IJM

About IJM (from IJM's website):
International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.

IJM has a four-fold purpose which includes:
1. Victim Relief
2. Perpetrator Accountability
3. Victim Aftercare
4. Structural Prevention

The area where I would most be interested in working is the Victim Aftercare. Through my interactions and information gained about IJM I hope to understand better how this Aftercare occurs and to possibly pursue that in my future careers.

A very important fact that IJM focuses on is that "more children, women and men are held in slavery right now than over the course of the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade: Millions toil in bondage, their work and even their bodies the property of an owner."
This is a startling statistic that I try to make known to everyone I speak to about IJM.

My parents are in Washington DC this weekend at IJM's "Global Prayer Gathering." I will write a blog about their experiences with the organization and at this event!

My Interactions with the RCC

Denise has been the main person who has taught me a lot about this organization and helped me understand more about sexual assault and the healing that can take place. Denise struck me with her passion and how much she seems to care about people. She asked me about my life and seemed interested in who I was and what I had experienced. I could ask her any question and she was adamant and tried to answer to the best of her abilities. She was knowledgeable on the subject and personable as well. Any time I have contacted the RCC I have been met by someone who cares deeply and is more than willing to help with any question or issue I might have.

The amazing attitude and feeling of hope I get from the staff has helped me feel more hopeful about the situation with sexual assault and violence against women. It helps to know that there are a lot of people out there willing to help and be supportive to each individual survivor. I am excited to experience more with this organization, I plan to attend support groups, and to continue to build relationships with the staff, hopefully in the future to lead to volunteer work with them.

The How of the RCC

The Rape Crisis Center mainly targets sexual assault survivors and their loved ones.
A way that they get in touch with these people is through their hospital advocacy. If someone goes to a hospital in Akron because of rape they are then referred to St. Thomas where the DOVE program takes place to do testing for SAE(sexual assault evidence) Kits. The victim is joined at the hospital by a hospital advocate who comes and sits with them during this procedure. The advocate is there to answer questions, and to be supportive in the difficult time. They also provide information and urge the victim to ask any questions regarding sexual assault or the SAE Kit procedure.

Other ways the center reaches out to victims and their loved ones is through:
24-Hour Crisis Hotline- provides support, crisis intervention and referrals to survivors, co-survivors, and the community.
Justice System Advocacy- Provides information, supports survivor during criminal proceedings and meetings with law enforcement and facilities communication between the survivor and various components of the justice system.
Face-to-Face Advocacy- Inperson, short-term support, crisis intervention, education, and referrals for survivors and co-survivors.
Support Group- Group is available for adult survivors and meets weekly for 6-8 weeks.
Prevention Education/Outreach- The staff raises awareness and educates the community on the prevention and ramifications of rape and sexual assault.

The Rape Crisis Center is a non-profit agency; therefore, they raise support through donations and volunteer service. To give to the RCC call: 330-374-0740 ext 126 and for volunteer opportunities call: 330-374-0740 ext 122

The What of the RCC

The Rape Crisis Center of Medina/Summit Counties focuses on

Healing, Hope, and Empowerment.

The mission statement of the RCC is:
"The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties is committed to ending sexual assault through education and awareness, and to empower, support and advocate for all those affected by this crime."

The philosophy of the crisis center is as follows:
- We offer confidential services to all our clients.
- We believe in each individual's strength, creativity, and resolution.
- We strive to empower individuals to feel free to make their own choices.
- We will not advocate any one, specific choice or method of dealing with sexual assault.
- We are committed to cultural awareness and cultural competency in serving all clients.
- We will help individuals explore all options by providing sound information.

All of these aspects of the center's philosophy are made apparent in conversation I had with Denise, from the center. She made it very clear, in a kind and generous way, that they will not make the choice for a person on what to do about the sexual assault. They are supportive of all choices and want the victim to do what is best for them. And they let the person know that either choice made will be met with support and help to get through the tough decision.

A lot of the time this voice of acceptance can be a very important voice for the victim, because families and friends will often offer their opinions on which decision to make even if that is not really the best choice for the victim. It was made clear to me that the police take sexual assault/rape very seriously and that the center works alongside them in justice advocacy.