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Health & Fitness

How Do You Know When a Line Has Been Crossed?

DVC Hosts Film and Discussion on Sexual Violence

DVC Hosts Film and Discussion on Sexual Violence

 

Every Thursday during 3rd period a young girl in high school endures rude remarks and taunts from a group of boys who hang out near her locker. Unsure of how she should react, the girl stares at the floor and gives them a half smile.

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Mara, a college sophomore, has been dating Kirk for the past six weeks. Mara is thrilled that people are starting to refer to the pair as a couple. This is her first serious relationship and she wants it to work.  Still, she is not quite sure she is ready to do what Kirk would like to do when they are alone in his dorm room. Kirk tells Mara he wants to make sure she is his “type” but she isn’t so sure his type of intimacy feels right.

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Lori and Becky have been best friends since they were 12. Now in their late twenties Lori has been dating Sam and doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with friends anymore. Becky is excited when Lori invites her to hang out at Sam’s house and meet his best friend. After everyone enjoys a pizza, wine and some good laughs, Lori and Sam disappear into the bedroom. Matt pushes Becky onto the couch and makes his intentions very clear. When Becky resists, Matt tells her to relax and not to be so cold.

 

These three scenarios are very common examples of the kind of sexual violence that girls and women face. When most people think of sexual violence they picture a man – a stranger – lurking in a dark alley waiting to attack. The reality is most sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone known to the victim. Of rape victims in 2010, 73% of those who attacked females were non-strangers.

 

Sexual assault is defined as any sexual activity involving a person who does not or cannot consent. It may be perpetrated by someone you know (e.g., an acquaintance, a family member, a date) or a stranger.  Sexual assault is a form of violence that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientation.  Examples of sexual assault include: rape or attempted rape, incest, unwanted touching or groping, sexual exploitation, sexual coercion, and molestation.

 

Not all types of sexual violence include physical contact between the victim and the perpetrator (person who harms someone else). Non-contact sexual assault violates a person’s trust and safety.  Examples include sexual harassment, threats, peeping, sexually obscene communications (in person, by phone, texting or internet), and indecent exposure.

 

Talking about violence – especially sexual violence - can be uncomfortable. But in order to prevent it we need to talk about it, define it and explore the dynamics in our culture that foster it.

 

Join the DVC on Tuesday, April 23 as we host a Sexual Assault and Violence Education (SAVE) Forum at the Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City, MD 21042 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

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During the evening we will view and discuss the documentary The Line by Nancy Schwartzman. In the film, Schwartzman "explores the issue of consent, the burden of blame and the trouble society has defining the two. Pre-registration is encouraged and available on the DVC website at www.dvcenter.org or call 410-997-0304.

 

Founded in 1978, the DVC is a private nonprofit agency that provides comprehensive services to women, men and children impacted by domestic, dating and sexual violence in Howard County. Services include 24-hour helplines, residential assistance, counseling, an abuser intervention program, legal assistance, and free prevention education and awareness programs. All DVC services are confidential and fees are based on income.

 

For more information about the forum please contact Vanita Leatherwood, Director of Community Engagement, at 410-997-0304 or vleatherwood@dvcenter.org.

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