Crisis Line
1-800-270-1620 or 641-673-5499

	Empowering Our Community
Volume IV, Issue 2		July 2004

[ Collaborative Group Forms to End Violence | CIS nets $3,500 from fourth annual golf tournament | SEXUAL ASSAULT NATIONAL STATISTICS | Oh God | New Support Group Available | Grant to Benefit Medical Facilities | SAAM Successful Again | Facts about Sexual Assault | CIS Assists Robbery Victims | The Problem with Privilege | Elder Abuse a Growing Problem | Fiscal Year 2004 Year-End Report | Men in the Movement —Dawn | Meeting the Needs of the Community | Helping Children Process Traumatic Event ]

Don't forget to read the Press Releases

Collaborative Group Forms to End Violence

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CIS nets $3,500 from fourth annual golf tournament

Ninety-seven golfers turned out for the fourth annual Crisis Intervention Services Charity Golf Tournament Saturday, June 5 at Harvest Point Golf Course. “There was a lot of competition for golfers that day because there were tournaments on every course,” said Debbie Doty, one of the tournament organizers. “We are thankful to have so many golfers who support Crisis Intervention Services. Some of the golfers even did two tournaments that day.”  The second largest fund raising event of the year for CIS, the golf tournament netted approximately $3,500 for the organization that helps survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault and other crises.  “It’s a lot of work, but with help from our sponsors, donors and volunteers, as well as Harvest Point Golf Course, it was a great day,” said Doty. “We made a lot of money and had fun doing it.”  Clow Valve, Musco and First National Bank Midwest were event sponsors, plus 10 other businesses sponsored tees.

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SEXUAL ASSAULT NATIONAL STATISTICS

There are an estimated 1.1 million rape and sexual assault victims each year.

One in six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape.

Personal crime is estimated to cost $105 billion annually in medical costs, lost earnings, and public program costs related to victim assistance. These tangible losses do not account for the full impact of crime on victims, however, because they ignore pain, suffering, and lost quality of life. Including pain, suffering, and the reduced quality of life, the cost of crime to victims rises to an estimated $450 billion annually.

Rape is the costliest of crimes to its victims. Overall, it has the highest victim costs at $127 billion per year.

Taking into account short term medical care, mental health services, lost productivity, and pain & suffering, the cost per sexual assault is estimated at $110,000. Pain & suffering accounts for $104,900.

The pain & suffering cost is based on these facts:

• Up to half of all victims suffer from at least one symptom of rape trauma syndrome;
• Sexual assault victims are four times more likely to have an emotional breakdown than are non-victims. 25% to 50% of them are likely to seek mental health services;
• Victims often suffer from lifelong physical manifestations of sexual trauma.

Reprinted from the KY Coalition Against Sexual Assault 

Source: Ted Miller, Ph.D., Mark Cohen, Ph.D., & Brian Wierseman. Victim Costs and Consequences: A New Look. Washington, D.C.: National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, 1996. Full text at www.ncjrs.org/txtfiles/victcost/txt.

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Oh God

You are the super glue

That holds the million pieces

Of my heart together

When it started breaking

You started making

Plans to keep it intact

How can I ever thank you

How can I ever repay you

For keeping this heart beating

If it weren’t for you

This heart would no longer be mine

But would be laying in a pile

Underneath this body

—A Survivor

We always welcome poems, stories, and artwork from survivors!
Contact Dawn at 673-0336

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New Support Group Available

CIS is starting a support group for women who are survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault.  The group is open to any woman in the community who is interested in attending a support group addressing these issues. 

  Topics of discussion may include; how to access services (financial, housing, employment, etc.), emotional and interpersonal issues, safety and empowerment.  However, the group will determine and define the topics to be covered.  The group will meet on the first and third Monday of each month beginning July 19, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.  The next meeting will be on August 2. 

 The group will be facilitated by staff member Tonya Muir and volunteer advocate Cindy Cain.  Cindy works with Mahaska Hospice and has intensive group facilitating experience. 

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Grant to Benefit Medical Facilities

Crisis Intervention Services recently wrote a grant in collaboration with Keokuk County Health Center, Keokuk County Public Health, and Mahaska Health Partnership including Mahaska Community Health, Mahaska Hospital, and New Directions.  We recently learned that we out of 197 applications we were one of 11 programs selected to receive the funds from the Department of Rural Health Policy.  

This federal grant will assist medical facilities, and the overall community, with establishing a long-term commitment to quality responses to domestic abuse and sexual assault.  The goals of the grant are (1) to increase the number of survivors who seek services by at least 20% through a coordinated community response to victimization and (2) to ensure that survivors have access to available resources.  Some of the objectives necessary for accomplishing the first goal include developing effective screening protocols at the medical facilities, providing intensive training for medical professionals, developing a FVRT (see page one), developing a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE) in Mahaska County, and developing a public awareness campaign.  Objectives for the second goal include increasing mental health service options, increasing substance abuse services, increasing victim services in Keokuk County, and increasing transportation availability through CIS. 

