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FACTSHEET:
HIV/AIDS & Victim Services

In the first ten years of the epidemic, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), has claimed more American lives than the Korean and Vietnam wars combined. It is believed that practically everyone in America has been touched by the AIDS epidemic. This is not news to victim advocates on the front lines who have listened to the concerns expressed by many victims regarding potential HIV exposure. Whether or not cases of HIV transmission to victims have been documented, the fear of exposure is very real.

[Read more.]

Youth Action Council

Thumbnail - YAC PDF
Download the YAC information sheet (PDF)

The Youth Action Council (YAC) is a leadership model developed by the Alliance to cultivate youth as leaders in preventing sexual and dating violence among their peers. Our youth leadership model has three main elements designed to encourage participation and skill development, involving young people in decision-making and leadership:

1. Education about the dynamics and root causes of sexual and dating violence, and facilitation of discussions about how this issue impacts the lives of young people in NYC.
2. Teaching skills that will enable youth to educate and facilitate discussions among their peers about sexual and dating violence and their experiences.
3. Development of leadership skills so youth can take action on the issue of sexual and dating violence.

Not only do YAC members build leadership skills, but their involvement also encourages civic responsibility and community service, helping young people to feel valued by addressing issues important to them. Young people highlighted that they want to be part of the YAC because they can make a difference in the lives of their peers; they want to help end sexual violence among youth, they want to voice teens’ concerns, and they want to raise awareness about these issues.

I wanted to be a part of YAC because it will help be a way to not only voice certain issues amongst teens, but also a way to help ﬁnd solutions. I have always had an interest in solving different problems, but sexual violence is one that grabs my attention more than others due to the increase in sex and sexual assault among teens. I think people, including myself, need to become more aware of the consequences of their actions. I think this is also a great opportunity for me to further build my leadership skills while gaining new ones.
—Anastasia Ramirez, 17-year-old female YAC member

I wanted to be a part of YAC because I ﬁnd sexual assault a serious problem all over the world and I’d like to help the cause.
—Mahfug Hossain, 17-year-old male YAC member

In 2009, seven YAC members participated in the Alliance’s comprehensive, five-month youth prevention program, Through Our Own Eyes: Using Photovoice to Envision a City Without Sexual and Dating Violence. As part of their participatory action research training, the teen leaders learned how to use cameras to capture their feelings and thoughts about teen dating and sexual violence.