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Rural Sexual Assault Response Teams

Rural Sexual Assault Response Teams

The Sexual Violence Justice Institute (SVJI) is a national program operating within the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA). SVJI creates long-term sustainable systems responses to sexual violence that meet the specific needs of each community. Since 2013, we have provided those awarded with OVW rural grants the support and assistance they need to improve their multi-disciplinary collaborations. We develop resources, tools, and provide one-on-one assistance that honors the strength and creativity of rural communities while also addressing the challenges that come with living in rural places.

OVW Rural grant recipients and other rural communities have access to attending SVJI events, offering in-person trainings, accessing webinars and resources, receiving one-on-one assistance, and get in-depth support to build up their response.

Through our years of experience and your expertise in your community, we will work together to craft the information and resources you need to support and sustain collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams like a Sexual Assault Response Team in your community. We look forward to being a resource as well as connecting you to other national technical assistance providers. Connect with us through the form below or you can call or email our team. Let’s do great work, together.

National Institute

The National Institute is a biannual conference designed for coordinators, team leaders, and state and territorial level leaders who coordinate or support local teams responding to sexual violence.

The Institute’s primary goal is to build the capacity of team leaders to design and facilitate effective team processes. Effective team leadership is essential to a team’s overall development, and we know that it is complex, challenging, and rewarding work. Creating social change and systems improvement requires more than knowledge of best practices—it also requires the ability to initiate processes that transform our communities and lead to improved outcomes. The Institute will help you facilitate multidisciplinary teams as they design, implement, and evaluate their community’s response to sexual violence.

 

Connection Calls

Our Connection Calls are monthly virtual discussions focused on addressing the current needs of sexual assault response teams (SARTs) and connecting SART leaders and coordinators nationally. Connection Calls are hosted in collaboration with the National SART TTA project.

Past topics of Connection Calls include:

  • SARTs and Rural SANE Programs
  • Planning for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  • Meeting Facilitation
  • Onboarding New Team Members

Join us for our next call!

Rural Realities Blog Posts

Collaboration in SARTs

By Fatima Jayoma Happy Wednesday! Today’s blog will be discussing the keys to effective collaboration within a SART. From 2020-2021, SVJI staff at MNCASA conducted…

Part IV: Using Virtual Engagement in Your Work

Guest Blog by Emily Singerhouse This series displayed what virtual engagement is, the importance of using virtual engagement, and practice for Rural Grantees. You’ve (hopefully)…

Part III: Virtual Engagement at Length

Guest Blog by Emily Singerhouse When someone says, “Virtual Engagement,” what comes to mind for you? Most people think of social media or texting. While…

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Member-Hosted Event: 40-Hour Advocacy Training (Cornerstone)

Cornerstone is hosting a virtual 40-Hour Advocacy Training. Zoom classes will be held June 6, 8, 13 and 15. The online, on-demand portion will be…

Member Connection Call: Sexual Assault Response Teams (SMART)

Open to all MNCASA members.   Join us for the Sexual Assault Response Teams (SMART) Member Connection Call to talk with other members about their SMART…

Contact us for more information about rural trainings and support.

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