Publications

A Culturally Specific Perspective: The Hispanic Serving Institution Story

The purpose of this report is to share highlights from listening sessions conducted by Esperanza United (the federally designated Latin@ resource center on gender-based violence and a technical assistance provider for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Campus Program) around how Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) address and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on campus. This report also serves as an overview of the definition, designation, Impact, and history of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

Una perspectiva culturalmente específica: la historia de la Institución de Servicios a Hispan@s

El objetivo de este informe es compartir los aspectos destacados de las sesiones de escucha llevadas a cabo por Esperanza United (el centro de recursos latin@ designado de forma federal sobre la violencia de género y proveedor de asistencia técnica para el Programa de Campus de la Oficina sobre la Violencia contra la Mujer del Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU.) en torno a cómo las Instituciones de Servicios a Hispan@s (HSI) abordan y responden a la violencia doméstica, la violencia en el noviazgo, la agresión sexual y el acoso en el campus.

It’s On Us Engaging Men: National Campus Sexual Assault Attitudes and Behaviors Research Report

There is an urgent need in higher education to research prevention education programming that educates and empowers young men to be a part of the solution to sexual violence on college campuses. It’s On Us partnered with HauckEye to conduct a first-of-its-kind qualitative study exploring the attitudes and perceptions of male-identiyfing students and their likelihood to get involved in the prevention of gender-based violence on campus.

The Research Project collected information on the types of prevention programming schools are conducting, as well as their effectiveness, reach, and possible gaps by using an exploratory qualitative method in order to better understand the experiences, attitudes, and behaviors of young college men. This research method was chosen for its ability to explain behavior that cannot be easily quantified by allowing participants to detail their experiences and feelings.

Addressing Sexual and Relationship Violence on College and University Campuses

The American College Health Association (ACHA) recognizes sexual and relationship violence as a serious public health issue affecting college and university campuses. Sexual and relationship violence comprise a continuum of behaviors, including but not limited to sexual/gender harassment, sexual coercion, sexual abuse, stalking, sexual assault, rape, dating violence, and domestic violence.

California Governor and Legislature Fail to Fund Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Programs and Critical Services Needed to End Cycles of Violence

Survivors, Advocates & Prevention Practitioners Call for the Legislature to Ensure Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence

SACRAMENTO —The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, VALOR, the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, and the Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Network are deeply disappointed that the final budget from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature has failed to not only include funding for a comprehensive response to sexual and domestic violence, but omits continued funding for existing prevention programs. Prevention matters. Prevention works. Prevention needs investment.

Governor’s May Revision Fails to Fund Critical Services Needed to End Cycles of Violence

Survivors, Advocates & Preventionists Call for the Legislature’s Leadership to Ensure Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence in Final Budget

SACRAMENTO —The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, VALOR, the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, and the Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Network are alarmed that Governor Gavin Newsom failed to include funding for sexual and domestic violence prevention in his May Budget Revision. Domestic and sexual violence are not inevitable and can be prevented with long-term initiatives that educate and equip Californians to change unacceptable social norms and systems that perpetuate violence. Prevention programs establish new belief systems and behaviors that promote emotional healing and mental wellbeing. Without ongoing funding to galvanize communities to offer healthy and safe alternatives, cycles of violence will persist throughout the state. In their final budget decisions, we call on the Governor and the California legislature to allocate $15 million in ongoing funding for prevention programs as well as an additional $25.5 million for under-resourced and over-represented communities to support culturally specific responses, innovations, and holistic approaches to end violence for future generations.

Statement by ValorUS on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and Taking Action to Support Refugees Worldwide

SACRAMENTO, CA – ValorUS (VALOR) joins the entire world in mourning the reckless loss of life, destruction, and human suffering that has occurred in recent weeks as a result of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. President Putin’s unconscionable decision to assert control by attacking a sovereign neighbor nation strikes a familiar nerve with survivors of sexual violence, and VALOR unequivocally condemns this shameful abuse of power. We stand in solidarity with the peace-seeking people of Ukraine and encourage leaders of the world to work together in finding a solution that does not result in more catastrophic harm for Ukrainians.

