Fighting victim shaming & blaming
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I’ll never forget the “ah ha” moment I had when I first learned about victim blaming. It was during an Introduction to Feminism class led by Bettina Aptheker at UCSC in the fall of 2002. The lecture was Sexual Harassment: Race, Class and Sex, and when she unpacked one of the most common victim-blaming questions survivors endure - “What were you wearing?” – my mind was blown.

Until that lecture, I had never thought about the implications of what that question meant, the harm it caused and the way it perpetuated myths about violence against women. As Professor Aptheker explained, “it is not about what you are wearing, that is not the question we should be asking. It is about the motive of the other person and why they are assaulting you. Clothing does not cause rape. Rapists do!” I never fully understood how victim blaming and rape myths operated until that moment.

The work of sexual violence prevention educators is so important because it challenges pervasive myths and educates people about the root causes of sexual violence in order to promote culture change. They also help create environments where victims feel comfortable accessing resources and help without judgement and blame.

Coach Bailie, SAVS Program Manager since 2018

For more of Bailie's story and the What Were You Wearing project, click HERE.

If you are experiencing abuse or would just like some information, please call our help line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“I looked at long-time board member Doug Ernst and could see he felt the same way I did. He understood how important NEWS was and how this would provide the same services for other people who needed our skills and our compassion. I looked around and saw that everyone felt the same way. I never felt quite so proud to be involved in anything!!”

Sandy Re Sims, 2021 NEWS Board President, reflecting on the vote to merge Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) with NEWS in 2010

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH (DVAM)
Only six more days of our special DVAM $40 for 40 Years of NEWS fundraising campaign!

We are SO CLOSE to reaching our $10,000 goal by the end of October - we just need $826! That is only 20 more donations of $40! 
Funds raised in the month of October will help house DV survivors in need of emergency shelter.

Help us raise $10,000 by the end of October to support 10 more families in need of a confidential and safe home following abuse!

Our special campaign lasts through June 2022, so consider making a sustaining pledge!

THANKFUL TO OUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS!

The Doctors Company – Domestic Violence Prevention Champion
Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine – Domestic Violence Prevention Ally

To learn how you can become a NEWS Community Champion sponsor, check out our website HERE!
1141 Pear Tree Lane, Suite 220 - Napa, CA 94558 - 707-252-3687 - info@napanews.org

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