31 Facts for 31 Days of DVAM!

September 18, 2020 By SiteAdmin Leave a Comment

Please see below for the annual 31 facts for the 31 days of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October 2020 to share on your social media, in newsletters, etc. during the month. Please be sure to save the date for Thursday, October 22, 2020 for Wear Purple Day and use the hashtag #EndDVinAZ all month long.

Download the 31 Facts for 31 Days of DVAM.

Please feel free to share with us any and all Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, events and/or virtual events we can share! Please send those event or activity details to christa@acesdv.org.

Press Release: ACESDV in Partnership with 5 Disability Advocacy Organizations Awarded Grant from the Office of Violence Against Women to Enhance Education and Services for Sexual Assault Survivors with Developmental Disabilities

September 9, 2020 By SiteAdmin

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

THE ARIZONA COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIVE DISABILITY ADVOCACY PARTNERS AWARDED GRANT FROM THE OFFICE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN TO ENHANCE EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

September 14, 2020— Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) recently received a $500,000 grant from the Office of Violence Against Women in partnership with the Arizona Center for Disability Law, the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, and The Arc of Arizona.

According to data from the Department of Justice (2018), people with cognitive disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times higher than those without disabilities. In 2019, the Governor’s Abuse and Neglect Prevention Task Force recommended that Arizona build and enhance community-based sexual assault services that utilize a trauma-informed approach and address the specific needs of vulnerable adults and their families, as well as a toolkit for providers outlining sample policies and best practices for a trauma-informed approach to survivors with disabilities.

This funding will help fill a gap in services for in Arizona for the approximately 130 thousand individuals in Arizona with a developmental disability,” says Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “While sexual assault services exist, the specific needs of those with developmental disabilities aren’t always met. With our partners and the provider community, we are delighted to be able to take concrete steps to help close this gap.”

“We are excited that our Arizona programs now have much-needed resources to meaningfully include survivors with developmental disabilities who are so often excluded,” states Dr. Erika McFadden, Executive Director of Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, “This is just the beginning of desperately-needed change, with Arizona leading the way for other states to follow.”

In this project ACESDV, in collaboration with the 5 statewide disability advocacy organizations, will engage in an intensive development and planning process to identify and address the needs of sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities and victim service providers statewide. ACESDV will then provide training and technical assistance to victim service providers statewide to ensure sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities have access to comprehensive, accessible, and appropriate services in Arizona. The training curriculum and toolkit that will assist victim service providers across Arizona will include:

developing and enhancing services for sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities;
developing and modifying policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure equal access to services and programs for sexual abuse survivors with development disabilities; and
meeting the requirements of shelters and victim service providers under Federal anti-discrimination laws.

“We are excited for the opportunity to be a part of this three-year initiative with ACESDV and the other disability groups,” says Sherri Collins, Executive Director of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, “Together, through this partnership, we can make a huge impact in the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing victims/survivors by reducing barriers and access to services.”

“ACDL is pleased to be a part of this important grant to help end sexual violence against people with disabilities,” said J.J. Rico, CEO of AZ Center for Disability Law, “It is in our mission to protect the rights of people with disabilities and our partnership with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence will help further ensure equal access to services are guaranteed under the law.”

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About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.

About the Arizona Center for Disability Law
The Arizona Center for Disability Law (Center) is a non-profit law firm that assists Arizonans with disabilities to promote and protect their legal rights to independence, justice, and equality. The Arizona Center for Disability Law serves all people with disabilities. The Center supports individuals with disabilities by providing information on their legal rights, representation in negotiations or in administrative proceedings and court, and investigating abuse and neglect. In addition, the Center provides outreach and training on legal rights and self-advocacy as well as technical assistance to groups and individuals on disability-related legal issues. Finally, the Center brings impact litigation to remedy systematic problems.

About the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Established in 1977, The Arizona Commission for Deaf and Hard and Hearing (Commission) ensures, in partnership with the public and private sector, accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to improve their quality of life. The Commission administers a free statewide 24-hour telephone relay service as well as telephone equipment to qualified hearing, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and speech-impaired Arizona residents. The Commission provides the American Sign Language Interpreter Licensure for the state, engages in community development initiatives, and informs Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals about their rights and the laws and programs available to support their rights.

