Personal Identifying Information (PII) refers to any details that can be used to identify an individual. In most contexts, PII is straightforward:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Driver’s License Number
• Home or Mailing Address
• Email Address
• Full Name
• Birthdate

However, in a small town or rural community, the concept of PII becomes more complicated. Although the core idea remains the same, anything that can identify a person, the unique nature of a close-knit community means that even seemingly harmless information could lead to a breach of confidentiality.

In urban settings, people often remain anonymous within large crowds. In a small town, where many residents know each other by name, reputation, or appearance, even minor details can reveal someone’s identity. What might seem trivial elsewhere can become highly significant in a rural setting. A few seemingly harmless identifiers can quickly add up:

County

While a county may seem like a broad reference, in small towns where populations are often in the hundreds or low thousands, identifying someone by their county can easily narrow down their identity.

Car Model or Make

In rural areas, certain car models or unique vehicles stand out. Residents often recognize who drives which car, making vehicle information another potential identifier.

Frequent Locations

Regular visits to places like the local grocery store, post office, or gas station might seem unremarkable. Yet, in a small town, knowledge of someone’s routines; where they shop, where they work, or which church they attend, can reveal more than intended.

Small Community, Small ER

In a rural area, there may be only one hospital or emergency room serving the entire community. If someone goes to the ER, especially during a night shift when fewer people are present, it is likely others will notice. Hospital staff, people in the waiting room, or even local police may recognize the individual. Word often travels quickly in a small town, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

For example, a neighbor walking their dog near the hospital might recognize a survivor’s car parked outside the ER. Later, they hear that someone was admitted on a certain date in connection with a sexual assault. Putting these details together, the neighbor can figure out who was at the ER, why they were there, how long they stayed, and even who accompanied them, such as police officers, family members, or a local advocate.

In a small town, simply being at the ER at a particular time can serve as a significant identifier, even if no specific personal information is shared. This highlights how vital it is to maintain confidentiality and recognize that personal information can be pieced together far more easily in rural communities than one might expect.

Protecting confidentiality in small communities requires extra care from everyone, as even seemingly minor details can unintentionally reveal sensitive information. Awareness of how easily identities can be inferred is essential to safeguard the dignity and safety of survivors and ensure they can seek help without fear of exposure.

When dealing with victim/survivor information, confidentiality becomes even more critical in a rural setting. Familiarity among residents means that even vague or non-specific descriptions can unintentionally reveal someone’s identity. It is important to understand that a seemingly minor detail, such as a person’s first name or the street they live on, can become a significant clue in a town where everyone knows each other’s business.

When discussing sensitive cases or survivor information, it is essential to be extremely cautious about what is shared, even during casual conversations. The need to balance privacy and protection becomes even more pressing when the community is small and closely connected.

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women

The post What Does Personal Identifying Information Mean in a Small Town? appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Being a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) coordinator is a role that carries immense responsibility and emotional weight. It’s a position that demands not only organizational skills and extensive knowledge, but also a profound capacity for empathy and resilience. Even with these demands the rewards are significant: witnessing survivors reclaim their power, contributing to systemic change; the challenges are equally profound. Through these ups and downs, it is important that we continue to learn and lead with trauma-informed practices:

• Continuously educate yourself and your team on trauma-informed care principles.
• Ensure all interactions with survivors are sensitive, respectful, and empowering.
• Keep abreast of the latest research, best practices, and legal changes related to sexual assault response.
• Attend conferences and workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills.

One of the most difficult aspects is the constant balancing act. You’re simultaneously a support system, a case manager, and a liaison between agencies. You navigate the complex legal system, ensuring survivors’ rights are protected while coordinating with law enforcement, medical professionals, and victim advocates. Each case presents unique challenges, requiring a tailored approach and unwavering attention to detail. It is increasingly important to build strong interagency relationships. There are many ways you can do this, here are a few to start with:

• Cultivate collaborative relationships with law enforcement, medical professionals, and victim advocates.
• Regular communication and training sessions can foster understanding and streamline processes.
• Provide regular training and support to your team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Delegate tasks effectively and recognize the contributions of your team.
• Practice great communication: survivors, law enforcement, medical professionals, and other advocates, all require clear and concise communication.