Declaración de ValorUS sobre la Invasión Rusa de Ucrania y la Adopción de Medidas para Apoyar a los Refugiados en Todo el Mundo

SACRAMENTO, CA – ValorUS (VALOR) se une al mundo entero en el duelo por la imprudente pérdida de vidas, la destrucción y el sufrimiento humano que ha ocurrido en las últimas semanas como resultado de la invasión no provocada de Ucrania por parte de Rusia. La decisión desmesurada del presidente Putin de afirmar el control atacando a una nación vecina soberana golpea un nervio familiar con los sobrevivientes de violencia sexual, y VALOR condena inequívocamente este vergonzoso abuso de poder. Nos solidarizamos con el pueblo de Ucrania que busca la paz y alentamos a los líderes del mundo a trabajar juntos para encontrar una solución que no resulte en un daño más catastrófico para los Ucranianos.

After seeing reports that a DNA sample collected from a sexual violence victim during a rape kit exam, was later used to to link them to an unrelated crime.

SACRAMENTO, CA – After seeing reports that a DNA sample collected from a sexual violence victim during a rape kit exam, was later used to to link them to an unrelated crime. ValorUS (VALOR) strongly believes that using survivors’ DNA for other purposes will have a chilling effect on survivors seeking help after a sexual assault.

VALOR Received Federal and State Prevention Funding

SACRAMENTO, CA – ValorUS (VALOR) has recently received almost $2 million in federal and states funds to support VALOR’s work to build sexual and domestic prevention capacity of local, state and territorial organizations. The Centers for Disease Control and revention (CDC) awarded with a $1,035,000, three-year cooperative agreement to operate PreventConnect, an E-Learning collaborative for Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention.

Governor Newsom’s January Budget Fails to Include Critical Funding for Preventing Sexual & Domestic Violence.

SACRAMENTO, CA – ValorUS and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence are deeply disappointed at the failure to include funding to prevent sexual and domestic violence in Governor Newsom’s January budget. Despite significant investments in policing and criminalization as a response to rising concerns about public safety, the Governor’s budget ignores promising strategies that address the root causes of violence, and fails to place any focus on preventing domestic and sexual violence before they occur entirely.

ValorUS (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) commends the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for approving a $9M settlement agreement with Uber concerning the reporting of data related to sexual harassment and assault.

SACRAMENTO — Valor US (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence applaud the Governor for signing the state Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget into law, including $15 million for sexual and domestic violence prevention efforts and $100 million in funding for crime victim services in the 2021 Budget.

Governor Newsom Signs Budget With Needed Prevention and Victim Services Funding

SACRAMENTO — Valor US (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence applaud the Governor for signing the state Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget into law, including $15 million for sexual and domestic violence prevention efforts and $100 million in funding for crime victim services in the 2021 Budget.

Legislature’s Budget Provides Needed Prevention and Victim Services Funding

SACRAMENTO — Valor US (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) and the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence applaud the State Assembly and Senate Budget Committees for approving $15 million for sexual and domestic violence prevention efforts and $100 million in funding for crime victim services in the 2021 Budget adopted by budget committees today.

Governor’s May Revision Provides Needed Victim Services Funding Advocates Praise the Governor’s Action, Call for Additional Focus on Long Term Funding Stability & Investment in Prevention

SACRAMENTO — Valor US (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) and the
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence commend Governor Newsom for including $100 million in funding for crime victim services, including sexual assault and domestic violence programs, in his May Budget Revision. This critical funding will help protect survivors of sexual and domestic violence and put our state on a stronger path to healing from devastating harm. At the same time, our coalitions are disappointed that funding to prevent sexual and domestic violence were left out, especially since many communities are struggling to sustain this work without a state investment last year. As many Californians seek services after being confined to abusive households during this pandemic, the need to stop violence and support survivors has never been more urgent.

ValorUS Leads Nationally to Advance Equity and End Sexual Violence California Coalition Against Sexual Assault Announces Name Change

(Sacramento, CA) The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) today announced it has changed its name to ValorUS (VALOR) to reflect its national leadership in advancing equity and ending sexual violence. The work of the coalition on behalf of Rape Crisis Centers that serve as California’s Safety Net continues under the allied name of ValorCalifornia.

