SEXUAL TRAUMA AWARENESS & RESPONSE CENTER

THE CENTER LINE

continue to be cut. And while annually on managing sex offenders, zero dollars are dedicated to rape victims. about sexual violence, and the public outcry against it, have reached new heights. Social media and nonstop news call unparalleled attention to the injustice of sexual assault, as seen recently with Steubenville, India, and Penn State. Citizens are raising their voices louder than ever against botched and lost rape kits, politicians using rape as rhetoric, and victims not being taken seriously by police. At STAR we can feel it. We have the potential like never before for a paradigm shift.

SPRING 2013 NEWSLETTER

Its Not Just Steubenville

Here at STAR, we see the ugliness of sexual violence every day. In every case of sexual assault, power and control is used to violently degrade someone and rob them of their dignity. In most cases the victim knows the perpetrator, and very often systems such as schools, workplaces, clubs and religious institutions, seek to silence reports of sexual assault and protect those in power. With the constant media attention given to the case in Steubenville, Ohio where two teenage boys were found delinquent (guilty) of raping a fellow teenage girl last summer, we at STAR wonder: how can we use this horrific incident to educate our community on the effects of sexual violence and mobilize for collective action? What happened in Steubenville happens in every town. We just dont hear about it because the victims are too young, scared, ashamed and overwhelmed to speak out. Unlike Steubenville, most survivors never talk about or report their rape to police. The 500 people who do seek confidential support from STAR annually is a small minority of the estimated 40,000 adult victims living in East Baton Rouge Parish. The silver lining is that awareness While awareness of these crimes has never been greater, federal funding continues to shrink for sexual assault services. STAR, mostly funded by public support, has seen cuts to three federal funding sources. And despite compelling data that thriving sexual assault services can make our communities healthy, safe, and strong, STAR has to fight for the small amount of funding we do receive. Although teens are at greatest risk for sexual assault, funding for violence The time is now to make these changes and invest in a brighter future for the youth in Baton Rouge. One in five Louisiana women and one in 71 men are rape survivors. They deserve more. With Steubenville on the forefront of our minds, STAR urges that the time is now to keep moving toward a new standard for responding to rape victims in South Louisiana. The new standard includes state funding dedicated to ensure that all local high school students have violence prevention programs in schools. The new standard means that STAR has funding to continue its immediate crisis response and no waiting list for clients. The new standard will ensure victims in surrounding parishes have an adequate response. The new standard will lead to more reporting, more prosecutions, more healing and self-sufficiency for victims. prevention programs in schools Louisiana spends millions of dollars

We provide support, education and advocacy to empower all individuals and families affected by sexual trauma, and engage and mobilize the community to prevent sexual violence.

News From The Center

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

Sexual Violence Affects All of Us

No one wants to imagine that rape and sexual abuse happen in our community, neighborhoods and families, but the truth is that sexual violence occurs much more frequently than we are comfortable admitting, and it affects all of us. Whether you are a survivor, you know someone who is a survivor, or you read about crimes such as the rape crew in Steubenville and the incidences of gang rape in India in the news, rape is part of our collective consciousness. One way or another, we are all traumatized by the news of seemingly random attacks from strangers such as the well-publicized Mickey Shunick case that rattled our state just last year, as well as the daily occurrences of child abuse and relationship violence that members of our community endure every day behind closed doors. Here at STAR, we work with the women, men and children in the Greater Baton Rouge community who live these stories. The recovery process for sexual trauma can be long and difficult, though with our free and confidential services, STAR makes healing easier. Some of the feedback we get from clients, such as if I had to do that alone, I would still be freaked out and I really dont know if I could have done it without you, let us know that our services are needed and valued by this community. We are grateful to the survivors who are brave enough to come forward to seek help, and we hope to spread the message to those who still have not found their voice that we are here when you are ready. Of course, survivors arent the only individuals who benefit from our services. STARs vision is to build a healthy community free from oppression and violence that fosters equality and acceptance of all its members. One way we promote this message is by conducting widespread prevention education programs to youth, educators, parents, and professionals. We believe that by promoting healthy behaviors with youth, such as conflict resolution and establishing and respecting relationship boundaries, that individuals will have a better chance of preventing occurrences of sexual violence. We also provide training to adults on how to prevent, recognize and respond to child abuse through the national award-winning Darkness to Light curriculum. During April, National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we invite you to join in our movement and help spread our message. Getting involved is easyjoin our email list, attend a training, become a volunteer or donate what you can. We at STAR envision a future without rape. How will you help us get there? Sincerely,

