As a founding mother of SAVAR and survivor of rape, I am appalled and disgusted that Gale Martin found it necessary to use SAVAR as a pawn in a sophomoric diatribe against Karl Logan. Martin implies SAVAR is a quasi-political organization to further the “homosexual cause.” If not for people such as Gale Martin, there would be no need for a homosexual cause.

I was one of 14 women who founded SAVAR in 1981. SAVAR stands for Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Resource, staffed by volunteers to offer solace, security, healing and redress where possible for the survivors of the ugly business of rape and sexual assault. It was founded initially as a resource for women, yet has grown to encompass the growing demographic of survivors including men, senior citizens, adolescents and children. No one is exempt - not even Gale Martin.

How far is SAVAR to go, you ask. If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time and fall victim to rape or sexual abuse, SAVAR would be there for you, to go the distance; the whole proverbial nine yards. They would comfort and console you, take you through the entire process of medical, legal, psychological and social service systems. They would proceed with whatever it would take to guide you to the path of healing. You would be treated with the same compassion and humanity as anyone else would be - including that segment of society that you apparently hold in such contempt.

If you must use this public forum to polish your ignorance like a fine heirloom, please be so kind as to refrain from using SAVAR as the fabric with which to do it.

Lydia J. Rosell

Auburn