We are privy to the most intimate and harrowing details of survivors’ experiences. We listen to stories of betrayal, violence, and profound pain. While we strive to maintain professional boundaries, the emotional toll of bearing witness to such trauma can be heavy. We need to ensure we are taking care of our own emotional well-being so we can continue to effectively support others.

• Vicarious trauma is real. Implement consistent self-care practices: therapy, mindfulness, exercise, hobbies, and strong personal boundaries.
• Create a supportive network of colleagues and mentors for emotional processing.
• Acknowledge that progress can be slow and that you can’t solve every problem.
• Celebrate small victories and focus on making a positive impact within your sphere of influence.

Despite the challenges, there are moments of profound hope and inspiration. Seeing the positive impact of our advocacy and the changes we help implement within the system fuels our determination to keep fighting.

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

The post The Weight of Witness: Reflections of a SART Coordinator appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Sexual violence is often a difficult and uncomfortable topic for communities to discuss. Raising awareness and garnering support for Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) in our small towns and rural areas requires a strategic, thoughtful approach. Rural communities face unique challenges: limited resources, lower levels of anonymity, and cultural factors that can affect willingness to engage in these types of conversations. For reasons unique to rural communities, survivors/victims are often reluctant and hesitant to disclose and seek any type of service. However, with the right steps, we can foster community buy-in and support for SARTs:

Engage Community Leaders: Rural communities often have strong connections with local leaders: faith leaders, school administrators, and business owners. Consider reaching out to speak at a local City Council meeting or contacting local officials. Offering a cup of coffee for an informal conversation can go a long way.

• Highlight Existing Networks
  Many rural areas already have established informal networks of care, such as families, service groups, PTAs, and church groups. These networks can be instrumental in spreading information and raise the visibility of this issue: ‘It does happen here.’. Think outside the box; local businesses like hair salons, nursing homes, and libraries can help distribute information, too.
• Foster Open Communication
  Transparency about SART’s goals, processes, and the care survivors will receive can reduce skepticism and distrust. There’s no such thing as over-communicating when you’re building relationships and trust. Share information widely; submit articles to the local paper, include a blurb in the church bulletin, or post flyers at community hubs like grocery stores.
• Normalize Conversations
  In some rural communities, it can be uncomfortable discussing sensitive topics like sexual assault which can be a barrier. Educational programs that make these conversations part of everyday dialogue can help normalize the issue. Tailor your presentations to your audience; schools, church groups, local governments, nursing homes, or even community events.
• Use Survivor-Centered Language
  SART messaging should focus on supporting survivors rather than emphasizing punishment of an offender. Remember, we never know who a survivor may be, so focusing on survivor-centered language ensures that you’re communicating effectively with everyone.
• Create Partnerships
  Building alliances with local organizations—healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, and governments—helps demonstrate how a coordinated team reduces re-traumatization, improves survivor outcomes, and strengthens the community. Involve a variety of voices in the planning and ongoing support of SARTs, including law enforcement, social workers, healthcare professionals, and survivors themselves.
• Use Data and Success Stories
  Share examples from other rural areas where SARTs have been successfully implemented. Demonstrating tangible outcomes—like improved reporting and disclosure rates, better victim support, or improved mental health outcomes can inspire action in your community. If possible, gather local data to make the issue more relevant to your community, showcasing how the work impacts them directly. Highlighting the economic benefits of SARTs, such as reducing costs related to untreated trauma (emergency room visits, law enforcement involvement, etc.), may also resonate with budget-conscious community members.

As SART initiatives begin to take hold, be sure to celebrate milestones, no matter how small. Publicly acknowledging local champions or the successful handling of a case helps build momentum. Building a meaningful and lasting change is hard work, and everyone involved deserves recognition for their efforts.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss strategies for cultivating community buy-in further (or if you have ideas that have worked in your community), please contact us at [email protected].

