Frontline Summer 2016 Issue

Jul 25th, 2016

6 months. That’s the maximum time that convicted “Stanford Rapist” Brock Turner can expect to spend in jail after brutally raping an unconscious woman behind a dumpster. This is not what justice looks like.

Turner’s lenient sentence has sparked national outrage. Beginning with the survivor’s courageous impact statement, the national dialogue surrounding this case has shown the steep price that survivors are forced to pay for rape apologism. We are reminded once again that our culture must change, that sexual assault survivors do not yet have access to justice, and that sexual assault prevention is essential.

As the fall semester approaches, the threat of a “Red Zone” is a pressing concern for colleges, students, and families. The MCASA College Consortium has helped schools plan prevention programming for this critical time period. Materials and technical assistance are available for schools working to develop comprehensive sexual assault prevention programs. Social marketing campaigns are another popular option for prevention in the college setting—and beyond.

Sexual assault prevention is also an area where faith leaders urgently need to become more involved. MCASA’s new resource page for faith communities outlines many of the common challenges facing faith communities, as well as prevention approaches and key issues for survivor-centered responses to sexual violence.

Prevention efforts must also reduce trauma following sexual violence. Updated guidelines regarding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for victims are a critical protocol for preventing additional trauma in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault. Our Program Spotlight highlights the work that the Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County does every day to prevent sexual assault, support victims, and help survivors to heal.

As back-to-school season approaches, your support is more important than ever. MCASA membership supports our work to prevent sexual assault, advocate for accessible and compassionate care for survivors, and to hold perpetrators accountable. Please join us in working towards our vision: a violence-free Maryland.

Lisae Jordan, Esq.
Executive Director and Counsel
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Articles in this Issue

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