The Rural Health Outreach Grant (RHOG) will provide the funds necessary for these activities in the short-term and our medical agencies will slowly absorb the costs in their budgets so that the programs can be maintained beyond the life of the grant.  Funding will cover the costs of training the three SANE nurses, developing screening protocols and training personnel, increasing therapy options and victims services, and the supplies and advertising necessary for a media campaign.  It will also provide needed equipment for Mahaska Hospital.  Dr. Pamela Martin of William Penn University has agreed to be the project evaluator.

The oversight of the accomplishment of the goals and the grant expenditures is provided by the DV/SA Taskforce, not CIS.  This taskforce is comprised of administrators of each partnering organization as well as one community member from each county.  The taskforce meets monthly, alternating meeting locations between Mahaska and Keokuk Counties.  Jeff Shaw, CIS DV Services Coordinator, will be the project coordinator and he has already started researching screening protocols and coordinated an introductory presentation in the two counties. 

CIS is very excited about receiving this grant.  It was the perfect opportunity to help other community agencies respond to domestic abuse and sexual assault.  We strongly believe that collaborative community responses are the best approach to increase offender accountability and victim sensitivity.  Local organizations have been interested in this next step, but they have not had the resources to do so.  We want to do everything we can to help other organizations.  We hope to next increase resources for our law enforcement and prosecution.   

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SAAM Successful Again

April brought another successful Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) for Crisis Intervention Services.  Several different things were planned throughout the community during the month to show support to the many survivors of sexual abuse in our communities.  You may have seen the 200 red flags in front of Mahaska Hospital or the CIS Office during the month.  These flags give a visual representation of the 200 victims of sexual assault who CIS has had the honor of meeting and serving since we opened our doors in July 1997.  Our thoughts continue to be with them and their families and friends.  Crisis Intervention Services placed the Clothesline Project in Steve Tucker’s window for display during the month.  We also displayed the clothesline at Mahaska Health Partnership and at the Oskaloosa Square.  Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Shanna Dillon provided presentations on sexual assault and sexual harassment at the Oskaloosa High School and received positive feedback from the students.  Executive Director Dawn Stephens spoke with an Oskaloosa Junior High class about Crisis Intervention Services for career day.  Shanna assisted the OOAC with the end of month meals while advertising the many services that we offer with a display table at the meals.  CIS staff also provided a two-hour training for Batterer’s Education Program (BEP) facilitators on victimization issues during the month in recognition of the fact that rape is one form of abuse in intimate relationships.  We are now preparing for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. 

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Facts about Sexual Assault

Don’t be fooled by misinformation!  Help us to dispel the myths and get the facts straight:

• It is unfair to yourself or anyone to minimize the abuse. Penetration is not required to cause trauma and lasting negative effects.  There is no such thing as “better” or “worse” sexual abuse.  Sexual abuse of any kind is wrong and damaging.
• Only 16% of rapes are reported. (FBI and the Rape and Incest National Network)
• The rate of “false reports” of rape (fabricated stories) is 2%-3%, no different than that for other crimes. (Writing and Reading About Rape: A Primer. 1993 Lynn Hecht Schafran, St. John’s Law Review, Vol. 66 pp 979-1045)
• Most child molesters are heterosexual males, not homosexual, and many have regular sexual relations with adult mates even while molesting children.
• Celibacy has nothing to do with and does not cause sexual abuse.  Sexual abuse is about power and control, not sex.
• Sexual abuse is not specific to certain religions more than others.

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CIS Assists Robbery Victims

Robbery is a form of victimization that we hear about nearly every day on the news.  You may not be aware that CIS provides services to victims of any violent crime, including robbery.  Robbery is a crime against property as well as against a person.  Robbery is defined as taking or attempting to take something of value by force or force of threat.  It is called armed robber if a weapon is used.  Robbery occurs more frequently than either rape or homicide.  Robbery victims, however, seldom know their attackers. 

In 1999, the following statistics were reported by the Office for Victims of Crime:

• A robbery occurs every minute in the U.S.
• Our nation looses $463 million annually due to robberies
• 40% of robberies include the use of a weapon
• 74% of men and 42% of women report that the robber was a stranger
• Some physical injury is reported in 32% of robberies.

