showcase - pennsylvania coalition against rape

back of person with arms outstretched - showcase

Public Awareness Campaigns

Teen Sexual Violence Prevention Campaign

In the fall of 2001, PCAR launched its teen sexual violence prevention campaign. Fueled by focus group findings that showed teenagers' confusion about sexual violence and their rights, PCAR created a prevention campaign that utilizes the media to which teenagers relate-music, magazines, and the Internet.

The campaign includes Xpose music CD, TEENesteem magazine, and teenpcar.com web site. Xpose is a ten-track compilation CD, containing rap, hip hop, alternative, and rock songs performed by young Pennsylvania artists. The lyrics focus on self-esteem, healthy relationships, and statutory rape/sexual violence awareness and prevention.

TEENesteem is a 21-page teen'zine for girls, ages 11-15. Featured articles expose the dangers of club drugs, the reality of acquaintance rape, and the truth about guys. TEENesteem also addresses how to talk to parents about sex and the safety concerns of online dating. While all information serves to educate and empower girls, the magazine mirrors other teen magazines with the inclusion of horoscopes, an advice column, and fashion tips.

Allowing visitors to listen to clips from Xpose CD and to read excerpts from TEENesteem magazine, teenpcar.com (link to teenpcar) is a web site designed to capture the attention of teens. The site provides steps to take if victimized, ways teens can join the anti-sexual violence movement, a quiz to educate teens on the definition of rape, and a poll to track teens' opinions on the influences of popular culture. Teenpcar.com (link to teenpcar) gives visitors the option of joining the "teenpcar club" to receive a free CD, magazine, and other requested information on sexual violence.

Between November 2001 and April 2002, PCAR distributed approximately 50,000 Xpose CDs and 50,000 TEENesteem magazines to PCAR's statewide network of 52 rape crisis centers, as well as schools, organizations that work with youth, and individual requestors. To order materials, please view the elements (link to catalog) catalog or call 717-728-9740.

Men Against Sexual Violence

In July 2001, PCAR launched a historical social change initiative: Men Against Sexual Violence (MASV). MASV is a forum designed to engage men in actively working together with women to eliminate sexual violence. MASV will ask men to personally pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about sexual violence and to use their resources to support change.

To learn more or to sign a pledge, please view the MASV (link to www.menagainstsexualviolence.org) web site.

Public Awareness Campaigns

The HERO Project

Developed by a not-for-profit collaboration in Westmoreland County, the HERO Project is a primary prevention effort that encourages parents, relatives, caregivers, acquaintances, and other non-mandated reporters to become quiet heroes by intervening, protecting our children, and reporting suspicions of child sexual abuse.

The multi-faceted campaign includes print materials, newspaper inserts and advertisements, and television advertisements. All components encourage adults to “step in and stop abuse” and offer a 24-hour, confidential hotline – (877) 874-HERO.

In 2003 the Westmoreland County collaboration – which includes the Blackburn Center Against Domestic and Sexual Violence – partnered with PCAR to begin campaign implementation across the state. Since then, PCAR has worked with four pilot sites: PASSAGES, Inc. in Clearfield County; the YWCA of Carlisle’s Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services in Cumberland County; the YWCA of Harrisburg’s Violence Intervention Prevention Program in Dauphin and Perry Counties; and Women Organized Against Rape in Philadelphia County (specifically targeting the Spanish-speaking population).

Launched in April 2004, the pilot sites’ campaigns are supported by local collaboratives that include allied organizations and dedicated individuals and are funded by PCAR and Pennsylvania’s Children’s Trust Fund. The pilot sites, as well as the original project in Westmoreland County, continue today.

PCAR’s goal is to incorporate additional centers – and their local partners – into the HERO Project. With your involvement, Pennsylvania’s children are one step closer to safety. For more information, visit www.hero-project.org.

Public Awareness Materials

For ordering information, please view the elements catalog (link to catalog) or call 717-728-9740.

"Gonna Make It"

Produced by PCAR and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, the "Gonna Make It" music video corresponds with track five from Xpose CD. Starring performers J-Saint and Kelly B., the four-minute video addresses incest and drug-facilitated sexual assault and sends an important prevention message to males.

Since its premiere in January 2002, the video has been distributed by PCAR to its statewide network of rape crisis centers and by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women to Pennsylvania schools.

Xpose CD

Xpose is a ten-track compilation CD, containing rap, hip hop, alternative, and rock songs performed by young Pennsylvania artists. The lyrics focus on self-esteem, healthy relationships, and statutory rape/sexual violence awareness and prevention.

TEENesteem Magazine

TEENesteem is a 21-page teen'zine for girls, ages 11-15. Featured articles expose the dangers of club drugs, the reality of acquaintance rape, and the truth about guys. TEENesteem also addresses how to talk to your parents about sex and the safety concerns of online dating. While all information serves to educate and empower girls, the magazine mirrors other teen magazines with the inclusion of horoscopes, an advice column, and fashion tips.

Posters and Cocktail Napkins

Alcohol. Drugs. Sex. These lifestyle factors can increase college students' risks of sexual victimization. PCAR has developed new products to alert college students to the risks of sexual violence associated with these lifestyle components. Intended for use in college bars and dormitories, the products include posters, cocktail napkins, and actual traffic lights.

©2003 Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
125 N. Enola Dr. Enola, PA 17025
(717) 728-9740 (800) 692-7445
TTY (877) 585-1091

24-hour Information and Referral - 1-888-772-PCAR
Privacy Policy