Hookup Culture+Online Dating Presentation

Attend this free virtual presentation on the dynamics of hookup culture, online dating, and learn how to engage in them in safe and healthy ways!

Survivors Reclaim // Reclama

In celebration of this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), SARC presents “Reclaim//Reclama”, a publication highlighting the stories and artwork of survivors from all walks of life throughout the state of Oregon.

We have noticed over the years, that there are many voices and experiences that often go unrepresented during local SAAM efforts. This publication is an attempt to create an opportunity for those folks whose experiences go unrecognized to reclaim this space.

We’re honored that these artists chose to collaborate with us on this magazine and we are making it available for sale to help support the artists and SARC.

On Saturday, April 28th, there will be an event at Solace & Fine Espresso, featuring appearances by artists who contributed to this project. Join us, in community, to celebrate the beautiful work that made this project possible. Event details are on our Facebook page.

“Reclaim//Reclama” will be available for purchase at the event. Proceeds will go towards thanking the artists for their participation as well as support of SARC. If you would like to purchase a zine you can do so via the ‘Buy Now’ button below. If you are interested in ordering a larger quantity or would like to help with the sale of this project, please message us directly at info[at]sarcoregon.org. If cost is a barrier but you would still like to support artists and SARC please contact us directly at the same email address.

Reclaim_coverReclaim // Reclama

A collaboration with local artists showcasing visual art and the written word. Survivors supporting survivors through this collection of culturally diverse work. We have kept pieces in the language they were originally written in. We did not want any artists’ messages to get lost in translation. We hope this choice preserves the artists’ intention, culture, and artistic expression.

-24 pages
-printed on glossy presentation paper
-perfect binding
-$2 mailing charge will be added


Pay what you can



40th Ruby Anniversary Fundraiser

40th Ruby Anniversary Fundraiser

It’s been a couple years since we’ve held a fundraiser and this year we wanted to do something special and impactful as much as possible to raise awareness and funds for SARC. We also wanted to act sooner than later because of the political and social climate we find ourselves in and because we know that SARC is losing funding, we just don’t know the extent yet. With a lot at stake for our vulnerable communities, there has been so much momentum in the social justice movements and awareness raising since election day; we certainly are no exception.

This year’s fundraiser marks SARC’s 40th Anniversary operating as a support agency for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones first and foremost. Since its inception in 1977, it has expanded to cover anti-trafficking programs and prevention education. We’re highlighting this occasion occurring at the end of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The color for a 40th anniversary is ruby red, and what better theme than to have it be our ‘Ruby Anniversary Fundraiser’? We’re carrying through the red color of solidarity and invite you to wear your red out to the fundraiser.

We’ve been hard at work planning and the event is coming up this week! We wanted to be sure to thank and highlight our sponsors and donors and share the silent auction and raffle item details here. You can track updates on our other social media channels like the Facebook event page, Twitter, and Instagram, please see other posts and information there.

Listen for us to be featured on XRAY.FM’s show, ‘The Non Profit Hour’, Tuesday, airing at 1:00PM, and re-airing the following Monday morning, 6:00AM. A few of us went in to record this interview hosted by Phil Busse of the NPH show. Recording will also be available as a podcast.

Date: April 27, Thursday
Time: 5 – 8:00pm
Venue: Ecotrust
Program Schedule:
5:00 – DJ Mr. Mumu, open mingling, snacks, drinks, networking
5:45 – kick-off intro
6:00 – DJ, open, donation highlights
6:15 – Get to know SARC & Staff
7:00 – Pull a few tix
7:05 – Executive Dir., Erin Ellis
7:30 – Moody Little Sister
7:50 – Pull all tix; wrap; hand-off prizes

The silent auction will go through the end of the evening and we’ll plan on pulling raffle tix at least a couple times. You do not have to be present to win a prize and if you elect not to purchase the auction item you bid on, it goes to the next highest bidder.

moodypicThis year, Moody Little Sister, will perform at the end of the evening for us. Naomi Hooley  and Rob Stroup form a Folk-Rock & Soul Duo out of Portland, Oregon, who have been touring and playing a lot of shows as of late. [insert pic] Community, nature, and the inward journey are the chorus line themes to most of the band’s songs. As a result they have been regarded as “social change agents” and “community creators”. Their debut record “Wild Places” is a soundtrack for anyone on a journey to be more authentically themselves.They’ve just announced an exciting move to New Mexico, so we’re lucky to have them play for us before their next adventure! Photo provided by Moody Little Sister.

