Advocate honored for work against sexual violence

Shumway — Joan Renner, Clark County YWCA Sexual Assault program director, received a 2011 Visionary Voice award from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. The national award recognizes her leadership in the movement against sexual violence. Renner has been a voice for survivors of sexual assault in Clark County for more than 30 years. She has served on a multitude of community boards, committees, and task forces, and as an informal adviser to professionals in the criminal justice system. Renner has trained hundreds of sexual assault advocates on understanding victim considerations, advocacy delivery, and effective collaborations. “She is an incredible advocate who embodies what this award is all about,” said Andrea Piper-Wentland, executive director of the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, presenter of the award.