Crime prevention, intervention featured: Community Coalition for Victims’ Rights presents workshops

Angela Soo

Friday, April 13, 2001 | 3:34 a.m.

Anniversary events Here is a schedule of the 25th anniversary events:

UNLV Outreach Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moyer Student Union Building. Call 486-3326.

Agency Fair for children's services Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. at Family Court Atrium at Pecos and Bonanza roads. "Give the Light of Hope to a Child" ceremony 4:30 p.m. Call 455-5296.

"Sexual Assault and Self Defense"class April 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Pueblo Room of the Clark County Government Center. Call 385-2153.

"Rainbow of Remembrance" April 23 from 5:30 to 6 p.m., on the steps of the Clark County Courthouse. Call 455-5371 or 455-4204.

Agency Fair April 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Family Court Atrium. Call 388-6235.

"Senior Crime Prevention Awareness Day" April 25 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the North Las Vegas Library. Call 633-1811 or 388-6218.

"Man's Best Friend -- Victims of Abuse" April 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, at Sunset Park. Call 877-0133.

Annual "Victims' Rights Week Seminar and Awards Luncheon" April 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Suncoast hotel-casino. Call 229-3266.

Don't take a shower. Don't clean your nails. Don't change your clothes. These are three crucial things to remember for women who have just been raped, said Susan Reed, director of Community Action Against Rape.

Residents will get a chance to educate themselves about such crime awareness tips over the next two weeks during observances of the 25th anniversary of the Community Coalition for Victims' Rights. This organization is devoted to improving services for crime victims and educating the public on crime prevention and intervention.

In recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the community-based organization will host a series of workshops and special events on sexual assault and self-defense, child abuse, crime prevention for seniors and a seminar linking animal abuse to domestic violence.

Community Action Against Rape, a nonprofit organization devoted to rape victims, will represent the sexual assault program during the week. The group provides comprehensive services that help assaulted individuals throughout the entire experience.

"We accompany the victim to the hospital, during law enforcement interviews and throughout the criminal justice process," Reed said.

Nevada ranks fourth in the nation on reported sexual assaults, but Reed says that number may be even higher because rape victims often don't file a report.

"There's a stigma associated with rape victims," Reed said. "People will say things like: 'If you didn't dress like that ...' 'Why did you have that drink?' "

Tourism also contributes to low reporting rates, Reed said.

"A lot of victims fly back to their hometown after being assaulted and then talk about their experiences," Reed said. "It makes it difficult for the community to know how often it happens."

Reed says it's crucial for victims to seek medical care within the first 72 hours after being sexually assaulted. This is because of injuries that may need immediate attention and because evidence is best detected early.

Hospitals also provide medicine that prevents sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. If victims report the crime within 72 hours, Nevada will pay for medical exams and counseling.

Reed's objective is to educate the public about the impact of rape and to gather more community support for those victims.

"The whole family unit suffers," she said. "Then the victim is re-victimized in court when they have to see the rapist again. We have people 15 years after the crime and they hear a noise thinking the perpetrator is back."

"Rape is a power thing," Reed said. "It's not about sex. We have elderly and disabled women that get raped. People need to stop re-injuring the victim."