RCASA’s Friday Facts: Sexual Assault and the Criminal Justice Process Pt. 3

Testifying in Court

Before testifying in court, the victim will receive a subpoena (an order to appear in court). Here are a few suggestions on preparing to testify as a witness. If the victim wants to visit the courtroom before the trial, encourage her to contact the prosecutor assigned to the case.

Tips for crime victims on testifying in court

• When trying to decide what to wear, it is important to be comfortable, but you should dress respectfully for the court. Your choice of clothes will make an impression on the jury. Think about how you want the judge and jury to percieve you.
• It might be helpful to plan to have other support persons (family members or friends) with you while you are waiting to testify. They do not have to be in the courtroom while you testify. If you do not want them in the courtroom at that time, tell them in advance.
• Try to be early to give yourself extra time and to avoid additional stress.
• When your name is called to testify, take a slow, calming breath and remind yourself that you are strong and will be just fine.
• Speak up clearly, especially if there is no microphone.
• Always tell the truth to the best of your memory.
• If you don’t understand a question, tell the attorney before answering.
• Pause when there is an objection and wait for the judge’s response.
• Only answer the specific question you have been asked, don’t elaborate.
• If you can, try to have good eye contact with the attorneys, the judge or the jury when you answer the questions. It is up to you if you want to look at your offender.
• Be ready for delays and postponements. Delays are common.

RCASA’s Art Therapy Thursday: Mandala Making

Mandala Making

 Throughout the centuries, throughout the globe, different forms of culture have interwoven the circle into their walks of life.  The circle, sometimes known as the mandala, is a reference in a number of cultures to the cyclical, unending nature of existence.  These circles appear in spirituality, dance, music, and art, often times in both spontaneous and rehearsed manners.  Different aspects of the circle have come to hold different meanings as they have been studied cross-culturally.  Some of these observed qualities relate to location, direction, shape, line, and color.  Joan Kellogg, author of Mandala: Path of Beauty, devoted her life to observing these cross-cultural uses of the circle and the relationship of creative qualities to different stages of consciousness.  As well, research attests to the benefit of making mandalas in the reduction of anxiety, among many other benefits (even including somatic help, where some experienced an alleviation of pain through the therapeutic use of mandala-making.) 

 Some people have made mandala-making into a practice, such as by using a mandala-journal or having a scheduled task devoted to circular creation.  Google “Tibetan Sand Art” to see the work of Buddhist monks who devote their lives to the spiritual process of creating (and not keeping) intricate mandalas made with sand.  Many different kinds of people find mandala-making to be a centering task or a meditative experience.  Consider taking time to observe the circles in your life and reflect on this experience.  Another option would be to create your own circle, build it, walk it, draw it, say it. . .  and observe what happens.  Inform your mandala and let it inform you.  It is yet another creative conversation, another way to learn on this ongoing journey.

RCASA’s Wednesday Outreach With Corey:”The Accused”

This week we are headed to a panel discussion at Mary Washington University. We are going to view the movie: “The Accused.”  Run out and get this movie right now if you have never seen it! It was done in the 80’s starring Jodie Foster. Without giving away the whole thing, here is a quick review:

Amazon.com

Jodie Foster won her first Oscar for her role in this drama, based on an actual incident. She plays a girl out for a night of fun at a poolroom. Before she knows what’s happening, the men she’s been flirting with have pinned her down for a gang rape. The story centers on the efforts of a district attorney (Kelly McGillis) to press her case, in spite of a wall of silence by the participants–and then to take the unusual step of going after the witnesses as accomplices. Foster is outstanding as a tough, blue-collar woman who persists in what seems like an unwinnable case, despite the prospect of character assassination for standing up for herself. –Marshall Fine

In the movie the victim is pretty much treated as if she were the wrong doer. There are plenty of bystanders, the rape is cheered on!  This leads us to ask “does it happen in real life?” The answer is a resounding YES!

 So many victims choose not to report because of what we call “collateral damage”. What was she wearing? Why was she there? She had been drinking, doing drugs, cheating, dating, etc. Victim Blaming is a huge problem in our society. Let me be clear; No One Deserves to Be Raped! The responsibility lies solely and completely on the perpetrator.

Do bystanders really just look the other way? YES! We see it all the time when abuse is hidden as “family business.” When people look at drug assisted rape with a “get her drunk and screw her” mentality.  When people tall a victim they are making a big deal out of harassment or assault so the perpetrator can escape punishment or even embarrassment.

We are going to take a look at what it would be like if some of the circumstances were changed to fit the college atmosphere. Where can we change attitudes and awareness here in our community? I am guessing these students will surprise me with their ideas and plans, they usually do!