Happy Summer
Training
As we approach the end of the summer, MCASA is proud to highlight a number of our trainings aimed at preventing and responding to sexual violence in Maryland. In June, we completed our latest Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Training (SAVAT) series. We would like to thank all the new and returning advocates and service providers who have participated and engaged in our training sessions and our staff for facilitating another successful training series. We also hosted expert trainings on the needs of LGBTQ+ survivors, exploring the intersections of trafficking and gender-diverse folks and providing gender-affirming FNE care.
Looking forward, MCASA will begin our annual Virtual Campus Training series (VCT) on September 18th with a presentation on engaging and motivating students to act to end sexual violence from preventionists at Recognize Violence, Change Culture (RVCC). We look forward to another school year of engaged students working together to stop sexual violence.
Survivors VOTE
On September 10th, MCASA will hold our Call to Action from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Our Call to Action allows advocates to join together to prepare for the upcoming legislative session and talk about our ongoing efforts to end sexual violence in Maryland and support all survivors through the state. This year, we will focus on the importance of voting and survivors' voices as we prepare for the 2024 election. The results of this election will impact not only sexual assault survivors, but also the services available to them. Join us in our Call to Action to learn more about how to support and advocate for survivors this election year. Tickets and sponsorships are available to purchase here.
In this edition’s Prevention Corner, we discuss the impact of community connectedness on reducing sexual violence. Our College Consortium article provides an overview of online resources for college survivors of sexual violence. In our Survivor Safety column, we provide a detailed explanation of the SAKI Tracking System Launch. In line with our upcoming Call to Action, readers can learn more about the significance of voting in our Survivors and Voting piece. In addition, we highlight the barriers to care that survivors who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity face. We also provide answers to a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new Title IX regulations that went into effect on August 1st. Finally, we are happy to highlight Trauma Services of Montgomery County, one of Maryland’s seventeen 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