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

The post Community Buy-in for Your SART Team appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Hello, my name is Amy Beckius Johnson, and I am one of the rural projects coordinators for the SART Technical Assistance (TA) program with SVJI at MNCASA. With over 20 years of experience in rural community-based victim/survivor services as an advocate, trainer, and director, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living and working in rural areas. SARTs play a crucial role in identifying and examining how victim/survivors access services and how providers respond in their communities.

We have all heard stories from individuals who have experienced harm due to a system’s response, causing distress, anger, or withdrawal. In addition to the trauma of victimization, a negative system response can lead to fear of systems, fear of not being believed, or fear of exposure. The heart of the work and advocating for change often comes from these experiences.

Having a SART is a commitment to providing a secure and consistent response to sexual violence and an opportunity to identify and examine how victim/survivors access services in their community. SARTs bring together those advocating for victims/survivors in their individual roles to create a unified approach. SARTs advocate for better systems response to victim/survivors of sexual violence through the following:

Responsibility and Accountability
SARTs may hesitate to address shortcomings or missteps in the victim response for a variety of reasons. By acknowledging mistakes, SART members can examine how their roles and procedures impact victim/survivors and the systems response. SARTs stay responsible and accountable to each other and the victim response through protocols, policies and procedures that ensure the victim/survivor’s experience is prioritized. SARTs further commit to being responsible and accountable by welcoming and encouraging survivor feedback and opportunities to share their experiences.

Raising Awareness and Reducing Victim Blaming
Overcoming societal attitudes that blame victims or discredit their experience is challenging. SARTs work to raise awareness and educate the community to reduce victim blaming and improve awareness of sexual violence. Centering victims and including trauma informed practices in the development of protocols and policies across disciplines can help raise awareness and reduce victim blaming.

Coordination and Collaboration
Effective collaboration among an assortment of team members from different disciplines can be difficult due to varying agency procedures, priorities, and communication styles. Limited resources can also hinder SARTs’ ability to provide comprehensive services and support. Coordination and collaboration are an ongoing journey as the needs of victim/survivors and organization capacity change.

Training and Education
Ensuring all team members are adequately trained in trauma-informed care  is crucial to reducing harm. Continuous education and training are necessary to keep up with promising practices and emerging issues. Addressing barriers, such as language barriers, is essential to help victims access services and to provide a victim centered response.

Data Collection and Evaluation
Collecting and analyzing data to evaluate SARTs’ effectiveness and identify areas for improvement can be complex. Accurate data is essential for securing funding and reporting. It is important to center victim/survivors in data collection and program evaluation. Listening to survivor experiences through surveys or informational interviews allows SARTs to keep survivors at the heart of the process.

SARTs have to navigate ongoing challenges, but by prioritizing victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches a SART can be a powerful advocacy tool and strategy for supporting all survivors. If you have any questions or would like to discuss strategies for engaging in the “heart” of this work further, please contact us at [email protected].

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

The post The Heart of the Matter: Why we advocate for better systems responses appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

The facts make this clear:

• The American Immigration Council 2024 report noted that from 1980 to 2022, while the immigrant population in the U.S. more than doubled, crime rates fell by over 60%.
• Immigrants are arrested at significantly lower rates for all types of crime, including sexual assault, compared to U.S.-born citizens (National Institute of Justice).
• The 2024 report conducted by the Migration Policy Institute indicated that nineteen peer-reviewed studies between 2017 and 2024 show that increased immigration has no effect or is associated with lower crime rates.
• According to a national crime data report, 57% of rape perpetrators are white men, and 1 in 5 women in the U.S. will experience sexual violence in their lifetime regardless of immigration policy.

Using sexual violence to advance an anti-immigrant agenda is not only deeply immoral, it is harmful, divisive, and distracts from the real work of prevention and healing. Survivors deserve dignity, support, and access to justice, not to have their trauma exploited for political gain.

We urge leaders, institutions, and communities to reject disinformation and stand in solidarity with all survivors. Ending sexual violence requires truth, equity, and the courage to take bold action.

In Solidarity,

Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Contact: [email protected] | 651.209.9993

The post Statement on the April 2025 Presidential Proclamation on National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

In any high-functioning, multi-disciplinary team such as a SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) the room is often filled with strong, independent leaders. Members come from a wide range of fields such as law enforcement, prosecution, advocacy, and healthcare, each an expert in their own right. The collective expertise and shared passion are what bring these leaders together to tackle complex community challenges.

While these teams are built upon the foundation of leadership, this variety can also create challenges. When people accustomed to taking charge in their own domains come together, there’s potential for conflict and competing priorities… So, how can we successfully lead in a room full of leaders? Here are a few strategies for leading high-performing teams while fostering collaboration and mutual respect:

Establish a Shared Vision
Before diving into the work at hand, it’s crucial to establish a clear, shared vision. A common purpose that combines everyone’s efforts and encourages commitment from all members, regardless of their expertise. If your team has a vision and mission statement, take time to review it to make sure there is a shared understanding.

Empower and Delegate
Leadership isn’t just about directing; it’s about empowering others. Recognize the leadership potential within your team and delegate responsibilities based on each person’s strengths and expertise. When folks are given the autonomy to lead in specific areas, it boosts morale, enhances accountability, and strengthens team cohesion. For example, folks are more likely to prioritize a meeting when they are presenting their committee’s work.

Facilitate Decision-Making
Rather than taking the reins on every decision, guide the group through a structured decision-making process. Your team can develop a shared vision process for the team. Facilitate conversations that encourage different perspectives and constructive debate. Encourage team members to share their expertise and make sure everyone has a seat at the table.

Provide Support
Even experienced leaders need support and opportunities to grow. Provide places for tough conversations, and training opportunities for the team. When team members feel supported, they are more likely to bring their best selves to the table.

Trust
Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Investing time in building strong, authentic relationships within the team is essential. Trust is built through transparency, open communication, and mutual respect. When trust is established, collaboration flourishes. A team of leaders that trust one another will work cohesively, even in times of disagreement.

At the end of the day, members of SART teams require time to create buy-in among members and agreements on a shared purpose. To build support and create a policy that best supports survivors and their communities. When we remember this, it becomes easy to move forward in the same direction as the team.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss navigating team dynamics or leadership skills further, please contact us at [email protected].

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

The post How to Lead in a Room of Leaders appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Welcome back to the Rural Realities Blog,

I am excited to introduce myself. I am one of the new Rural SART Coordinators at MNCASA, and I have over a decade of experience in advocacy, community services, case management, support groups, housing, and restorative practices. Whether working or volunteering, my focus has always been on empowering individuals and communities. When I’m not engaged in this work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, or enjoying the outdoors.

Today, I’d like to explore a real and common problem related to our rural communities and team dynamics: the significance of long memories in small towns. I recall once asking a woman I was volunteering with if she was a local to the area. She replied, “No, I moved here in 1962.” This simple response highlights an important aspect of rural communities—the deep and lasting connections people have to their histories and each other.

When working in or with rural communities, it’s vital that we recognize the nuances of these long memories and connections. In our communities, past events, whether they involve collaboration between law enforcement or the creation of community-based advocacy services, often remain present in the lore of that town. These past experiences may create an undercurrent of tension or distrust if not addressed.

We have a variety of tools at our disposal to navigate these dynamics and chart a path forward:

• Acknowledge the past – It is essential to recognize and address past challenges and hurts. Avoiding them only allows these concerns to fester, becoming more deeply embedded in the team’s dynamics.
• Be transparent – Involve everyone in the process to eliminate fears around information withholding, past challenges, or different worldviews. Have honest discussions about strategies, challenges, and goals to build trust and accountability within the team.
• Storytelling – Storytelling and sharing are powerful tools to help people understand the underlying reasons for change and its significance.

It is crucial to understand that newcomers or external organizations might not immediately be aware of these dynamics. If we fail to recognize the weight of memories and past experiences, it can impede efforts to build cohesive teams or collaboration. These are challenges we can overcome. Despite turnover, evolving circumstances, and lingering disappointments, it’s possible to move forward. Facilitating a successful SART requires intentional work to address past tensions and guide the team through the discomfort of unresolved histories. In doing so, we can build stronger, more resilient teams, capable of fostering meaningful change in communities.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss navigating these dynamics further, please contact us at [email protected].