DJ-Mr-MumuWe will also have a great local DJ Mr. Mumu, who plays regularly at Tilt and Valentines, to get you in the mood to donate. Lover of all types of music, he’s been working as a DJ for two decades and then some.

“I have played and can play just about every event possible…from swank black tie soirees to dark and dirty rock clubs…sometimes in the same night.”
Get ready to do some dancing while donating, while he spins only vinyl for us!

This is an annual fundraiser that we hope to grow year after year, and we are so thankful for our sponsors and all donors for this year’s event. All of the auction and raffle items have been donated by artists, businesses, friends and family in our community. Please let them know you appreciate their support of SARC the next chance you get. Photo provided by DJ Mr. Mumu.

Sponsors
fundraiser_donors1

Enjoy these donated drinks and food
fundraiser_donors


We’ll have more drinks, food, and sweets for you, we’d love to see you all there!

Silent Auction and Raffle Items showing their retail value | Items 1 -9 (silent auction)

1 Blazers Print $150
2 Rodinia necklace $200
3 Dawn Kowalewski Photography (14X14) $250
4 Artistic Bliss Portraits – 11×14 $550
5 Artistic Bliss Portraits – 11×14 $550
6 Private Flight Time (2-3 people) $425
7 Beach House (2 nights) $840
8 Women’s Group Self-defense Class $1,500
9 Dunn Carney Legal Services $1,750
10 Wine – Hiram $40
11 Bluestar Donuts $50
12 Bluestar Donuts $50
13 Domaine Drouhin Wine $50
14 Wine $50
15 Wine – Hiram $60
16 Rodinia ‘PDX’ necklace $52
17 City of Portland Golf passes 2×18 holes $90
18 Widmer Brothers Beer Pack $100
19 Yoga Shala – Classes 10-pack $110
20 Laika Studios – Kubo Gift Set $125
21 Ascension Fitness (pkg w/ Dr. Ni’s) $127
22 Cleobella Dress $150
23 Aquarium Pkg $199
24 Cleobella Dress $250
25 Folly Shopping party $250
26 Eastside Distilling Party $250
27 Garden Party for 6 $300
28 Cleobella Bag $400
29 Cleobella Bag $400
30 Mexico Vacation Rental (6 nights) $2,100 *Special raffle
31 Pilates Central PDX (2 sessions) $140
32 Pilates Central PDX (2 sessions) $140
33 Andina Restaurant GC $150
34 The Bite of Oregon tix 2 $150
35 Warrior Flow – Spring Challenge $175

 

Sexual Assault Does Not Happen In A Vacuum

Sexual Assault Does Not Happen In A Vacuum

This year continues to fly by as we head into April, and with so much going on locally and nationally, it’s not surprising things are moving quickly. This month, as we honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month and celebrate SARC’s 40th anniversary, we want to continue to voice our belief that the work we do around sexual assault cannot be treated as a vacuum issue, separate and unaffected by social and political dynamics.

The list of topics swirling around public discourse in our country seems endless, including immigration, climate change, environmentalism, sexism, sexual assault, systemic racism, transphobia, white supremacy, LGBTQIA rights, and much more. Part of doing work to end sexual violence means accepting that all of these issues interact with each other on multiple levels every minute of every day. That is because as people, we each experience and view the world through a kaleidoscope of unique identities and histories. Furthermore, the systems built around us, like government, healthcare, and capitalism, impact all of those identities differently.

SARC operates with the knowledge that sexual assault can happen to anyone, but that it does not happen to everyone equally. Research shows us over and over again that sexual assaults disproportionately occur against women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, undocumented immigrants, the elderly, people with disabilities, women in the military, the incarcerated, and people who struggle with financial or housing insecurity. Similarly, changes in local and federal legislation have the potential to disproportionately impact the same vulnerable populations.

Healthcare & Intersectionality

When it comes to prevention, SARC knows that education is key, as is access to resources. While prevention education helps stop would-be perpetrators from ever perpetrating in the first place, access to resources helps make individuals less vulnerable to exploitation and assault, since we know perpetrators often target those who are marginalized in society. Access to employment, culturally responsive healthcare, insurance, housing, schools, and other benefits increases one’s capacity to lead a safe and healthy life. Lately, a major issue regarding access to resources is health care coverage.

