Sexual assault survivors deserve strong public policies. MCASA continues to advocate for survivors and the programs that serve them.
After long and partisan delays, the US Congress finally reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act. I was honored to represent MCASA at the White House to see President Obama sign this important legislation into law.
Maryland’s legislative session ended on Monday and MCASA has been tracking over 50 bills. After years of advocacy, the Human Trafficking Asset Forfeiture bill passed and we will have an important new tool to fight sex trafficking. Other successes include bills to protect privacy, legal services, and crime victims rights. More information in our legislative wrap-up.
We are now in the midst of the national Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM), with a flurry of events taking place around Maryland. MCASA has prepared two SAAM resource webpages – one for the public and one for professionals. Please read and share them widely in honor of this month when we do more than ever to achieve our mission of ending sexual violence in Maryland.
I invite you to read this issue’s articles that focus on the 2013 SAAM theme: “It’s Time to Talk About It! Talk Early. Talk Often.” With our legislative victories paving the way, now is the time to push education forward to prevent sexual violence.
Sincerely,
Lisae C. Jordan, Esq.
Executive Director & Counsel
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault