Arte Sana

Press Releases
April 1, 2004

Arte Sana Executive Director Receives National Awareness Award
NSVRC Alerts Nation: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 20th is `A Day to End Sexual Violence

ENOLA, PA., PRNewswire/ -- The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) announces that in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the nation will witness a wide variety of awareness-raising events, especially on April 20th.

Each year during April advocates and educators conduct events and activities all during the month. Karen Baker, Director of the NSVRC, says, "This year the NSVRC encouraged rape crisis centers and coalitions to include in their plans some activity for April 20th. On that day, across the nation, many voices will be raised in different ways to promote awareness of sexual violence."

Baker points out, "These events may be small or large but the hope is that together they will send a clear message to the nation: sexual assault affects everyone and we must now Decide to End Sexual Violence!"

According to Baker, "For the first time this year, the NSVRC is giving five national level Awards for Outstanding Effectiveness in Raising Awareness and Promoting Prevention of Sexual Violence. It recognizes those whose work has had national impact in raising awareness or promoting prevention of sexual violence, especially when it represents work or dedication above and beyond the normal scope of their daily work or mission." The award winners are:

Gail Burns-Smith of the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence for the impact of her advocacy and policy work on behalf of sexual assault victims.
Joel Miranda for his impact in writing and producing the Emmy Award- winning music video, "Gonna Make It."
Wendy Murphy for her impact in writing and speaking-out publicly about the rights of sexual assault victims.
Rebecca Risch of the Denver Post for the creation and far-reaching impact of the website resource on sexual assault in the military, "Betrayal in the Ranks."
Laura Zarate of Arte Sana for her dedication in promoting bilingual resources and the impact of her work in sexual abuse prevention.

The NSVRC provides resources and information on sexual violence to rape crisis centers, state and territory coalitions, allied organizations, agencies, educators, media and the general public. Phone toll-free: 877-739-3895 or visit www.nsvrc.org.

About Arte Sana

Arte Sana (art heals) is a nationwide organization dedicated to helping underserved survivors of racial and gender-based violence. As a 501(c)3 non-profit group based in Austin, TX, Arte Sana promotes healing and empowerment through the arts and community education. Founded in 2001, Arte Sana believes that violence risk reduction programs and services must be culturally competent and linguistically appropriate and are committed to the value of indigenous leadership and collaboration sin fronteras (without borders).

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