Nationally, threats to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) indicate threats to the wellbeing of our community members. Under the ACA, 30 million women gained copay-free access to preventative healthcare, including contraception, domestic violence screening and counseling, postpartum support services, depression screening, and more. Members of LGBTQIA communities were guaranteed protection from discrimination based on identity, orientation, or HIV status. The expansion of Medicaid in most states increased eligibility for coverage for millions more low-income households and individuals, although significant gaps still exist in gaining coverage for all people across income brackets.

As we advocate improving rather than rolling back our federal healthcare laws, we must also look to local government to guarantee protections. House Bill 2232 was recently introduced to the Oregon legislature to provide comprehensive reproductive health care for Oregonians. The bill requires insurers in the state to cover reproductive health services including contraception, STI screenings, prenatal care, and much more. It also protects against gender identity discrimination with language that would, for example, bar insurers from refusing to cover gynecological exams for transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals.

You can track HB 2232’s status here. While we wait for it to be debated and voted on, remember you have the power to reach out to your representatives! Having affordable access and autonomy to make health decisions about our bodies is part of the fight to end sexual violence. It sends the message that all bodies are equal, that bodies have rights, that our bodies are ours.

To learn more about how healthcare impacts women in Oregon specifically, check out the Women’s Foundation of Oregon’s intersectional analysis of the issue.

Healthcare is a great example of how current national issues tie directly to SARC’s work in ways that may not always be obvious. We want to celebrate intersectionality, and be conscious of the ways it influences our work. Recognizing our blindspots with humility and actively addressing them is the only way to make sure we are serving the needs of everyone who may need us.

Identities can be complex, but the bottom line is simple: sexual violence is inexcusable and preventable. The movement to end sexual violence is all of ours. We’ll work from different approaches and perspectives to address it, but we need your help.

Resources: 
Donate >
Volunteer >
More SAAM events >
RSVP to 40th Anniversary fundraiser >

 

*Banner provided by HCAO.org

What will you do for SAAM?

What will you do for SAAM?

saam_type_act-educate-care

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), but SARC wants you to be more than just “aware.” This year, we organized a series of events around our action-oriented theme: “ACT. EDUCATE. CARE.”

According to Google, awareness is a “concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.” To be aware is important. It means to be continually conscious of sexual assault in our communities and how sexual violence thrives in our culture. Awareness, however, can also easily slip into passivity. Once you are “aware” of the stark reality of sexual assault, what comes next?

To be part of the movement to end sexual violence, we must use our awareness as a springboard into action. This month, SARC is offering a variety of options for people to get involved.

SAAM

We can ACT. Use our voices, bodies, and influence to share our stories as people affected by sexual violence, directly or indirectly. SARC’s philosophy reflects our knowledge that sexual assault impacts all people regardless of their gender, race, socioeconomic status, faith, immigration status, age, disability, sexual orientation, and all the other complex identities that make us human. It is our diverse experiences that make us resilient and courageous. We can write letters and make phone calls to our representatives. We can volunteer. We can interrupt sexism and other forms of oppression in the daily ways we witness and experience them.

And we can actively support our community members when they take action. Voices Against Violence on April 8th 6pm-9pm at Coyote’s Bar & Grill, is our first SAAM event, where local performers will share their music, poetry, comedy, and more to address sexual violence through their art.

We can EDUCATE. Misinformation and ignorance surrounding the dynamics of sexual assault abound. SARC believes in educating from a place of humility. We believe in calling in rather than calling out. All of us have the ability to educate those around us. By pointing out the normalization of sexual violence in our media. By challenging victim-blaming or perpetrator-sympathetic comments in the news and within our communities. By engaging in primary prevention, working with youth to define and model what healthy sexuality, consent, and healthy relationships look like.

And we can actively continue to educate ourselves. Let’s Talk About Sex(uality) on April 17th 6pm-8pm at the Beaverton Community Center, is our second SAAM event, where a panel of community partners will answer questions about what healthy sexuality and relationships mean to them.

We can CARE. Being supportive of those who are dealing with the impact of a sexual assault is one of the best ways we can counteract the trauma of violence in the first place. Being present, listening, respecting survivors’ choices, allowing each person’s unique healing process to run its course, and focusing on someone else’s needs rather than your wants for them is an incredible way to show that you care.

