Do you feel unsafe? We are here for YOU.
Crisis Support for Victims 24-Hour Confidential Crisis Line 800.670.7273
(accessible from 925, 510, 415, 408, 707 and 650 area codes)
Looking to make a free call for help and resources?
Dial 211 from any pay phone (and most other phones) in Contra Costa County to reach the Contra Costa Crisis Center
Welcome to the new Stand in PRIDE Blog!
Find updated information about the Stand in PRIDE project including current events, articles, news, information, videos and more!
This blog is dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) interpersonal violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Many times we are told our community does not experience these forms of violence. We know this not to be true, and it’s important to let the world hear our voice. Media is one of the ways we can do this. Please spread the word about this blog!
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Want to make a submission?
E-mail: mercedes@rainbowcc.org
Much love and light to us,
Mercedes Gibson
mercedes@rainbowcc.org
——————————————————
Does rape happen to men?
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
Male Rape Victim Shares His Story
Men do not experience rape. Fact or myth? Many times when we think of a survivor of rape it is a woman or child. Someone or something weak and vulnerable. However, there is research that suggest different: The U.S. Justice Department says one in every 10 rape victims is male. Even with that figure, I know there are many survivors who do not step forward to file a claim. This article from www.goqnotes.com tells the story of a young man who experiences rape by another man.
Note: This story contains graphic material that might be upsetting to some readers.
——————————————————
What does racism have to do with rape?
Saturday, October 8th, 2011
Often the oppression LGBTQ folks face (like homophobia) keeps society from acknowledging same sex domestic violence and sexual assault as real issues in our communities. For instance, a police officer not know how to respond to a domestic violence call if both partners are of the same sex. I began to wonder how other types of oppression – like racism – allowing sexual assault and rape to happen? What does rape have to do with race and culture? Check out this powerful video below about the painful, yet incredible, story of the village of Senchen in Kenya borrowed from the amazing culturesofresistance.org.
The Rape of the Samburu Women
For more than fifty years, England has maintained military training facilities in the Samburu region of its former colony, Kenya. During this period, women in the area have faced an epidemic of rape. Women from the Samburu, Massai, Rendile and Turkana indigenous communities have filed more than 600 official rape claims against British soldiers. Yet, despite documentation of their claims, a three-year internal investigation by the Royal Military Police (RMP) cleared all soldiers of wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the victims have been shamed and outcast in their communities, many to the point of exile. In the mid-1990s, Beatrice Chili responded to this situation by establishing the village of Senchen, a self-sufficient community run entirely by women. There, women build homes, weave textiles, gather and grow food, and raise children. This short film visits the brave women of Senchen, who speak candidly about their suffering and talk passionately about their demands for justice.
Watch the film to hear their stories and to find out how you can offer your support.
——————————————————
STAND In PRIDE Brochures NOW Available!
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Check out our new brochures! We offer 3 brochures in a PDF format that can be saved onto your computer. The brochures are double sided. Please check back here often or contact RCC for the most up-to-date version.
–> For a overview of LGBTQQ IPV: STAND IPV Brochure NEW
–> For the LGBTQQ Sexual Assault brochure: CVS Sexual Assault Brochure
–> For the LGBTQQ Human Trafficking brochure: CVS Human Trafficking Brochure
——————————————————
Does War Cause Rape Against Men?
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Check out this article from the Guardian.co.uk about male survivors of rape.
The rape of men
Sexual violence is one of the most horrific weapons of war, an instrument of terror used against women. Yet huge numbers of men are also victims. In this harrowing report, Will Storr travels to Uganda to meet traumatised survivors, and reveals how male rape is endemic in many of the world’s conflicts…
Want to read more? Click here
——————————————————
New Year! New Project!
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
Call out for YOUR Stories!
Stand In Pride project is excited to announce our new project: Survivor Stories. We are looking for LGBTQ folks of all ages (youth, adults, seniors) and all backgrounds to share their experiences with interpersonal violence (sexual assault, domestic violence or human trafficking). Confidentiality is extremely important to us – your information will be kept safe. In addition, participants can request as much anonymity as they feel comfortable with. In exchange for your stories, we offer counseling, healing and food. There is a possibility that we may be able to offer other incentives (like travel stipends).
For information, please contact one of the our Stand In Pride staff here or send us an e-mail at: saliason@rainbowc.org
——————————————————
Introducing the STAND in PRIDE Project
The STAND in Pride project is a collaboration between the Rainbow Community Center (RCC), STAND! For Families Free of Violence and Community Violence Solutions (CVS). The goal of the project is to improve services for LGBTQ survivors of domestic violence, interpersonal violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; to educate the community on domestic violence in LGBTQ relationships and sexual assault among same-sex and/or transgender partners.
