This week would have marked the statewide Sexual Violence Institute training hosted in Rapid City. The event was cancelled on account of a late-season blizzard, but organizers say they’re not giving up on the training.
Over 250 legal and law enforcement professionals had committed to going to this years’ SVI training prior to the storm. Organizers are currently looking at mid-summer for the rescheduled event.
Gayle Thom is a retired FBI victims’ specialist and an organizer for the event. She said these events offer meaningful learning opportunities for professionals.
“Anyone that is involved in anyway with the victims of violent crimes – particularly sexual assault," Thom said. "That encompasses a broad audience, basically anyone that’s going to come into contact with a victim of a crime.”
Thom said there is demand for meaningful change in how survivors are treated.
“We were still getting inquiries every day, like the last day between the three of us that are coordinating the training we had 10 inquiries about additional people wanting to come," Thom said. "I have been so impressed by people recognizing the need and how this can make their lives better.”
According to Thom, the root of many of these issues lies in insecurity and toxic masculinity. In turn, she said it’s important for everybody to take time and educate themselves on the topic because there simply aren’t enough service providers for survivors.
“Like so many other people, we’re losing people to work in the fields we need to assist victims," Thom said. "So, we really need to do a better job of taking care of ourselves so that we don’t burn out and that we don’t leave the field.”
A collection of resources for survivors can be found at the following links
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) - helplinecenter.org
The South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault - SDNAFVA.com
Forensic-Medical and Advocacy Services for Tribes - SAFETA.org