Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) - Public Education
An Overview of VASAP Public Education Efforts
Ride On Bus Ad Campaign Educates Residents About Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault; Ads Highlight Availability of Forensic Exams
A Proclamation on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 2021
April 16, 2021
Millions of people in the United States are victims of crime every year. Some endure horrific acts of violence, some have personal possessions damaged or stolen, and others are defrauded or exploited financially. Whatever the crime, many victims lose something that can never be fully recovered: a sense of trust and safety. Yet we find inspiration and hope in their stories of triumph over adversity and resilience in the wake of tragedy. During this 40th National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we support crime victims throughout the United States and the many dedicated people who serve them.
The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that true justice requires that victims get the support and assistance they need. Today, victims have access to quality services in their communities through the more than 7,000 local programs funded by the Federal Crime Victims Fund, as well as from other sources of Federal funding, including supplemental funding for victim services in the American Rescue Plan. In spite of this network of support, persistent barriers still prevent many victims from obtaining the support and services they need and the justice they deserve. Fewer than half of violent victimizations are reported to police, and research shows that even fewer reports of rapes or sexual assaults are brought to the attention of law enforcement. There are a variety of reasons why many victims of crime are less likely to report a crime, including fear of negative interactions with law enforcement or the criminal justice system, which disproportionately impacts victims from communities of color. Together, we must commit to the accountability and reform necessary to build trust, increase access to services, and improve public safety.
We must also listen to the voices of those who have experienced gun violence. Gun violence not only impacts its victims, but also their families, friends, colleagues, first responders, and local communities. These brave voices — along with the majority of gun-owners who support commonsense measures to keep our communities safe — are speaking up and speaking out for public policy that will put a stop to the violence. My Administration is committed to doing everything we can to end the epidemic of gun violence.
Supporting crime victims is part of a larger effort to advance equity and fairness in our society. The Office for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice is investing in efforts to improve access to services and safety for victims and communities that have been historically marginalized and underserved, as well as support community initiatives to prevent violence. My Administration is taking action to address the surge in anti-Asian violence and harassment, including efforts to prevent hate crimes and build trust with law enforcement. My Administration is also working closely with Tribal governments to help victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and supporting community-driven efforts to reach victims of hate crimes.
Every crime victim deserves justice and the assurance that their safety, wellbeing, and welfare will be protected. We must work together to prevent crimes and ensure that all victims have a place to turn, and the support they need to recover.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24, 2021, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in events that raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and by volunteering to serve victims in need.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Domestic Violence COVID-19 Social Distancing Tips English
Domestic Violence COVID-19 Social Distancing Tips Spanish
VASAP's mission is to assist victims of crime and sexual assault. Public education is critical to help reduce the number of crimes and its victims. Prevention is the key. To this end, VASAP seeks public education opportunities to serve its mission.
In Honor of April being National Sexual Assault Awareness Month , the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) from DHHS, is proud to unveil its first animated informational consent card: No Means No! Get Consent! The animated cards were produced in both English and in Spanish. Computer Animator/media designer Najla Cabello, a graduate of the Savannah College of Arts and Design, volunteered her expertise and computer software resources to develop the animated card. Additionally, in support of this educational effort over 7,000 laminated printed No Means No! Get Consent! cards will be distributed throughout the community and schools.
Download CONSENT CARD in Spanish
VASAP launched a public education and awareness campaign with other rape and crisis programs throughout the State of Maryland with the message:
"DON'T KEEP SEXUAL VIOLENCE A SECRET You Are Not Alone"
The message is aimed at women who have been victims of sexual violence and to those who know of a sexual assault victim with the hope to break down one of the resistance factors that prevent women from seeking the help they need after a sexual assault.
This campaign message was aired on various cable TV stations and on English and Spanish radio stations.
Radio/TV/Brochures
- "Facts"
- "Half the Time"
- "Rape Crisis-English"
- "Rape Crisis-Spanish"
- !Gracias Papá!" (For help, please call 240-777-1355)
On February 14, 2001, VASAP collaborated with the Commission for Women on a Valentine's Day Advisory unveiling the brochure, "Talk to your Daughter about Violence."
In 1998, Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, the State's Attorney and then Councilwoman Gail Ewing joined VASAP and other community groups in launching a public service advertising campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the role that alcohol plays in violence. The concept and design work for the campaign was provided pro bono by Bethesda-based advertising agency, Earl Palmer Brown. The agency has provided a series of diorama-sized posters which give the phone number for Montgomery County's 24-Hour Crisis Center, where callers can be linked with services for alcohol abuse and services for victims. The Mental Health Association's Voices vs. Violence Program, the Victim Services Advisory Board, and the Montgomery County Community Partnership helped sponsor the campaign.