Eastside Defender

Upcoming Events:

Block Club Training – Learn to organize your neighbors to become the best defense against crime. The program will be Wednesday, January 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the 2nd Precinct, 1911 Central Avenue NE. To RSVP call Carol 612-673-2874 or Nick 612-673-2797.

Personal Safety Workshop – The Minneapolis Police Department will be sponsoring a Personal Safety Workshop on February 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Northeast School, 2929 Hayes St NE. Learn how to reduce your chances of being a victim of crime. Learn to recognize a possible attack in the making and what role distance awareness, body language, tone of voice, etc. can play. Simple “last-ditch” physical self-defense techniques will also be presented, practical even for people who have little physical skill or ability. Instructor Mary Brandl has worked with numerous crime victims services for over 30 years, and has presented workshops throughout the state, nationally, and in Canada. She is a 4th degree black belt with the Midwest Karate Association and co-author of the DVD and book entitled Scenarios in Self-Defense. To reserve a place in the class, please call Carol at 612-673-2874.

Minneapolis Police Department Citizens Academy -- Do you want to learn more about the Minneapolis Police Department? Consider attending the 10 week program which will be on Thursday evenings this spring. For more information on the Citizens Academy, go to: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/about/citizens-academy.asp .

The Conflict Resolution Center is holding a series of programs for you to learn about mediation. They are called “Taste of Mediation” and it is an opportunity for you to learn more about the programs. They will be on January 26 @ 5:30 p.m., February 9th at 7:30 a.m., and February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. Attend one of these programs to get a taste of peaceful conflict resolution methods and to find out how mediation is transforming our communities. RSVP to director@crcminnesota.org or 612-822-9883. The programs will be at the Conflict Resolution Center 2101 Hennepin Ave. So. #100

Attention: For the Week of 1/5/10 to 1/11/10 Compared to last year, rape is up 300%

Criminal Sexual Conduct -- Last week there was some information regarding date rape because we have realized an increase in the precinct this year. This is a continuation of discussion on the topic.

Nothing – Not even previous consensual sex – entitles anyone to force others to perform sexual acts. Without consent, forcing sexual contact is a crime. Date rape is a betrayal of trust and causes long-lasting emotional injuries. Date rape or acquaintance rape is about power, control, and anger – not romance.

Why does it happen? Let’s look at sexual stereotyping and how males and females talk to each other.

• Although things are changing, society still frequently encourages men to be competitive and aggressive and teaches women to be passive and avoid confrontation.
• Men say they misunderstand a woman’s words and actions – the excuse, “She said no, but meant yes.”
• Some people – men and women– still believe that it’s okay for a man to demand sex if he takes a woman out or buys her gifts, and that it’s not rape if he forces sex on a woman who previously had sex with him or other men.
• Women also feel that if they’ve previously had sex with a boyfriend who later forces them to have sex against their will, it may not be considered rape.
Preventing Date Rape – As a woman, you can
• Be clear with men in your life about what, if any sexual behavior you are comfortable with and keep talking as you get deeper into a relationship.
• Not drugs and only use alcohol in moderation – they decrease your ability to take care of yourself and make sensible decisions.
• Trust your gut feelings. If a place or the way your date acts makes you nervous or uneasy, leave. Always take enough money for a phone call for help.
• Check out a first date or blind date with friends. Meet in and go to public places. Take public transportation or drive your own car.
• Leave social events with friends not with someone you just met or don’t know well.
• Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. Don’t accept beverages from someone you don’t know and trust.

As a man, you can
• Realize that forcing a woman to have sex against her will is rape, a violent crime with serious consequences
• Accept a woman’s decision when she says “no.” Don’t see it as a challenge.
• Ask yourself how sexual stereotypes affect your attitudes and actions toward women.
• Not use drugs and only use alcohol in moderation – it clouds your judgment and understanding of what another person wants.
• Understand that if a woman is drunk and you have sex with her against her will, it’s still rape.
• See counseling or a support group to help you if you feel violent or aggressive toward women.

Date rape can happen in homosexual relationships as well as heterosexual ones. Although it is less frequent, men can also be the victim of rape. It is still a crime and the victim needs to get medical attention and counseling as soon as possible.
Additional information on Sexual violence is available at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/injury/topic/svp/index.cfm

Sex Offender Locator is available on line at: http://www.doc.state.mn.us/level3/search.asp