Shattering The Silence of Sexual Violence, Press Conference, 3/31 - National Press Club, Washington DC

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of the controversy and public outrage surrounding the New York Times article published on March 8 about the gang rape of a child and the inclusion of victim-blaming language, the national nonprofit PAVE: Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment is holding an event at the National Press Club on March 31, 2011 from 8-11am called: MEDIA IN THE MOVEMENT: Shattering The Silence of Sexual Violence hosted by Emmy award-winning journalist Lesli Foster.

RSVP HERE: http://mediainthemovement.eventbrite.com/ or Call 301.613.7707

This interactive press event as a kickoff to Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month will bring together nationally recognized experts as well as survivors of sexual assault to allow journalists, elected officials and agencies to learn about ongoing concerns in the fight against sexual violence and empowering ways to shatter the silence.  Speakers have been featured on Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and many other media outlets.

Speakers Include:

*Susan B. Carbon: Director, US DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women

*Frances Ashe-Goins RN MPH: Deputy Director, HHS Office on Women's Health

*Wendy J. Murphy, J.D.:  New England Law & Author of "And Justice for Some"

*Angela Rose: PAVE Founder & Public Relations Co-Chair at NPEIV

*Liz Seccuro: Founder, STARS Survivors  & Author "Crash Into Me"

*Joyce Thomas: CEO of Center for Child Protection and Family Support

Angela Rose Founder of PAVE: Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment said, "Sadly, sexual violence is shrouded in silence where many survivors have deep feelings of shame and guilt. These feelings are intensified when victim-blaming language is perpetuated by the media and then used on the streets and in our communities. This unprecedented event will feature some of the most prominent experts on violence and we will be focusing on proactive solutions to shatter the silence of sexual violence."

The New York Times article earlier referenced is an example of the lack of awareness and tolerance of inexcusable acts of sexual violence. The story covered the gang rape of an eleven-year-old girl by eighteen males. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/us/09assault.html

This event emphasizes the role everyone has in raising awareness about sexual violence, especially that of journalists, elected officials and other individuals and organizations that report and respond to social issues shaping our social agenda.

www.ShatteringTheSilence.org

Contact: Angela Rose, 877.399.1346
Jill Morris Public Relations, 301.613.7707

SOURCE PAVE: Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment