NSVRC
United States
| Human Rights
More information
NSVRC believes that through collaboration, prevention, and research-based resources, we are making the world safer and healthier.
Philosophy:
NSVRC understands sexual violence to be an overarching term that includes an array of behaviors, both physical and non-physical, that constitute unwanted or age-inappropriate sexual activity that can impact people of any age or gender. We believe that sexual violence is rooted in power inequities and is connected to other forms of oppression including ableism, adultism, ageism, classism, heterosexism, racism, religism, sexism and other constructs that value certain people or groups over others. NSVRC uses its national leadership position to promote dialogue and understanding of sexual violence and its prevention.
Prevention:
NSVRC believes that sexual violence is preventable. We understand sexual violence to be a social justice, public health, criminal justice, and human rights issue and we bring the tools, research, and resources of each of those areas of expertise to promote a coordinated movement. We believe that open and factual conversations, education about healthy relationships, engaging and informing bystanders, and similar strategies contribute to positive and sustainable societal changes. We believe that efforts should simultaneously address the needs of those who have been victimized; treat, manage and successfully reintegrate individuals who sexually offend; and build the capacity of individuals, groups and families, organizations, and communities to prevent sexual violence before any harm occurs.
Response:
NSVRC believes that it is imperative to improve responses to those who have been victimized by sexual violence in order to ensure that they are believed, helped, and supported throughout their recovery process. We recognize that survivors are resilient and often find strength at individual, relationship, community, and societal levels following sexual violence. We understand that survivors are unique in how they experience sexual violence and what outcomes they desire in terms of justice, services, and support. We promote responses that are informed by the strengths and needs of survivors and that honor their voices, cultures, choices, and priorities. The quality of response to survivors by loved ones, professionals, social systems, the media, and organizations impacts their healing and also signals other survivors and potential offenders about our societal values and commitment to safety and respect.
