Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.
My family is into history. We took our children to museums and historical sites because we found them to be fascinating (and much less expensive then theme parks). What amazes me is the amount of significant history that took place right here in our area.
This area is especially rich in women's history. It is important to remember that history is ongoing and alive. What we do makes a difference in the future and can have a dramatic impact upon generations to come.
In the last article, I wrote for The Citizen, I mentioned that I wanted to know more about SAVAR's history. To my amazement (I'm always surprised when anyone reads my articles), I received a call from one of the founding mothers of SAVAR. The caller, Lydia Rosell, offered to tell me more about the history of this program, which was established to meet the needs of victims of rape, sexual assault and abuse. She agreed to come to my office to talk with a SAVAR intern, a volunteer; the coordinator of client services, and myself about the history that she and other members of the Harriet Tubman chapter of N.O.W. started in 1981.
Ten rapes were reported in the city of Auburn in 1980. If you lived in 1980, you realize that most rapes were not reported, so that having 10 reported was rather dramatic. A panel of law enforcement and Social Service agencies determined that there was a need for a 24-hour Rape Crisis Center.
This is where the members of N.O.W. stepped in to our community's history and established SAVAR (Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate Resource).
Rosell, along with Joanne Reddick and Gita London-Duberatein, supervised the project. Twelve volunteer counselors were trained to respond to a 24-hour hot line. Within the first four hours of operation, advocates handled eight cases.
Fifty-five victims of sexual assault were provided with service during SAVAR's first year.
With this dramatic beginning, SAVAR was established as a much needed part of our community.
Rosell pointed out during our conversation that establishing a rape crisis program was not easy. At that time, there was a great deal of “victim blaming” and even members of law enforcement questioned the victim as to “how they were dressed, what ‘they' did to cause this to happen and what was their past sexual experience.”
The members of N.O.W. spoke out strongly against these unjust perceptions. They had to take a very public stand in overcoming the myths and prejudice present at that time against victims of rape and sexual assault.
In talking with Rosell, I can imagine that many of the women who worked so hard to establish SAVAR were considered to be radical and outspoken. Thank goodness that they were strong and determined to fight for the survivors of these horrendous crimes.
Survivors of sexual assault and abuse still face problems caused by stigmas which remain because of misconceptions and myths that surround the crime of rape. Misinformed individuals still see this is a crime of sex, rather than a crime of power and control where sex is used to humiliate and hurt another individual. It still takes a good deal of courage for someone to come forward and report that they have been a victim of rape or sexual assault even though the members of law enforcement are much better trained and better suited to handle these crimes.
SAVAR remains a vital force to empower survivors and their families to overcome the obstacles and trauma caused by being victimized in such a personal way. With the help of SAVAR the survivor can utilize their own resources and the resources present in the community to move on with their lives.
Our community owes a debt of gratitude to those members of the Harriet Tubman Chapter of N.O.W., who made a difference in our history by founding SAVAR. It is up to us to continue with the “Founding Mothers'” mission to serve and empower those who are victimized by crimes against the person. We can continue making a history, which leads to a better and safer future for our children. With the help of dedicated volunteers and an educated and involved community we can create a positive and hopeful future built on a strong and dedicated history.
If you are interested in learning more about SAVAR or would like to become a volunteer, call 253-9795. If you are in need of SAVAR services, the hot line number is 252-2112.
Rosa Grube is an education coordinator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling Services.
This area is especially rich in women's history. It is important to remember that history is ongoing and alive. What we do makes a difference in the future and can have a dramatic impact upon generations to come.
In the last article, I wrote for The Citizen, I mentioned that I wanted to know more about SAVAR's history. To my amazement (I'm always surprised when anyone reads my articles), I received a call from one of the founding mothers of SAVAR. The caller, Lydia Rosell, offered to tell me more about the history of this program, which was established to meet the needs of victims of rape, sexual assault and abuse. She agreed to come to my office to talk with a SAVAR intern, a volunteer; the coordinator of client services, and myself about the history that she and other members of the Harriet Tubman chapter of N.O.W. started in 1981.
Ten rapes were reported in the city of Auburn in 1980. If you lived in 1980, you realize that most rapes were not reported, so that having 10 reported was rather dramatic. A panel of law enforcement and Social Service agencies determined that there was a need for a 24-hour Rape Crisis Center.
This is where the members of N.O.W. stepped in to our community's history and established SAVAR (Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate Resource).
Rosell, along with Joanne Reddick and Gita London-Duberatein, supervised the project. Twelve volunteer counselors were trained to respond to a 24-hour hot line. Within the first four hours of operation, advocates handled eight cases.
Fifty-five victims of sexual assault were provided with service during SAVAR's first year.
With this dramatic beginning, SAVAR was established as a much needed part of our community.
Rosell pointed out during our conversation that establishing a rape crisis program was not easy. At that time, there was a great deal of “victim blaming” and even members of law enforcement questioned the victim as to “how they were dressed, what ‘they' did to cause this to happen and what was their past sexual experience.”
The members of N.O.W. spoke out strongly against these unjust perceptions. They had to take a very public stand in overcoming the myths and prejudice present at that time against victims of rape and sexual assault.
In talking with Rosell, I can imagine that many of the women who worked so hard to establish SAVAR were considered to be radical and outspoken. Thank goodness that they were strong and determined to fight for the survivors of these horrendous crimes.
Survivors of sexual assault and abuse still face problems caused by stigmas which remain because of misconceptions and myths that surround the crime of rape. Misinformed individuals still see this is a crime of sex, rather than a crime of power and control where sex is used to humiliate and hurt another individual. It still takes a good deal of courage for someone to come forward and report that they have been a victim of rape or sexual assault even though the members of law enforcement are much better trained and better suited to handle these crimes.
SAVAR remains a vital force to empower survivors and their families to overcome the obstacles and trauma caused by being victimized in such a personal way. With the help of SAVAR the survivor can utilize their own resources and the resources present in the community to move on with their lives.
Our community owes a debt of gratitude to those members of the Harriet Tubman Chapter of N.O.W., who made a difference in our history by founding SAVAR. It is up to us to continue with the “Founding Mothers'” mission to serve and empower those who are victimized by crimes against the person. We can continue making a history, which leads to a better and safer future for our children. With the help of dedicated volunteers and an educated and involved community we can create a positive and hopeful future built on a strong and dedicated history.
If you are interested in learning more about SAVAR or would like to become a volunteer, call 253-9795. If you are in need of SAVAR services, the hot line number is 252-2112.
Rosa Grube is an education coordinator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling Services.
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