About the AZ Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC) is the designated entity as outlined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 that focuses on advocacy, inclusion, and improving access and services for people with developmental disabilities. ADDPC collects data by identifying local developmental disability challenges and solutions and provides grants to fund innovative projects, such as efforts to help Arizonans speak up for themselves or push for community inclusion. In addition, ADDPC works with public and private sectors to address issues that are important to people with developmental disabilities and provides education through events, resources, and social media on ways to include all people who have developmental disabilities in every aspect of community life. ADDPC works to establish, strengthen, and expand self-advocacy activities among people with developmental disabilities so they will become empowered and self-determined.

About the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council
The Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC) is federally mandated and funded under the Rehabilitation Act and is comprised of individuals appointed by the Governor. AZSILC conducts statewide needs assessments in regard to people who have disabilities, monitors, implements, and evaluates the triennial State Plan for Independent Living, facilitates community outreach, independent living forums, panels and workshops, collaborates in coordinating disability focused conferences, expositions, and summits, and advocates for systemic changes that enhance and/or expand independent living programs and services.

About the Arc of Arizona
The Arc of Arizona, which was formed in 1958, is the only community-based non-profit working for people with I/DD throughout their lifetimes and across all diagnoses in Arizona. Currently, they have over 1,000 members with 11 local chapters. They engage in public policy by mobilizing self-advocates, disability organizations, and individuals across Arizona who care about the rights of all people with disabilities, utilizing grassroots action to effect substantial and meaningful progress in the legislative landscape.

Press Release: ACESDV Welcomes New CEO

July 31, 2020 By SiteAdmin

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

AZ COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WELCOMES NEW CEO

Phoenix, AZ, July 31, 2020 –The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jenna Panas has joined ACESDV as CEO since June 8, 2020. Jenna has extensive expertise driving organizations to achieve growth and strategic focus, and they are confident that under her leadership, ACESDV will have an even greater impact on the people, program members and communities it serves.

Jenna is a seasoned leader in both nonprofit and public-sector organizations. Most recently, she served as the Program Director of the Impact Instruction program at Arizona State University’s Center for Child Well Being, where she managed the design of curriculum and online instruction options for courses in Child Welfare, Foster Youth, Literacy Support, and Childhood Trauma. She has also taught for the School of Public Affairs, with a research emphasis on critical theory, and power dynamics leading to a lack of constituency voices.

Prior to her roles in Arizona, Jenna held multiple leadership positions at non-profit organizations focusing on the welfare of women and children. She worked extensively in the fields of domestic violence, homelessness, and economic empowerment. Jenna served as” interim CEO of the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center where she helped strengthen the nonprofit by securing large-scale grants and created systems to measure outcomes and track success rates. Jenna’s leadership extends to managing a consulting firm that provides change-management training and leadership coaching to nonprofit organizations.

Jenna’s career has been dedicated to serving women and children, working to end domestic violence and sexual assault, and strengthening nonprofit organizations. She brings a tremendous amount of passion and enthusiasm to her new role.

“While the solutions for ending domestic and sexual violence are complex, Arizona has many great minds and passionate hearts working on solutions and I am delighted to be joining them in partnership. By listening to survivors and responding to their unique needs and stories, we ensure success for all. We have made tremendous strides at the Coalition over the last 40 years, it is an honor to work to extend that legacy into the future.”

ACESDV is excited to have Jenna on board and look forward to her leadership. Please join ACESDV in welcoming her to our organization.

About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.

www.acesdv.org
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/acesdv
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/AZCESDV

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Press Release: ACESDV Releases Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on Programs in AZ

July 17, 2020 By SiteAdmin

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

AZ COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELEASES REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SEXUAL & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA

Phoenix, AZ, July 17, 2020 – COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the lives of survivors, their children, pets, and local victim service programs. Social distancing measures increase risk for violence in homes and limit opportunities for survivors to access help. Throughout the pandemic, sexual and domestic violence programs have remained steadfastly open, providing crucial services to survivors during a particularly precarious time.

Programs have had to make significant shifts in shelter and service provision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of survivors and staff during COVID-19. There is a critical need for additional resources to address the dramatically evolving needs of survivors during the challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic. While call volume has fluctuated, most shelters remain full, and community-based advocates have maintained large and growing caseloads.

A survey was distributed to the 29 community-based sexual and domestic violence programs in Arizona who are members of ACESDV. The survey was open through late May and early June, and was supplemented by follow-up conversations with programs through June 18th. Twenty-four programs responded to the survey. Among these programs, 50% serve a primarily rural area, 29% serve a primarily urban area, and 21% serve a combined rural and urban area.

