MCASA Newsletter : Frontline

The beginning of 2020 is a time for reflection and for hope.  The past year – and the past decade – have brought tremendous changes for survivors of sexual assault.  There is greater recognition that sexual assault and sexual harassment not only happen, but are common experiences.  There is better support for survivors and greater recognition that we need to improve how we react to survivors in our families, communities, and institutions. The beginning of 2020 also brings the start of Maryland’s annual legislative session.  MCASA supports legislation that promotes justice for survivors of sexual violence,

As fall gets into swing, we are preparing for many changes in the higher education community.  Higher education institutions are currently implementing the requirements of Maryland’s Fair Process state law, at the same time that proposed Title IX regulations threaten to drastically alter students’ rights and the university’s responsibilities under federal law.  We are hopeful that the Fair Process law offsets whatever erosion of federal rights may occur.  As these changes are underway, the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s college program remains important resource for schools, colleges and universities and

MCASA continued to advocate on behalf of survivors of all types of sexual violence during the legislative session that ended in April.  We advocated for bills that addressed child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, sexual harassment, rape, and other forms of sexual exploitation.  Our goal is to improve systems at every level.  Survivors should have access to justice, services, and support without regard to their immigration status, gender identity, class, race, age, or choice to participate in the criminal or civil justice systems.  Sexual violence must be condemned no matter who the assailant is.   This year

Over the course of the next 90 days we will be working tirelessly in Annapolis to #SpeakUpSpeakOut for survivors.  Now -- over a year out from the #MeToo movement -- we have seen some great victories, like the convictions of Larry Nassar and Bill Cosby, and the clemency ruling for Cyntoia Brown. But we still have a long way to go to address rape culture and protect sexual assault survivors. Join us, as we begin the 2019 Legislative Session! We will #SpeakUpSpeakOut to secure sexual harassment laws that protect EVERYONE.  This past year the National Women’s Law Center

Earlier this fall, MCASA watched with you as Dr. Christine Blasey-Ford bravely stood before the Senate Judiciary Committee and shared her testimony.  We believe Dr. Ford, as we believe all survivors.  MCASA will never forget the negative reactions and responses to Dr. Ford’s testimony.  The vilification of women who speak out against powerful abusers has been perpetuated in our society for far too long.   With this in mind MCASA will not give up on our fight to end sexual violence. Many survivors have come forward with their stories, inspired by Dr. Ford&rsquo

As summer comes to a close, it may feel as though each day brings another devastating headline detailing sexual violence, sexual abuse, and sexual misconduct by people with power.  At the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault we stand strong against this violence, and stand with survivors.  This issue of Frontline shares resources and information about how to make progress and stop sexual violence in Maryland.  As part of our efforts we are happy to share a new resource from the National Women’s Law Center. Out of the Shadows: An Analysis of Sexual Harassment Charges

90 days of great strides and tremendous success. This year’s legislative session has truly been a whirlwind of monumental progress as several pieces of legislation passed that will provide justice to survivors and hold offenders accountable in Maryland. In this quarter’s issue of Frontline, we reflect on this progress as Marylanders embraced their voices and advocated on behalf of survivors in our state. We kicked off this year’s session with a major victory as the Rape Survivor Family Protection Act passed within the first month of session and was signed into law as an emergency

It seems that everywhere we turn lately, people are talking about sexual assault.  That is very exciting, but it is not enough. Talk is cheap.  It is time to turn the national conversation about sexual harassment and assault with the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements into action and policy change. January marked the beginning of a new legislative session here in Maryland and we’re determined to make progress for sexual assault survivors. Over the course of the next 90 days, we will be working tirelessly in Annapolis to advocate for survivors and push for policies that help end