CALCASA Stands in Solidarity with Racial Justice Advocates: Criminalization Will Not End Sexual Violence

SACRAMENTO, June 2, 2020 — The fight to end sexual violence in the United States has always also required a concurrent fight against racism. Prejudice and discrimination on the basis of both sex and race are woven together in the issue of sexual violence, and so we cannot effectively combat one without combatting the other. As the nation grapples with renewed attention on police brutality, and vulnerable communities continue to endure violence and oppression that has been with this country since its founding, we are reminded of our critical commitment to center anti-racism in our work, and to truly assert the fundamental dignity of all people. Black Lives Matter.

The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault and all rape crisis centers in California continue to support survivors of sexual violence

Sacramento, CA – As Californians adapt to an ongoing state of emergency, and health officials across the globe mitigate the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault and all rape crisis centers in California continue to support survivors of sexual violence. We are making adjustments to ensure the safety of both survivors and those who provide services.

CALCASA Launches #BoldMoves: A Multimedia Campaign to Provide People with a Roadmap to Prevent Sexual Assault

In time for Valentine’s Day and National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) has launched “Bold Moves,” a public service campaign to promote small changes that become Bold Moves to help prevent and end sexual assault. CALCASA will distribute content across multiple channels, and in conjunction with content partners Upworthy and Action Button. The campaign includes a video that highlights how the conversation has evolved around sexual assault and identifies areas where work still needs to be done. The campaign directs audiences to a new website, www.BoldMoves.org, where resources and champions in sexual assault prevention are also listed.

California budget proposal excludes funding to prevent sexual and domestic violence. Dedicated funding urgently needed to address root causes of an ongoing crisis

“Governor Gavin Newsom introduced his draft budget today, and the Partnership and CALCASA were disappointed to see California neglect to make any investment in the prevention of sexual & domestic violence. In California, 86% of women and 53% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime, and an estimated 1.6 million women and men experience domestic violence each year.

Dating Violence Resource for Christian Faith-Based Institutions

It is vital for faith-based campus leaders and administrators to commit to the prevention and intervention of gender-based violence on campuses as many survivors turn to their faith for healing and refuge. This resource was written by Esperanza United and Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence specifically for Christian faith-based institutions and supported by listening sessions with Christian faith-based campuses as a guide to enhance faith-based responses to gender-based violence.

Recurso contra la violencia en la relación de pareja para instituciones religiosas cristianas

Es muy importante que lideres y administradores de universidades de fe se comprometan a la prevención e intervención de violencia de género en campus ya que muchos sobrevivientes recurren a su fe para en búsqueda de sanación y refugio. Este recurso fue escrito por Esperanza United y Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence específicamente para instituciones cristianas basadas en la fe y con el apoyo de sesiones de escucha con campus basados ​​en la fe cristiana Este recurso sirve como un guía para mejorar las respuestas a la violencia de genero basadas en fe.

Sexual Violence Resource for Christian Faith-Based Institutions

College campuses, and particularly faith-based campuses play a leadership role in preventing sexual violence by breaking the silence, providing education, developing protocols for faith-based responses, and being gateways to resources. This resource was written by Esperanza United and Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence specifically for Christian faith-based institutions and supported by listening sessions testimonies from Christian faith-based campuses.

Recurso contra la violencia sexual para instituciones religiosas cristianas

Los campus universitarios, y particularmente los campus basados ​​en la fe, están en una posición de liderazgo en la prevención de la violencia sexual al romper el silencio, brindar educación, desarrollar protocolos para respuestas basadas en la fe y ser puertas de entrada a los recursos. Este recurso fue escrito por Esperanza United y Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence específicamente para instituciones cristianos basados en la fe y con el apoyo con testimonios de sesiones de escucha con campus basados ​​en la fe cristiana.

Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going: Mobilizing Men and Boys to Prevent Gender-Based Violence

This report is a summary of the day-and-a-half national roundtable discussion at the Department of Justice building on “Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going: Mobilizing Men and Boys in the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence.” The roundtable brought together a diverse group of men and women who are national and local experts and leaders in their respective fields. During the roundtable, participants spent time discussing barriers and gaps to more broadly engaging men and boys; how healthier forms of masculinity can play a role in mobilizing a broad spectrum of men and boys; strategies to build the capacity to collaborate with local, state, and national stakeholders; and next steps to guide and inform a national movement to mobilize a wide spectrum of men and boys in the prevention of gender-based violence.