The feelings felt by robbery victims are similar to those felt by victims of other crimes: anger, sadness, grief, loss of control.  You may worry that the robber will return or you may feel guilty thinking that you could have prevented the robbery.  Your thoughts may lead to nightmares, flashbacks, feelings of vulnerability and nervousness, thinking that you are no longer in control of your life.  These feelings may be immediate or they may occur much later.  In either case, if you or someone you know has experienced a robbery, please contact CIS for support, information and referrals to victim assistance programs (if the robbery involved injury or the threat of injury).  CIS’s crisis counselors will work with you at a pace that is comfortable for you.  Whether or not you seek the services of our program, it is important that you report the robbery to the police and that you keep a record of your losses.  CIS can provide you free and confidential emotional support and advocacy during the police report, investigation, and prosecution of the crime. 

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The Problem with Privilege

Privilege is what some would call a double-edged sword. The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as an “advantage, immunity, or right held as a prerogative of status or rank and exercised to the exclusion or detriment of others” (emphasis added). Historically, people of privilege have enjoyed many benefits afforded by our society, and while some have used their position for good works, others have abused their power.

Privilege certainly has its benefits, for it brings with it access to power and opportunity; it projects superiority, competence, control, and entitlement. It assumes that anything is possible and that he who is privileged can do whatever he wants. With high-profile cases such as those of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, R&B singer R. Kelly, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and so many others who are facing public scrutiny or prosecution for allegations of sexual abuse, it is this thing called privilege that exonerates them in the minds of many loyal fans.

Our society looks upon prominent people as evidence of what free citizens can obtain in a democracy, for success demonstrates drive, initiative and motivation.  The danger of privilege comes in the form of greed, abuse, and feelings of entitlement—the belief that you can take what you want, when you want it, with little or no regard for others. This brings me, of course, to the privilege of rape. 

One need only look to the incessant media coverage, the wellspring of Web sites, and the voice of public opinion to learn that people of privilege possess yet another license: the right to commit sexual assault.  From athletes to actors to musicians, it is obvious that today’s celebrities enjoy special treatment when it comes to sexual assault.  With fans that rally around them and the benefit of high-powered attorneys affordable only by the rich and famous, they can wage wars in which alleged victims are vilified and accused offenders sainted.  The best public relations strategists are called in to recast their saint as a good father, supportive partner, philanthropic giver, and role model. Mighty legal machines crank out strategies that border on the inexcusable to paint the victim—who lacks similar resources—as a gold-digger, a lunatic, a slut.

The privilege of rape permeates our culture—and sends a resounding message to the youth who worship these “heroes.” We accept objectionable behavior from celebrities without judgment or question—a point that was driven home to me when Justin Timberlake grabbed and ripped Janet Jackson’s shirt to bare her breast during the Super Bowl halftime show in February.  Not one reporter or media commentator that I heard identified this incident for what it was: a portrayal of a sexual assault in the name of entertainment.  What message did that send into our homes?

Truth is, I wish I had solutions to this complex problem. I wish I could permeate the wires, the minds, and the culture in a voice that resonates among the loudest to challenge the assertions and the excuses with a message that would finally give the general public reason to pause and re-examine where we are going in this “free society” of ours—and find ways in our communities to deny the privilege of rape. Unfortunately, as we navigate this treacherous path, our loss of civility and decency has led to acts of increasing dominance, possession and entitlement—all of which eventually lead to the privilege of rape.

Where can we start?  To begin with, one should never underestimate the power of our voices through written or spoken words. Take time to pen that letter, type that e-mail or pick up that phone and voice your outrage to organizers, sponsors, legislators, the media and all who will listen.  These powerful strategies reflect public opinion on an issue and, in many cases, force action. 

Write and submit letters to the editor or op-ed pieces to your local newspaper.  The media are powerful tools in educating the public and giving voice to those who are silenced or isolated.  You can reach out in ways that demonstrate that you understand and support those victimized by these crimes.  There is more than one side to every story, and it is the victim’s side that rarely gets told. 

Open your eyes to the violence that surrounds us and open your minds to the possibility that superstars can and do commit acts of sexual violence; that those who possess privilege and power can and do take advantage of those who are perceived as weaker.

Seize opportunities to talk to your kids, family, friends, and coworkers about these situations.  While they may not always agree with you, never underestimate the value of a teachable moment. It is those moments that can change opinions and attitudes.

Look to partners who can help you communicate these messages.  Such resources can be found in your local sexual assault program, your state coalition and other allies who can work to communicate these messages at the local, state and national levels.  And if at first you don’t succeed, persevere—there is always someone who holds the answers, resources and tools to assist you.

And most of all, never forget the courageous victims who come forward against insurmountable odds to tell their stories and in doing so risk being defamed and discredited.  Support them, stand up for them, and most importantly, believe them. 

By Delilah Rumburg, Executive Director of PCAR

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Elder Abuse a Growing Problem

Elder abuse is a social problem that continues to increase in our nation though it remains significantly underreported.  Iowa research found that only one in five cases of elder abuse is reported and substantiated.  According to the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs (www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs), many complaints of elder abuse in Iowa are not investigated because the state law defines elder abuse as abuse by a professional caretaker.

