Throughout the election year, MCASA has worked hard to preserve and expand rights of survivors. Now that the election is over, we must continue to fight to amplify the voices of survivors. While there is much work to be done, we are also proud to reflect on our accomplishments these past few months. On September 10th, MCASA held our annual Call to Action, which brought together advocates to discuss the importance of survivors' voices in voting as well as celebrating individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting survivors. MCASA understands that policies and laws not only impact the resources and protections survivors need to heal, but also how perpetrators are held accountable, and how communities can better prevent sexual violence.
MCASA continues to support community efforts to end sexual violence, especially for communities of color. On November 22nd, the Maryland Women of Color Network (MWOCN), held its 19th annual conference at Bowie State University. MWOCN, established in 2000 with the support of MCASA, was created to support survivors of color through compassion, knowledge, and understanding. This conference highlighted the experiences of women of color and how others can support survivors of color in stopping sexual violence.
Finally, MCASA will host its annual Legislative Reception on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, where we will discuss Maryland's response to sexual violence, our current efforts in ending sexual violence in the state, and the importance of rape crisis centers. You can register for the event here.
In important news, the Maryland Supreme Court heard arguments in September challenging the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023. The law, passed in October 2023, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits against institutions that failed to protect victims from harm, regardless of when the abuse happened. As of November 2024, this legal challenge is still ongoing.
Sexual abuse against children is a widely reported crisis that affects many children, their families, and communties.
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse, help is available. You can call MCASA's Sexual Assault Legal Institute - SALI for legal support: 301-565-2277, or toll-free 877-496-SALI. To find your local rape crisis center, call 211 to be connected with local resources, or visit MCASA’s website.
In our Prevention Corner piece, we discuss how faith leaders and faith communities can prevent sexual violence. Our College Consortium article discusses resources available on campus for student survivors. We also bring attention to the barriers to care for survivors with intellectual disabilities. In our Survivor Safety column, we explain why using plain language in written materials is necessary. In this edition, we also introduce “Teacher Talk”, a sexual violence prevention initiative created by the Erin Levitas Foudnation and Unviersity of Maryland to gives adult who work with children the tools to identify and respond safely and appropriately to sexual harassment. Finally, MCASA is happy to highlight The Bridge, the Rape Crisis Center serving Cecil County, in our Program Spotlight.
We need your support to continue to fight to end sexual violence. You can make a donation and help us serve Maryland survivors. You can also become a member to support survivors in Maryland.
Stay strong,
Lisae
Lisae Jordan, Esq.
Executive Director & Counsel
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