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

The post Welcome Back to the Rural Realities Blog appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Welcome to the Rural Realities Blog! This post focuses on the importance of language access in ensuring that all victims/survivors, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), receive essential services. Effective communication is critical for victims/survivors to understand their rights, access medical care, participate in legal processes, and receive the support they need.

Why Language Access Matters

• Empowers Survivors: Enables victims/survivors to express needs, concerns, and experiences accurately.
• Builds Trust: Creates a safe and supportive environment for victims/survivors to seek help.
• Ensures Equity: Reduces barriers to medical, legal, and counseling services.
• Respects Diversity: Affirms victims’/survivors’ cultural identities and ensures inclusivity.

Legal Foundations: Title VI and Executive Order 13166

Language access is required by law.  Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funding. Over time, courts interpreted this provision to include language access.

Recognizing the ongoing need for guidance, Executive Order 13166 was issued in 2000. It directed federal agencies and recipients of federal funds to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals. Key provisions of the executive order include:

• Language Access Planning: Agencies must develop strategies to ensure LEP individuals can access services.
• Language Assistance Services: Services like interpretation and translation are required to support effective communication.
• Training and Outreach: Agencies must train staff and conduct outreach to ensure LEP communities are aware of available resources.

These policies ensure language barriers do not prevent survivors from accessing critical care and justice.

Developing a Language Access Plan

A language access plan ensures that victims/survivors can access services without language barriers. It involves identifying community language needs, establishing protocols for interpretation and translation, and ensuring outreach materials are culturally appropriate. Collaboration and consistent communication among SART members are key throughout the process. Here are sections your SART could include in a language access plan:

• Needs Assessment and Goal Setting begins with evaluating community demographics and engaging with organizations to understand language barriers.
• Language Protocols outline procedures for accessing interpreters and translation services. Interpreters should be available at critical points, including medical exams and legal consultations, with emergency protocols for immediate support.
• Notice and Outreach ensures visibility of services through public displays, “I Speak” cards, and multilingual resources. Outreach materials should be culturally relevant to resonate with the community.
• Training equips all team members with skills in language access and cultural competency.
• Evaluation and Feedback involve regular assessments of language services and gathering input from victims/survivors to make improvements.

A well-developed language access plan ensures victims/survivors receive equitable, inclusive, and effective care, fostering trust and accessibility within the community.

Sustaining Language Access Efforts

Implementing language access is not a one-time effort—it requires ongoing commitment.

To sustain these efforts, SARTs can:

• Regularly update language access plans to reflect demographic changes.
• Provide continuous training on trauma-informed care and cultural competency.
• Celebrate successes and share best practices with other teams.

Ultimately, language access is about ensuring that every victim/survivor can access the care and support they need in their preferred language. By embracing language access, SARTs promote inclusivity, equity, and justice for all victims/survivors.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss language access further, please contact us at [email protected].

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

The post Breaking Barriers with Language Access: Strengthening SART Services appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Introduction

For this month’s Rural Blog, SVJI wanted to take some time to focus on the intersection of Rural Communities and Tribal Communities [1]as it relates to Sexual Assault Response Teams. While not all Rural Communities have Tribal Communities and vice versa, according to the Center of Rural Innovation, about 2.7 million people who identify as American Indian live in Rural Communities. Sexual Violence is also prevalent amongst American Indians, with one in three American Indian women experiencing rape in their lifetime according to Amnesty International. With the advent of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement, visibility amongst non-American Indian people has been growing on violence against American Indian women.