View the Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs in Arizona survey results.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of sexual and domestic violence survivors already exceeded the available resources in Arizona. Victim service providers have decades of experience managing life-threatening crises with limited resources; however, COVID-19 has impacted communities in unprecedented and sustained ways. As programs adapt to meet the needs of survivors, funding is critical to sustain and hire staff, purchase new technology, identify and provide safe housing alternatives, and modify programs to ensure social distancing and adequate sanitization.

“Arizona providers have been amazing in their ability to pivot and quickly meet the needs of survivors in a stressful and constantly changing environment, however they critically need funding and donations in order to continue to do so. We hope that by identifying program needs, our community will help survivors,” stated ACESDV CEO Jenna Panas.

The community can help support programs continue providing crucial services to survivors. In response to the Impact of COVID-19 survey, ACESDV collected information from programs throughout Arizona with specific donation needs request. Many programs indicate needing PPE equipment, sanitizing supplies, gift cards to stores like Walmart and Target, as well as monetary donations. Find a program in your area to learn about what they need and how to donate. View the Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs Donations Needs document.

www.acesdv.org
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/acesdv
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/AZCESDV

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30 Facts for 30 Days of SAAM

April 1, 2020 By SiteAdmin

We are excited to share our 30 facts for 30 days of SAAM during April and welcome you to join us as we raise awareness about sexual violence. Also a reminder to check out NSVRC’s SAAM awareness campaign materials – they always have great, inspiring, and colorful materials and ideas.

Additionally, please remember to save the upcoming dates:

April 7^th – Wear Teal Day/Day of Action (since we won’t be able to have large groups of people in photos while wearing teal, perhaps a good ol’ collage of personal selfies this year!)

April 29^th –Denim Day (another good day to make a collage of selfies!)

ACESDV is here for you.

March 19, 2020 By SiteAdmin

Survivors are often more vulnerable in times of crisis and need our support more than ever in these times. ACESDV is here for you.

ACESDV’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline is still open and operating the regular hours of 8:30a – 5:00p, Monday – Friday with Victim Services Specialists available to assist in Spanish and English, by phone or online through chat. While our staff are primarily working remotely from the safety of their homes, we have measures in place to maintain full confidentiality and are continuing operations and support to survivors and the community.

The Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline: 602-279-2980

Online chat: www.acesdv.org/helpline

For National Hotlines available 24/7:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483

The nearly 40 member organizations of ACESDV are committed to providing the best services to communities throughout Arizona. Member organizations are also carefully considering the advisories from the Department of Health and the CDC, and taking significant precautions to protect those they serve and their teams of staff members, volunteers and board members.

Hotlines, sexual and domestic violence service organizations, and shelters will remain open. People impacted by sexual and domestic violence can still access the support of an advocate during a sexual assault forensic exam, when requesting an Order of Protection, and for help accessing other crucial resources. Organizations are putting systems in place to be able to provide remote advocacy as much as possible, using phone, video and other strategies to connect with and support people who need help.

Contact your local organization for more information about how they are responding, and continue to refer people impacted by sexual and domestic violence to call the National Hotlines (listed above) or ACESDV’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline.

Sexual and domestic violence service organizations are working together with many others in their communities to coordinate efforts, plan for what lies ahead and get crucial resources to people experiencing health, financial and other impacts. Organizations serving people who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing are part of a statewide strategy to ensure there are safe places for people to stay if they are at high risk from COVID-19, or if they need to self-quarantine. The Coalition is also actively working with administrative and legislative officials to ensure that the needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence are being addressed during this crisis.

During this difficult time, our connections with each other are more important than ever. We are sustained by our loving community of organizations, advocates, and partners.

Now is the time to fund sexual assault survivor services

February 19, 2020 By SiteAdmin

[image from AZ Mirror]

As the statewide voice for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence pursues a policy agenda every Arizona legislative session aimed at preventing sexual assault and domestic violence from occurring in the first place, as well as empowering and supporting the survivors of these traumatic experiences.

We continue to make progress in Arizona, but unfortunately still lag behind other states in many critical areas.

Most notably, Arizona is one of the few states that does not provide any funding for sexual assault survivor services – things like advocacy, support groups, therapy and crisis lines. With Arizona’s economy booming and state finances more stable than we’ve seen in over a decade, it’s time to fix it. Arizona needs to support survivors of sexual violence with funding for survivor-centered services, including an expansion of current services and the introduction of 24/7 sexual assault specific services statewide.

Fortunately, we already have an example of how these services can be funded and structured.

