Summer 2021 is a time of continuing change. Many people who have been teleworking are slowly returning to in-person work or school, while others may be visiting friends and family, traveling, or enjoying activities likes movies or dinner out for the first time in over a year. This is a transitional time, and one where we must keep our efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence on the forefront. Returning to in-person spaces increases or changes some risks for sexual violence, and many survivors may be continuing to struggle from the combined trauma of COVID-19 and sexual violence. Our ongoing commitment to preventing sexual violence, serving survivors, and supporting Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers is as critical as ever. We need your support to continue fighting to end sexual violence in unprecedented times.
In this issue of Frontline, we are pleased to share articles discussing several strategies for prevention: in our College Consortium column, we discuss preventing a “Double Red Zone” as students return to campus, and in our Prevention Corner, we discuss the use of economic supports, particularly paid parental leave, as a form to protection against violence. We are also highlighting unique dynamics that impact survivors, including challenges and resources for older adult survivors of sexual assault. In our Survivor Safety column, we highlight important new research on the economic impact of sexual violence. As always, we are thrilled to spotlight another of the fantastic Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers in Maryland; this quarter, we had the opportunity to learn more about the work Calvert County’s Crisis Intervention Center is doing.
Stay strong,
Lisae
Lisae Jordan, Esq.
Executive Director & Counsel
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