Understanding Jurisdiction

This blog is focused on engagement rather than jurisdiction, but it is important to highlight the concept as it impacts the criminal legal responses. Jurisdiction in Indian County is often referred to as a maze. The idea of jurisdiction in Indian Country is built around federal laws and Supreme Court decisions that can be a barrier for victim-survivors to seek justice particularly if their perpetrator is non-Native. According to Amnesty International, at least 86% of perpetrator are non-Native men. It is a challenge to Tribes to address sexual violence as federal law limits the ability of Tribes to arrest and prosecute non-Natives. Federal law has also empowered some states to act against non-Natives through Public Law 280, but often confusion by States around jurisdiction can be an issue as well limiting the prosecution of non-Natives. For further information about Tribal Jurisdiction check out Tribal Court Clearinghouse from the Tribal Law and Policy Institute.

Engaging with Tribal Communities

Because of the challenges Tribal Communities face around jurisdiction as highlighted above, building trust with Tribal Communities can be challenging given failures by systems within the criminal legal system that victim-survivors have often experienced. In the author’s professional experience of working with Tribes, there are three things that are often needed in building trust and relationships with Tribes.

First, acknowledgement of past harms is important. This step is based in being Trauma-Informed and acknowledgement can go a long way in relationship building to heal and move the relationship into a positive direction.

The second thing is an understanding of what you can and cannot offer. It is best practice to not promise things you can’t deliver on and doing so will not support development of a positive relationship.

The third and final thing is a commitment to fulfilling whatever you agree to do. Don’t commit to something you can’t deliver on or make promises you can’t keep.

These three points are not going to solve every issue around support victim-survivors, but it is a good starting point to begin engagement and building trust. Additionally, you cannot expect things to change overnight or a relationship to form right away if you’ve never previously collaborated. So, patience will be another important factor to consider.

Sexual Assault Response Teams

The venue of a sexual assault response team can be a great way to address the needs of Native victim-survivors, engage Tribal partners, and build collaborations. Through this process you can strengthen collaboration with Tribal partners by working on issues mutually beneficial to all partners involved. You can leverage resources available in the community with resource to better coordinate services to support victim survivors. Collaborations via a SART is also a great way to provide education to team members around topics relevant to Tribes like cultural Tribal jurisdiction, culture, and experiences to create a comprehensive response.

This blog only scratches the surface of the possibility of ways to engage Tribal Nations and invite them to the table of your SART. If you have more questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]. If you would like to see another blog on the topic of working with Tribal Nations, let us know as well.

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

[1] A quick note about language, this blog utilizes a few terms that are often used to referred and used interchangeable to Tribes and American Indians. American Indian is the official term used by the US government in relation to data and policies. Indigenous is a term that has come into usage in the last decade that can be considered a reclamation of identity. Native American is another term that may also be used in a similar manner to Indigenous. Tribes refers is often used to refer to federally recognized Tribal Nations, thought there are some Tribes that are not federally recognized, or may just be recognized by states or other Tribes. Tribal Nations is sometime used interchangeable with Tribes and recognizes the inherent sovereignty of Tribes. Indian Country is another term used by the US government in relation to data and policies that include Reservations and Tribal land. This is not a full explanation but enough to help you get through this blog with best practice being just ask how someone would like to be referred to as an Indigenous person.

The post Engaging Tribes as SART Members appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Welcome to the Rural Realities Blog! We wanted to express our gratitude to everyone who joined us for the Rural Sexual Violence Response National Conference this July. Special thanks to those who attended. Your participation made this event a success! Thank you also to our speakers for sharing their expertise and experiences with us.  

Don’t forget to check out the Rural Sexual Violence Response National Conference website to access conference materials.  

Looking ahead, we hope the knowledge gained and the connections made continue to grow. We invite you to join our monthly Connection Calls to discuss the current needs of SARTs. These calls are open to SART Coordinators, team members, coalition staff, and anyone involved with a SART. The calls are held every second Wednesday of the month from 2 PM to 3 PM CT. To add your team members to the invite list for these calls, please email us at [email protected] and we will make sure they’re included in our listserv. 

For those unable to attend the conference, we plan to offer some sessions virtually through webinars. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to us for technical assistance or training at [email protected]. Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and opportunities to connect. We look forward to seeing you at our future Connection Calls, webinars, and events. 

Thank you once again for your support! 

This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04024-RURA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

The post Thank You! appeared first on Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault.