
Join us for the annual state conference – March 22-23, 2012
The special recognition license plate is now available! The cost of the plate includes vehicle registration fees and taxes, a group fee of $25, and an administrative fee of $15.
This license plate will generate funding to benefit programs throughout Indiana that provide services, care and treatment to victims of violent crimes.
The Sandusky Case illustrates well the prevalence of child sexual abuse and the pervasive culture of silence surrounding these crimes. The American Medical Association refers to sexual abuse as a “silent, violent epidemic.” The filing of charges against formerPennStateUniversityfootball coach Jerry Sandusky has led to a mass influx of media coverage. Tragically the ongoing rape and molestation of numerous children, whom Mr. Sandusky accessed through his charity for troubled young boys is now being referred to as a “Sex Scandal.”
It is regrettable that it takes a high profile crime to draw attention to an issue that impacts thousands of children each day. Even more tragic is the fact that a coach, in a position of respect and authority, as well as a university with a football legacy are involved and are defying the societal myths about perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
Perpetrators of child sexual abuse gain access to children and use their positions of trust in many instances to be able to abuse and molest without detection. Perpetrators are skilled at creating a false sense of trust and often continue committing crimes just below the radar. What makes this case unique, however, is the attention focused on the inaction of many individuals and university officials who could have intervened more than a decade ago to prevent further abuse and address the needs of those who had already been victimized. Indeed, their silence served as a message condoning the abuse to the perpetrator, the victims, and the community.
Sexual abuse against children, as well as adults is preventable. Our challenge as a society is to shift the responsibility for these crimes firmly where it belongs, with the offender! Until we truly step up and speak out against sexual abuse, and hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their position or status in the community, we cannot truly begin to address the root causes.
The following testimony is taken from the findings of the Investigating Grand Jury:
We must educate adults about red flags and grooming tactics and give them the tools and confidence to question inappropriate behavior, regardless of criminality.
We must address attitudes that minimize the occurrence and severity of child sexual abuse. We must challenge those systems that allow these types of abuse to continue.
We must actively address real and perceived barriers to disclosure and reporting. Our institutions and organizations must make it clear that protecting children and doing what is right is more important than reputation and politics.
We must instill in our communities that everyone has an obligation to report suspected child sexual abuse to law enforcement. It is their job to investigate and determine if criminal acts were committed. Every individual plays a role in preventing child sexual abuse and supporting survivors.
In Indiana, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. It is everyone’s responsibility to take action to end sexual violence.
To learn more about sexual violence towards children and to find resources on prevention and response, visit INCASA’s website at www.incasa.org as well as contacting a local rape crisis center in your community. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference!
To learn more about the Sandusky case:
Investigative Grand Jury Report (Please take care in reading this, as it includes some graphic details that may be triggering.)
CNN Justice–Trustees: Penn State president removed, Paterno out immediately
CBS News–The Penn State Scandal
The WashingtonPost–Penn State Abuse Scandal and What Parents Can Do
Talking Points from thePennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
Anita M. Carpenter, INCASA CEO
Come join us for Great Education and Information and get involved! Lots of great sessions on non-traditional approaches to healing. Information on managing finances, and great discussion on the Indiana Survivor Network!
This Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner Course is being offered in NW Indiana. Registered Nurses interested in becoming a SANE should register today!
Click here for the Training Brochure and the Registration Form.
Cost is $200.00 for medical professionals, $100.00 for non-medical.
I am in training and excited about the walk with a goal of completing 152 miles over a 10 day period. In 2008 I completed 170 miles in 9 days on US 40 so I’m hoping this time around it will not take me the full ten days either. We have a fundraising goal of $10,000 this year. Part of these funds will go to help with the HIV Prophylaxis Fund that was established this year with help from the Indiana Department of Corrections. The remaining funds will go to continue to raise awareness and support the local centers throughout the state who are dedicated to the rights and services of victims of sex crimes. Please consider donating and passing this information on to friends, co-workers, and family who may consider supporting this cause. Be sure to watch for my daily blog when the walk starts too. In 2008 it was such a personal journey for me to walk alone across Indiana for survivors; please be sure to track my journey this year. I am still forever grateful to those who prayed for me, sent me encouraging messages, and those along the route who waved and brought me water. My two drivers who picked me up at the end of each long day were also the best support I could have asked for during that week.
Help us motivate youth to engage in healthy and productive lifestyles!
First Come – First Serve
August 6th from 11am to 2pm at the Brookside Park – in front of the Family Center.
Walk, run or jog with your dog and meet Ellie – INCASA’s facility dog and Indiana’s first court dog.
Marian University Indianapolis – St. Vincent Health Field June 4, 2011 Check in: 7:30AM Walk/Run: 8:15-11AMINCASA was recently featured on Fox59 for its balloon release at the Statehouse to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month!
Check it out here! http://t.co/8Cdh0zj
We invite you to celebrate with us by joining at our 25th Anniversary Gala.
May 6th, 2011 Oak Hill Mansion, CarmelFor more information visit our Gala page!