Stephanie Jacque
Department of Public Works Vice-President

Mark Dumaine
19th Judicial District Attorney's Office Secretary

Thomas Naquin
Postlethwaite and Netterville Treasurer

Dr. Randall Brown

LA Womens Health Associates Medical Director

Lt. John Attuso

Baton Rouge City Police

Dr. William Clark

East Baton Rouge Coroner

Kathi Gill
Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Ann Guedry
Retired

Sid Newman
CrimeStoppers

Jane Wood
Retired

STAFF
Racheal Hebert
Executive Director

Nicole Gillum, LMSW

Counselor

Portia Gordon
Victim Advocate

Morgan Lamandre
Volunteer Coordinator

Rebecca Marchiafava
Community Educator

Shannon Smith
Crisis Services Coordinator

Ashley Cage Jones

Advocacy Intern

Brittany Lockard
Counseling Intern

Laneceya Russ
Development Intern

Sheba Scott
Advocacy Intern

Racheal Hebert Executive Director

The Center Line

News From The Center

The Vagina Monologues: Our 6th year and we keep on growing!

Special thanks to the cast and crew of The Vagina Monologues (pictured right) who helped us raise over $8,500 for STAR during our performance and V-Day Silent Auction on March 19, 2013. This one-night-only event, which is intended to raise awareness of violence against women in local communities around the world, sold out The Manship Theatre in the Shaw Center for the Arts. Thank you to all of the community members who came out to show your support for STAR and helped us make this event a success!
Above: (left top) Lucy Morrison, Toya Butler, Katie Fife, Jessie Gray, Alexandra Barbier, Mia Van Houzen; (bottom left) Bonnie Buckner, Courtney Britton, Nellie Reesby, Susan Indest, Ashley Granger, Nicole Gillum

Esprit de Femme Sunrise Celebration

STAR congratulates 19th Judicial District Attorney Hillar C. Moore III for winning the 2013 Men Who Champion Women Award at the Esprit de Femme Sunrise Celebration at LAuberge Hotel and Casino on March 14, 2013, hosted by the LSU Womens Center. Mr. Moore (pictured right with STAR staff members) has worked tirelessly to implement measures to effectively intervene in domestic and sexual violence within his office and the entire law enforcement community. In addition, Mr. Moore is STARs largest financial contributor, and works closely with our office to ensure victims are treated with respect and dignity. Thank you Mr. Moore! We could not do the work that we do without you!
Above: Nicole, Shannon, and Racheal show their support for Mr. Moore (center) during the Sunrise Celebration.

STAR Welcomes New Volunteers

STARs spring volunteer sexual assault advocacy training certified 12 new advocates that will volunteer their time providing support to STARs clients through hotline and hospital advocacy. STAR welcomes our new team members: Alex Juan, Catherine Cooper, Cathy Thurmond, Donna Fontenot, Fikisha Thomas, Jasmonique Wallace, Jennie Waldrop, Julian Tate and Susan Indest Thank you for your support and commitment to our cause!
Above: Rebecca and Julian discuss rape culture at STARs training during advocacy training.

The Center Line

Calendar of Events

April is
SAAM Day of Action
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 | All Day
Take action by telling 5 friends or co-workers about STAR, post information about sexual violence on your social media page, or donate to STAR and encourage your friends and co-workers to do so as well!

BRAWL Event for STAR

Saturday, April 20, 2013 | 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
BRAWL (Baton Rouge Arm Wrestling Ladies) is hosting a fundraiser for STAR at the Spanish Moon. Join us for a fun, empowering event and get a chance to see our Executive Director Racheal Hebert arm wrestle one of the BRAWL members to raise funds for STAR!

Survivor Retreat at The Red Shoes

Sunday, April 6, 2013 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
STAR and The Red Shoes, in partnership with the Junior League of Greater Baton Rouge, are hosting the 4th annual Survivor Retreat. This retreat is for female survivors of sexual and relationship violence, and will include yoga, sound healing, meditation and art therapy. There is no cost for this event. To register, call (225) 615-7093. Space is limited to 15.

