This summer has been busy at MCASA as we work to offer comprehensive trainings on a variety of topics for Maryland service providers. We just completed another successful Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Training (SAVAT) series in June. Thank you to all of the service providers, advocates, and support staff who attended our training to continue to improve our response to support survivors in Maryland. We are also gearing up for the next school year, with plans for our upcoming Virtual Campus Training (VCT) series to begin in September.
MCASA is also excited to invite you to join us in person for our Call to Action on September 12th from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at Silver Branch Brewing Company. MCASA advocates for policy that supports survivors and works to end sexual violence in Maryland and nationwide. We overcame many legislative challenges last session and were proud to support many successful bills to completion, but the work continues. We are already planning next session’s effort to reform Maryland’s rape law by requiring that someone have your consent before having sex with you (current law requires evidence the victim was forced). We will gather together for our Call to Action on September 12th to prepare for the next legislative session and our work ahead to support survivors in Maryland.
In this edition’s Prevention Corner, we discuss consent education as an important prevention tool and school requirements in Maryland. Our College Consortium article highlights the barriers to reporting and seeking support services for international student survivors. In our Survivor Safety column, we continue our Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) series with a summary of PREA protections for juvenile survivors. Additionally, we offer practical tips for service providers supporting survivors in their recovery journey in a piece titled Homecoming: Helping Survivors Rediscover Their Authentic Self After Sexual Assault. We are also happy to highlight Family Crisis Resource Center of Allegany County, another one of Maryland’s amazing Rape Crisis Centers 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