Under state law, Arizona funds domestic violence services through a process that ensures programs are providing services in line with best practice standards and the current needs of survivors and communities. It appropriately defines what qualifies as a domestic violence program, ensures program priorities are determined through expert consultation with the state coalition, and ensures recipients of funds adhere to formalized statewide standards rooted in best practices.

Using this as a model, the legislature could pass new legislation with the same structure and parameters, but with a focus on funding services for sexual assault survivors across Arizona. These new services would allow sexual assault survivors to have greater access to resources for healing, while also ensuring these resources are high-quality and appropriately monitored by a state entity (the Arizona Department of Economic Security) with expertise in gender-based violence.

Helping these victims isn’t an exorbitant cost: We estimate $10 million could get these services up and running. When one considers that Arizona currently has a $700 million surplus this fiscal year – that is still growing – there is simply no justification to be one of the few states who refuses to fund services for sexual assault survivors.

Unfortunately, sexual violence is all too prevalent in today’s society. A person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds in the United States. It’s time to show survivors in Arizona that we admire their strength and are here to support them. We hope Republicans and Democrats can put their differences aside during the 2020 legislative session and fund these vital services.

Originally posted on AZ Mirror on January 28, 2020.

Press Release: 15th Annual “Gift of Peace” Campaign

November 29, 2019 By SiteAdmin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS

Christa Lindsay, Community Engagement Manager
christa@acesdv.org
(602) 803-9149

Fiona Gwozdz, PR Director, Oliver Russell
fgwozdz@oliver.russell.com
(503) 334 -7214

15^th Annual “Gift of Peace” Campaign by Jacksons Food Stores Calls on the Community to Help End Sexual and Domestic Violence

“Peace Doves” Donations will Support the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence

Phoenix, AZ (November 29, 2019)

During this season of giving, now through Dec. 25, Jacksons Food Stores will match tax-deductible donations dollar-for-dollar in support of the fifteenth annual Gift of Peace campaign to help end sexual and domestic violence. Customers who donate $1, $5, or $10 will receive a paper peace dove to hang in support of survivors and help bring visibility to the campaign in Jacksons Food Stores and Jacksons-owned ExtraMile stores across six western states, including Arizona.

The annual Gift of Peace campaign has raised over $1.35 million in donations since it began in 2004. Last year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Jacksons Food Stores and its customers raised a total of $187,314 ($93,657 matched dollar-for-dollar by Jacksons) for state domestic violence coalitions in Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Utah.

Customers in Arizona showed solidarity and generosity towards domestic violence survivors by contributing $8,701 to the cause in 2018. Jacksons matched that amount to further amplify the community’s impact and support the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) with a total contribution of $17,402.

“Our aim in 2019 is to encourage more donations than ever before,” said Cory Jackson, president of Jacksons Food Stores. “These funds help raise community awareness about the problem of domestic violence and provide essential resources for survivors and their children. We want to make this the most impactful year of our Peace Doves campaign yet.”

All Arizona customer contributions directly support the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence, a statewide non-profit member organization focused on education, advocacy, awareness, and increasing services along with a Helpline for sexual and domestic violence survivors and their families. According to Christa Lindsay, Community Engagement Manager for ACESDV, member organizations provide direct services ranging from emergency shelter, housing, advocacy, to counseling and other supports to survivors.

“Jacksons Food Stores’ Gift of Peace campaign does more than raise funds – it shows survivors that their community supports them and sees the problem of sexual and domestic violence as one we all must work on together to solve,” Lindsay said. “We’re grateful to Jacksons for taking a stance on these issues and supporting us through this campaign. It shows the community that our collective impact can and does change lives.”

Customers can make a tax-deductible donation for a peace dove to support the campaign at any Arizona Jacksons Food Store or ExtraMile convenience store starting November 27 through December 25th.

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About Jacksons Food Stores
Since John D. Jackson founded Jacksons in 1975 as a single service station, the Idaho–headquartered company has grown to be a nationally recognized chain of more than 250 company–operated convenience stores in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Utah under the Jacksons Food Stores and ExtraMile Convenience Store brands. In addition, Jackson Energy now wholesales branded fuel to more than 900 locations throughout 9 western states.

