On Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at 6 PM, there will be a free showing of the video “Rape or Regret? A Jury’s Dilemma” at the Saratoga Film Forum, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. This viewing, facilitated by staff from Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, is part of the 2014 “Humanitarian Games” program developed by Youth2, which launched on April 1st. During the Games, participating area youth will travel from non-profit to non-profit completing community service requirements.
This fictionalized Law and Order style portrayal of a rape trial, followed by discussion and the audience’s opportunity to act as a jury, sheds light on an emotionally charged issue and provides guidance to young people for keeping themselves safe from sexual assault. It also provides parents, teachers and caregivers an opening to begin discussing the relationship between teen drinking and sexual assault. This is particularly important in light of the fact that in 2010, more than 25% of sexual assault victims in Saratoga County were between 13 and 19 years old. In 2011, that percentage rose to more than 34%. In the majority of the cases studied, at least two of these three factors were present:
• The victim was under the influence of alcohol
• The sexual assault happened during or after a teen gathering
• The victim was acquainted with the perpetrator
These statistics led DVRC to develop and produce this video, in conjunction with Ballston Area Community Allies, PoPs Media Productions, and Shenise Productions, LLC, with the intention of educating both youth and adults about this issue.
The Humanitarian Games gives youth, their peers and their families an introduction to area non-profits, the people they serve, and the issues they seek to address. Hopefully this introduction will help youth gain perspective on a variety of social issues and develop compassion and understanding of others in their community. Register at http://saratogawire.com/humanitariangames to participate. Attendees must be at least 13 years of age.
If you have any questions about this showing of the video, please contact Christie at DVRC, 518 583-0280.