Denim Day
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 | All Day
Take a stand against sexual violence and donate $2 to STAR to commit to wear jeans on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month! Get your workplace involved and increase your impact! Learn more at www.brstar.org.

Critical Conversations: PREA

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) released its standards last year, which will change the entire infrastructure of prisons across the country. The LSU Womens Center is hosting a panel discussion on this topic at the LSU Union Castilian Room. Come join the conversation and learn more about preventing rape behind bars.

Stewards of Children Workshop

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Known as a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program, Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children helps to educate adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program believes and teaches that child safety is an adults responsibility. Cost of the training is only $10 and will include food and refreshments. Plus, you will get a chance to tour STARs new office space! Contact (225) 615-7093 to register.

Crime Victims Recognition Ceremony

Thursday, April 25, 2013 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Join the law enforcement community and local victim service providers for this annual ceremony to acknowledge and support crime victims. This ceremony is open to the public and will take place in North Blvd. Town Square in downtown Baton Rouge.

Womens Self-Defense Training Seminar

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 2.5 million women experience violence annually. Attend this seminar and learn techniques to enhance your safety. The seminar will be conducted by Baton Rouge Krav Maga Lead Instructor Adam Sibley, who has over 25 years of martial arts and fitness experience. This class has a limit of 20 participants and is open to females only. You must pre-register online at www.brstar.org, or by calling (225) 615-7093. Cost of the seminar is $20 per person. All proceeds will be donated to STAR.

Victim Services Fair

Saturday, April 27, 2013 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This fair will take place at the Mall of Louisiana, and will include numerous agencies working with victims in Baton Rouge. Come by and visit STARs table, meet our volunteers and get information on our services.

ITS TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT!

CONNECT. RESPECT. PREVENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE.
4 The Center Line

Educate Yourself

STARs 3-D Educators Provide Peer Support

STAR is pleased to announce that the trained members of our Youth Programming Board, newly named 3-D Peer Educators, are offering to facilitate any of the following three presentations for youth served by local schools or organizations: Dating 101; How We Feel, How We Deal; and TechnoDisrespect. Each presentation is free of charge and designed to be interactive and informative, helping youth learn about healthy and unhealthy relationships, assertive communication and conflict resolution, and digital abuse (e.g.
Above: 3-D Educators show off their training certificates

knowledge and skills to be gained from these presentations are essential for engaging in healthy and respectful relationships, yet it's rare that youth are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas. In addition to gaining knowledge, participants will increase empathy for victims of violence and build skills for bystander intervention to be able to prevent and respond to unhealthy and abusive situations. Contact us at (225) 615-7093 to learn more today!

sexting and cyberbullying). The

This project is supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.

Dine Out For STAR!

Have you ever thought that youd like to get involved with STAR, but can never find the time? Well, this April we are making it easy: enjoy a meal at California Pizza Kitchen and 20% of the proceeds will go to STAR! As a publicly-supported non-profit, STAR strives to find creative ways to gain revenue. One way we do this is by partnering with local businesses to raise funds for STAR and bring attention to this supportive companies. Please join us on Tuesday, April 30th at California Pizza Kitchen in Perkins Rowe for great food for a great cause: STAR! Bring in the flyer to your right and show your support for STAR by dining in our eating at CPK. Be sure to thank this great business for supporting us. Do you have a creative fundraising idea for STAR? Tell us about it! Contact our office at (225) 615-7093 or email info@brstar.org. The Center Line 5

Volunteer Spotlight

Why I Became a Volunteer

My name is Elizabeth Alejandra Juan but my friends call me Alex. I have seen/ done some incredible things in my life, I have surpassed all sorts of barriers, enjoyed moments of complete delight, overcome trauma and achieved some pretty cool personal goals. Ive been a National Guardsman for over 12 years and have worked in the law enforcement, education, advocacy, non-profit and public affairs arenas. Im actively involved with veteran organizations, cancer awareness, animal rescue, homeless shelters, domestic violence awareness, childrens orphanages, sexual assault victim advocacy and reading intervention programs. While I do wear a ton of different hats in both my personal and professional life, the one I am most proud of is in the honor of being a mom. I am often asked how I find the time and energy to fit in so many volunteer projects. The truth is I dont actually have all sorts of extra time or a ton of energy to juggle extra things in my life. Who does? After all, I am a I am a certified military sexual assault victim advocate and a volunteer hospital advocate for My experience with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is decades long and has left a permanent mark on my soul. My desire to help survivors is innate. My mom was a survivor of both domestic violence and sexual assault so I was privy to both the good and the bad that came from her overcoming such unbelievable amounts of trauma. From a very young age I knew firsthand how these types of traumas can permanently change a person. Whether that change is for good or bad depends on the person and the amount of support that they get while they adjust to their new normal. STAR is an incredible organization that does so much for our community. Im psyched about being a part of such a dedicated team! I choose my volunteer organizations carefully because I do stay pretty busy already but this was a no brainer for me. All of the staff is so genuine and committed that its hard not to be inspired by them. If you even have an inkling that you may want to help, please call and speak to them. Heck, call me if you want! Just know that you will be supported by an amazing group of staff members and volunteers and that your efforts really will make a difference. wife, a mother, a writer, a friend, a military member, an advocate, a passionate community volunteer, etc Its not always convenient and I have to constantly reprioritize but I make my commitment to community service work. I refuse to live my life with blinders on so I will always do whatever I can to help those in need. STAR. I am dedicated to helping survivors and to helping enact social change in these areas because I have seen the devastation that can be left behind. Ive helped family members, friends, co-workers, military members and complete strangers overcome these traumas. Ive also educated people on these topics but there is still so much more that needs to be done.

STAR has over 50 dedicated volunteers that provide 24-hour hotline support and hospital advocacy to community members in need. Interested in joining our team? Visit www.brstar.org, or contact us by phone at (225) 615-7093 or email at morgan.lamandre@brstar.org, to sign up for our summer training class. No experience is required. Volunteer opportunities are open to women and men 18 years and older.

The Center Line

KNOW MORE: Denim Day 2013

What Do Your Jeans Say About You?

The Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center (STAR) is proud to participate in Denim Day 2013 on Wednesday, April 24th as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Denim Day is a global movement that evolved from the infamous 1999 Italian Supreme Court case that overturned a rape conviction based on the victims choice of clothing on the day she was raped; she was wearing jeans. With the support of individuals, companies, and organizations throughout the Baton Rouge area, our goal is to increase awareness about sexual violence and foster a community that focuses on prevention of violence. We at STAR invite you and your company to be a part of this year's Denim Day campaign by allowing or encouraging your employees to wear jeans on Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 in exchange for a suggested donation of $2 to our Denim Day campaign. If your employees are already allowed to wear jeans during the work week or
MAKE A SOCIAL

this does not fit your company dress policy, please consider sending a donation to benefit STAR. By participating in Denim Day 2013, you are taking a stand against sexual violence and contributing to the solution here in the Greater Baton Rouge Community. Join the Denim Day campaign and support the vision of a Baton Rouge community that is free from violence. Together we can help prevent sexual abuse and assault before it happens, and sustain support services for our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who have experienced sexual violence. Please join our efforts and contact STAR today at (225) 615-7093 or email info@brstar.org to request a Denim Day sponsor packet.

STATEMENT
WITH YOUR FASHION STATEMENT

JOIN OUR CIRLCE OF HEALING TODAY!

Our center relies heavily on community supporters like yourself. Become a Circle of Support member today by contributing any amount you can, and enjoy the many benefits of membership. Your paid membership to STAR includes: 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 become a member: 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 8281 GOODWOOD BLVD., SUITE I-2 BATON ROUGE, LA 70806 PHONE: (225) 615-7093 FAX: (225) 615-7236

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

24hour confidential hotline Hospital advocacy Individual counseling Sexual assault evidence collection Support groups Criminal justice advocacy Training and prevention education programs

24-HOUR HOTLINE: (225) 383-7273 V I SI T US ON THE WEB A T WWW. BRSTAR. ORG

8281 GOODWOOD BLVD. SUITE I-2

BATON ROUGE, LA 70806