National Survey Reveals Sexual Violence Continues to be a Public Health Issue;

Lompoc, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2011) — Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), which revealed an increased  need for rape crisis centers and rape prevention programs. NISVS is an ongoing, national representative survey that assesses experiences of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence among adult women and men in the United States.

The study shows that nearly 1 in 2 women (44.6%) and 1 in 5 men (22.2%) experience sexual violence other than rape throughout their lifetime. Approximately 1.3 million women reported being raped in the 12 months prior to taking the survey, which makes this a crucial time for the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center to outreach to members of the community.  The Center offers bilingual advocacy services throughout northern Santa Barbara County, including 24 hour hotline and counseling services as well as the school-based ChildSAFE and other prevention programs that educate community members of all ages.

The NISVS survey shows that there are more than 2 million people in California who are survivors of rape. Due to the small amount of funding provided by the state and cuts from federal funding streams, rape crisis centers struggle to reach all survivors.

“The Center has been fortunate in the past, but this year we are facing cuts of up to 35% from several funding sources,” said Shannon Rose Chavez, Executive Director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center.  “While funding has decreased, the need for our services has not.  We are hoping the community will continue to recognize the importance of the work we are doing to support survivors and prevent sexual violence.”

 The social norms that contribute to violence can be changed, and the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center needs financial support to meet such a goal. It is important to continue addressing the beliefs, attitudes and messages that are deeply embedded in social structures that create a climate to condone sexual violence, stalking and intimate partner violence. Locally, this is being done through programs such as the Students Against Violent Experiences club at Lompoc High School, as well as prevention presentations that instruct individuals how to recognize dangerous situations and protect themselves and others. 

As advocates, the volunteers and staff of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center believe that violence can be prevented and its impact can be reduced. The data contained within NISVS shows that sexual violence is not going away and that it continues to be a public health issue. This data can help communities across the state join with their local rape crisis centers to identify how to nurture future generations to be healthier and less violent.

The mission of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center is to reduce the incidence of and vulnerability to sexual assault and child abuse by providing education and prevention skills to community children and adults, and to alleviate the trauma experienced by survivors of these crimes by providing direct services.

For more information on local services, contact the Center at 736-8535 or visit sbcountyrapecrisis.org.  To view the complete report and toolkit online, go to www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs.

Emily Einolander, Community Education Coordinator

(805)736-8535 X 207

emilyeinolander@verizon.net