About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is the designated dual issue coalition in Arizona addressing both sexual and domestic violence for 40 years. Our purpose is to increase public awareness about the issues of sexual and domestic violence, enhance the safety of and services for sexual and domestic violence victims and survivors and end sexual and domestic violence in Arizona communities. We do this by providing education & training, technical assistance, advocating at the legislature in public policy as well as providing assistance to survivors and advocates through our Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline. www.acesdv.org

31 Facts for 31 Days of DVAM 2019

August 27, 2019 By SiteAdmin

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! We’ll be posting facts and information on our social media every day during the 31 days of DVAM in October. Click here to follow along or post on your own social media accounts. Please post along with the statewide hashtag #EndDVinAZ. Thank you for raising awareness during domestic violence awareness month!

For Immediate Release: Anti-sexual violence coalitions nationwide condemn the mistreatment of refugees and immigrants held in detention, demand an end to ICE raids, and POC community monitoring.

July 15, 2019 By SiteAdmin

For immediate release
July 12, 2019

Anti-sexual violence coalitions nationwide condemn the mistreatment of refugees and immigrants held in detention, demand an end to ICE raids, and POC community monitoring.

State and national sexual assault coalitions across the country are united in condemning the separation of children from family members as well as the violence and dehumanizing conditions faced by people being held in detention. The treatment of adults and children while detained in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) migrant detention centers under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is dehumanizing and therefore unacceptable. It must come to an immediate end.

We represent survivors of and advocates against sexual harassment, abuse and assault throughout the country. Many people coming to the U.S. are fleeing from sexual violence in their countries of origin. As advocates, it is incumbent upon us to bear witness and take action against cruelty.

Whereas there are no less than two immigrant detention centers per state, including Puerto Rico, and 184 centers in the state of Texas, we demand accountability from all officials and legislators for the atrocities that continue within these tax-payer funded detention facilities and camps.

Recorded reports of abuse include the following:
Overcrowding
Lack of access to clean water and food
Physical abuse
Sexual assault
Unsanitary living conditions
Medical neglect
Verbal/psychological abuse
LGBTQ+ discriminatory behavior

There have also been reports of systemic and widespread sexual harassment, abuse, and assault occurring in ice detention facilities across the nation and only 2 percent of complaints having been investigated, in clear violation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards. According to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) documents, thousands of migrant children have experienced sexual abuse while in U.S. government custody under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) since 2015.

Reporters have not been allowed to speak with detainees or to record the conditions inside the facilities. Doctors are not able to access important medical records of refugees due to the lack of transparency from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These agencies’ policies are unacceptable and undermine advocates working to end and prevent violence, who understand that a culture of silence creates a dangerous environment for violence to run rampant and unchecked.

It is imperative that all legislators, local and national, address the humanitarian crisis at our southern border immediately. We demand the current administration completely end the practice of separating children from their parents and minimize the placement of children and families in detention settings that expose them to further traumatization and dangerous living conditions. Additionally, legislators must work together to support policies that reduce obstacles to good-faith asylum claims, and avoid creating new ones.

We ask our supporters to contact their legislators regarding this statement and mention the concerns we have listed. We demand an end to secrecy by all immigration agencies and an end to the inhumane conditions that refugees are forced to endure inside detention centers and camps. We want an end to U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids that unfairly target communities of color and funnel more people into the inhumane conditions within DHS detention facilities. We urge all legislators to take a bipartisan, humanitarian position by acting to protect immigrants and refugees within our borders. Human rights, and the dignity of every person, are not partisan issues.

Other actions include supporting and reaching out to the sponsors of crucial legislation such as:
The Northern Triangle and Border Stabilization Act Of 2019 (H.R. 3524), which requires better treatment of detained children at the border, including by setting standards for CBP facilities and directing the hiring of child welfare professionals.

The Child Trafficking Victims Protection And Welfare Act (S. 661), which provides for the safe and appropriate treatment of children in CBP custody by requiring at least one licensed child welfare professional at ports of entry and border patrol stations that regularly hold a large number of children. The bill also provides minimum standards of care for children in CBP custody.

Together, we can prevent the continued sexual harassment, abuse, and assault of all persons regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or documentation status.

Signed:
Alas: Alianza Latina En Contra La Agresión Sexual
Arte Sana
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault
California Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Connecticut Alliance To End Sexual Violence
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence
Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Jane Doe Inc. (Massachusetts)
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Montana Coalition Against Domestic And Sexual Violence
National Alliance To End Sexual Violence
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic And Sexual Violence
New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault
New Mexico Coalition Of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc.
New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Nevada Coalition to END Domestic and Sexual Violence
Ohio Alliance To End Sexual Violence
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)
Vermont Network Against Domestic And Sexual Violence
Virginia Sexual And Domestic Violence Action Alliance
Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs

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