-record” space.
Because of the nature of this subject, we also offer the opportunity for victim-survivors to anonymously share their stories to be read on stage. You can upload your submission at Anonymous Submissions .
We will also be offering confidential writing workshops that offer a safe and mediated space to put experiences into words. The first workshop will be held this Thursday, April 6th from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in the CCE Community Room (Dewing).Anyone is welcome to share their stories, poetry, art, etc. If you wish to participate or have any questions, please contact Abbey.Mcmillian20@kzoo.edu (student) or Haley.Mangette@kzoo.edu (staff member).
Therapy for Black Girls
From licensed psychologist, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Therapy for Black Girls discusses mental health, personal development, interpersonal relationships, and so much more. Some topics include dating, sexual health, and current tv and film.
Narcissist Apocalypse
Narcissist Apocalypse is a storytelling podcast that gives a voice to survivors of toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, and domestic violence. Through the power of story, our community helps educate, heal, and make you feel less alone.
Narcissist Apocalypse– website
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC)
The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) is a Native-led nonprofit organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children. Through resources, technical assistance, housing advocacy and events, the NIWRC prioritizes the safety of Native women and their children.
Upcoming events– the organization will be hosting a virtual healing camp in October of 2022.
Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing Services
The National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline (NDDVH) is available to Deaf callers across the US. Deaf NDDVH advocates at Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) answer videophone calls and emails 24/7. If using a voice phone, you will be connected to an interpreter for duration of the phone call. These advocates can listen, provide information and referrals, and brainstorm with callers different ways to keep safe and do formal safety planning.
- Video phone: 855.812.1001
- Instant messenger: DeafHotline
- Email: nationaldeafhotline@adwas.org
Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services
National Domestic Violence Hotline- Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing Services
Sexual Assault Services for Holistic Healing and Awareness (SASHA) Center
The SASHA Center is a sexual assault service, prevention and educational agency that supports survivors of sexual assault. SASHA Center is open to all; however they focus on assisting African-American women who are survivors of sexual assault. The center provides culturally specific services to Sexual Assault survivors through peer educational support groups that are free, confidential and trauma-informed.
Located in Detroit
Sexual Assault Services for Holistic Healing and Awareness 1-888-865-7055 (not 24-hour)
Links:
VINE
VINE, Victim Information and Notification Everyday, is a notification network for survivors and victims of crime, as well as other concerned citizens. The system provides timely and reliable information about offenders or criminal cases in U.S. jails and prisons. Those who sign up can receive automated notifications through email, text, or phone call, or check custody status information online at any time. Information in most states are available (some states may be using the classic vine system).