Whether you’ve survived an assault, are supporting a survivor, or are doing work to end sexual violence, it takes a lot of effort. Part of taking care is having compassion for yourself, which is why SARC’s third SAAM event, Dare to Self Care on April 30th 1pm-4pm at Taborspace, is a whole afternoon dedicated to self-care activities and sustainability.

Awareness and action don’t end when April is over. Think of these events as an invitation to join SARC for the first time, or as a chance to continue your commitment and relationship. The movement to end sexual violence is not SARC’s alone; it is all of ours. We cannot do this without you.

All events are free, open to the public, and family friendly.SAAM 2017 Poster 8.5x14

You can help spread the word. Here are is our poster for these SAAM events, we appreciate your help to distribute through any and all channels and onto community boards, at your workplace break-rooms, schools, you get the picture!

Legal size >

Letter size >

Learn more about how to volunteer >
Learn more about how to donate >
RSVP for 40 Year Anniversary Fundraiser >

Lobbying to Protect VAWA

Lobbying to Protect VAWA

Among many notable national events since the assumption of power by the new White House administration, such as the recent immigration and refugee ban, the reinstatement and amplification of the global gag rule, threats to strip Sanctuary Cities and States of federal funding, also comes a threat to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Since its authorization in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has had an immense impact onFile_006 our country’s ability to address issues around sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Thanks to continued bipartisan reauthorizations, countless numbers of services and resources for survivors across the country are made possible through VAWA. Eliminating or even reducing VAWA’s federal funds would directly reduce resources for and the safety of survivors.

To threaten VAWA funding is to threaten the lives of women and their families everywhere. With recent research showing that one million Oregon women and girls experience sexual or domestic violence, one of the highest rates in the nation, SARC’s work could not be more relevant.

VAWA helps fund a variety of SARC programs and services, including our 24 hour Support Line, providing in-person advocacy response and over-the-phone support to survivors in Washington County day and night. VAWA also funds our work with the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, implementing measures from the Prison Rape Elimination Act. SARC’s ability to provide on-going confidential Case Management and Mental Health services to survivors free of charge would be severely impacted, should VAWA be cut or diminished. Agencies like SARC not only provide resources and support to survivors, but also educate our communities on issues surrounding sexual violence. We provide training and education to local Law Enforcement agencies, medical professionals, high school students, and more, with the ultimate goal of reducing rates of sexual violence overall.

Beyond the human and moral imperative of VAWA funded resources, the economic benefit of these programs is substantial. Oregon may already be facing a $1.4 billion deficit, so the prospect of losing federal funding for our local services, thereby putting additional burdens on our state budget, will have a great negative impact. The current costs incurred by survivors as a result of rape is estimated to be a total of $127 billion dollars nationally, a number that would only rise should VAWA be stripped. In fact, another study cited in the same article estimated that VAWA funded programs save $14.8 billion in victimization costs, while the act itself only amounts for $1.6 billion in federal spending.

VAWA costs only $15.50 per woman in the US but saves $159 per woman in the US.

So what can you do? Use your voice, your hands, your influence! Use these links below to call and write your representatives to advocate for VAWA. Whenever possible show up in-person to let your elected representatives know that you feel this is critical funding to stand-up for.

Here are links for our House & Senate elected officials:

Oregon State Representatives
> Oregon State Senators
> U.S. State Representatives
> U.S. Senators

En Español >

Join Us at PSA, a Community Art Exhibition Benefitting SARC

psa17

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is coming up! The Ford Gallery is hosting PSA, a community exhibition, curated by Lindsey Oldani, with proceeds going to SARC.

Join us on March 25, 2017 from 6 pm to 10 pm for our opening reception, live music (TBA/TBD), silent auction, and spoken word performance.

PSA is a Public Service Announcement that Provides Support through Art. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month and in response to recent federal action to defund the Violence Against Women Act, this group exhibition is our way of acknowledging this major social issue. PSA provides a showcase for local artists who believe in the importance of a community that actively addresses sexual violence, while also raising money for a local organization that serves survivors daily.

The event will include a community showcase and art exhibition by local women, spoken word performances from our rich community of oral artists, and the 10×10 donation project. Our #10x10Project supports the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC Oregon), a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote social justice by eliminating sexual violence in our community through education, support, and advocacy. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each 10″ by 10″ piece will go directly to SARC.