Elder abuse involves physical harm, financial exploitation, emotional or verbal abuse, neglect, or abandonment.  Like with other forms of abuse, the victim is often isolated with the result that help is often difficult to get. 

If you suspect elder abuse, please call your local Department of Human Services or law enforcement office if the adult is in immediate danger.  Remember that all adults have the right:

To make their own decisions;

To be regarded with patience & compassion;

To receive health care, medications, personal assistance & privacy;

To socialize with whom and how they choose;

To make their own financial decisions, even if someone is assisting them with bill paying. 

www.elderabuseprevention-eastbay.org

At the same time, it is important for the elderly person to express their wishes, ask for the assistance they desire, and to plan ahead when possible to ensure that their choices are honored.  It has been found that there is often reluctance and/or fear on the part of the elder to report abuse.  Threats of placement in a nursing home or shame that a family member may be involved often prevent the elder from seeking help.  As friends and family members who want to help, we always must be sensitive to these issues so that the elder can trust us and trust the service providers who may intervene on their behalf.

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Fiscal Year 2004 Year-End Report

Our staff and volunteers again created miracles with so few resources during the year.  This has been a busy and tiring year for us all.  We lost two part-time positions because of the closings of several small grants.  Our staff sometimes had a difficult time keeping the office open sometimes when needs at the shelter and in the community had to take priority.  We are grateful to you all for your support and patience when you brought your donations and found a closed office in the middle of the day!  Here are a few of the highlights of the year:

• Answered 574 crisis calls
• Served 373 new victims and 262 returned for services after the first month
• Provided 3,470 nights of   shelter for 104 women and children, for an average of 33 nights/person
• Provided 1,265 hours of direct services (counseling, groups, transportation, etc.)
• Provided 8 presentations to 97 high school students
• Provided 10 presentations to 685 junior high students
• Provided 10 presentations to 266 community members
• Provided 7 training sessions to 138 area professionals
• Trained 18 new volunteer   advocates in southeast Iowa

We now look forward to serving you during FY 2005!

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Men in the Movement —Dawn

Domestic abuse and sexual assault are often referred to as women’s issues because these are crimes primarily committed by men against women.  Is this a bit misleading?  Shouldn’t these crimes be considered men’s issues?  The individual victims are powerless to stop the abuse or assaults and women as a group are powerless to stop the abuse or assaults.  The power to stop these crimes lays primarily in the hands of men—the few individual men who commit the crimes; the fathers, husbands, and brothers of the victims; the men who are co-workers and friends of the abusers; the bystanders and community members; and the men who hold most of the positions of power in our country and the world. If I have learned anything in the five years I’ve committed myself to ending violence in Mahaska and Keokuk Counties, it is that we need to include men in this movement, ask men to join the movement, and show men how they can make a difference.  Most men are not abusive. They care about their female family members and friends and do not want them to be hurt.  I believe that many men want to help the feminist movement to gain equality and end violence against women, but they often feel as if they do not have the right to help because of their gender.  I have also seen more and more domestic abuse and sexual assault programs include men in their work—as Board Members, staff, and volunteers.  I am proud that Crisis Intervention Services has done the same.  Twenty percent (20%) of our board, 18% of our staff, 20% of our volunteers, and 10% of our clients are male.  People who receive services always have a choice of who their advocate is.  Most do not tend to prefer women over men, especially once trust is established.  Many shelter residents have said that having men there who care helps them to realize that not all men are cruel and that it is important to have a positive male influence for them and for their children.  I feel that our program and our movement continues to learn and to grow every year.  Including and encouraging men to get involved is another example of that growth. 

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Meeting the Needs of the Community

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Helping Children Process Traumatic Events

Crisis Response Play Therapy (CRPT) was developed as a means of assisting children with traumatic events that happen in their lives.  Most children will adjust and process through a critical incident (traumatic event) on their own with little or no psychological maladjustment; however, some children (approximately 10%-20%) will require assistance with processing the critical incident or maladaptive behaviors are possible.  Children displaying maladaptive behaviors may be diagnosed as inattentive, depressed, bored, anxious, ADD, or ADHD.  Left untreated, these symptoms may develop into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Crisis Response Play Therapy is an intervention technique that will hopefully prevent maladaptive behaviors by identifying children who are in need of further counseling.  CRPT is not psychotherapy; it is a short-term (1-3 sessions) method of assessing individual needs.  A CIS staff member has recently attended a training on CRPT and received a play therapy kit which was developed by Kenneth F. McPherson, Ph.D. of Augusta, Georgia.  We will share the kit with other area professionals. 

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