Lobby Day 2017

Lobby Day 2017

On February 22nd, SARC Staff will be taking a road trip to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem for Lobby Day, our chance to make our voices heard in the 2017 Oregon State Legislative Sessions. Throughout the day, staff and volunteers will attend meetings with state representatives and their aides to advocate for legislation that directly impacts our work as an agency to address sexual violence in our communities. This year, the The Oregon Alliance to End Violence Against Women has outlined three legislative priorities: housing protection, funding for emergency resources, and prevention education.

Fighting against a $1.4 billion deficit in Oregon is not easy, but SARC believes these causes need to be prioritized by our local and state governments. The need for stable housing is one of the biggest hurdles survivors face. Pushing for just eviction cause laws and demanding rent stabilization is one way to address the vulnerable situations survivors often find themselves in, without putting a huge dent in the state budget. So often, survivors are left in unstable or unsafe living situations because they have no other options. Requiring just eviction cause from landlords and implementing rent stabilization laws gives people a choice, an opportunity for a life on their own terms. These are relatively simple measures that can easily save lives.

Funding levels for emergency services, such as SARC’s 24-hour crisis line, confidential domestic violence shelter networks, and other essential services, are currently less than half of what is considered the minimum needed to provide safe and consistent access. SARC is pushing for a $2 million increase to the Department of Justice budget for Oregon domestic and sexual violence services has the potential to arm every agency doing this work with tens of thousands more dollars bringing us closer to the minimum needed address need. Dollars that are put to use funding programs such as case management, 24-hour advocate response, 24-hour crisis line support, safe shelter, and so much more. With the reliability of federal funding streams currently in question, the continued support of our state government is paramount in ensuring these services are protected and preserved for Oregonians.

The SARC (Commercially Sexually Exploited Children) CSEC Team recently reviewed and selected a few of the 13 trafficking related bills to focus on this legislative session. They include SB 249, which would implement procedures for a victim of sex trafficking to file a motion to clear a judgement of a conviction for prostitution at or around the time the offense took place. This bill could potentially be a huge stride towards the decriminalization of CSEC victims within the legal system. In addition to this bill, the passage of SB 542 would add the crime of patronizing a trafficked minor to be included under the definitions of a sex crime and child abuse. These are just two of several pieces of legislation that SARC’s CSEC team feel are important to address this session. We encourage you to read these additional bills, also related to Human Trafficking: HB 2141 and HB 2401.

While we are in Salem with hundreds of other agencies and organizations, we need your help back home. Your phones calls matter. Your letters matter. Your voice matters. Here’s a resource to look up your district’s representatives. Call them. Write them. Print this newsletter, print these article links, put a stamp on them, and mail them.

Let your representatives know what is important to you. Remind them that their responsibility is to keep Oregonians safe, that they were elected to heed the voice of the people.

En español >

© Photo by Jimmy Emerson, DVM, flckr

 

Women’s March on Portland Poster Making Party

poster making event

Come join us in making posters for the Women’s March on Portland, where our Executive Director, Erin Ellis, will be guest speaking!

Supplies will be provided
Food will be provided, with vegan and gluten free option available
All community members welcomed
Family friendly

Please RSVP on the Facebook event page linked here so that we can provide ample supplies and food. Questions? Speak to a SARC staff member at
503-626-9100.

Find details for the march itself linked here.

Do Right Sundays fundraiser for SARC by Dig A Pony!

dorightsundays

Every last Sunday of the month Dig A Pony partners with a different local nonprofit or community organization to highlight the work they’re doing in Portland and contribute 10% of daily sales to the group…It’s a simple way for them to do right in the city they love. Considering the recent developments in the 2016 Presidential Campaign, they thought it only right to partner this month with us! Thank you, Dig A Pony!

For more information about the event: visit the Do Right Sundays Event Page 

The night is always free to attend and is anchored by some favorite DJs, Deena Bee & Spark… They play throwback hip hop, R&B and electro and set the perfect laid back tone for the evening.

Dig A Pony is a warm and welcoming bar in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Putting a fresh take on an old space, they have one of the largest bar tops in town, DJs playing records every night, and an enticing and varied food and drink menu. Providing an inviting and friendly place for meeting old friends and making new ones.