Our vision is that Maryland will be a state free of sexual violence.
By working to fulfill our mission, we hope to one day see our vision realized.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help prevent sexual assault, advocate for accessible, compassionate care for survivors of sexual violence, and work to hold offenders accountable.

Our History

The Maryland Network Against Rape was renamed the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Inc. (MCASA) in 1982. The organization grew out of a widespread desire to better address the needs of women across the state. Originally formed by the 13 rape crisis centers that existed at that time, the MCASA Board of Directors was made up of representatives from each local program and an elected president.

Today, MCASA is the federally-recognized state sexual assault coalition and responsible for certifying comprehensive rape crisis/sexual assault programs to ensure services are survivor centered. MCASA's core members are the state's 17 rape crisis centers, and the Coalition also represents the voices of many other member professionals, programs, and individuals committed to ending sexual violence. MCASA includes the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI), which provides direct legal services to survivors of all ages across the state of Maryland. MCASA is the leading public policy advocate for survivors of sexual assault in Annapolis and more information about legislative priorities, public events, and services for survivors can be found on our website.

Our Work

Public Policy Activities

  • Monitoring public policy and encouraging a “victim-centered” approach.
  • Promoting justice for survivors and accountability for offenders through legislative advocacy.

Education Activities

  • Promoting public awareness of sexual violence issues and rape crisis and recovery center services.
  • Providing training for professionals such as counselors, advocates, medical personnel, law enforcement, and court personnel.
  • Sponsoring statewide conferences.

Community Outreach and Technical Assistance Activities

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE)
Coordination:
Linking specially trained
healthcare providers to promote consistency
and high standards in evidence collection
and treatment across the state.
College Consortium Project: Assisting
colleges and universities across Maryland
in the establishment of sexual violence task
forces on campus. 
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Initiative:
Creating multi-disciplinary
inter-agency teams to offer comprehensive,
sensitive and coordinated interventions for
sexual violence survivors.
Maryland Women of Color Network:
Promoting education, advocacy, and
leadership in communities of color in
order to improve service delivery to victims.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also provide technical assistance to professionals and serve as a clearinghouse for information on sexual violence related issues, in addition to providing the following resources:

  • Statewide Sexual Assault Information and Referral Helpline (1-800-983-7273);
  • MCASA’s quarterly newsletter, Frontline, Sexual Assault Brochures, Manuals, Directories, and other literature;
  • Resource Library.

Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI)

  • Provides direct legal services for victims and survivors of sexual violence. 
  • Offers technical assistance and produces training for attorneys, rape crisis and recovery center staff and volunteers, and other professionals working with survivors.
  • For more information, contact SALI at 301-565-2277, or toll-free at 877-496-SALI.

Significant Achievements Include:

Developed a sexual assault prevention program to share
best practices on topics including bystander intervention,
creating positive social norms, and building protective
environments.

Held more than 750 trainings and conferences to
support Maryland professionals including law
enforcement, legal professionals, advocates, social
workers, forensic nurses, and more.
Since 2015, provided testimony and other support in
the passage of more than 150 significant pieces of
legislation. MCASA has worked to support the needs
of Maryland survivors in the Legislature since 1993.
Launched state-wide advocate training to standardize
service delivery by victim advocates to survivors of
sexual assault.
Launched the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI), the
first ever of its kind in the state of Maryland, which has
served more than 4,950 clients since its inception.

 

Developed resources and manuals including: the SALI
Law Manual; Identifying Legal Issues for Victims of
Sexual Assault: A Checklist for Survivors; Law
Enforcement Guide to Sexual Assault Response;
Understanding the Legal System WhenYour Child Has
Been Sexually Abused; Students & Sexual Assault, Legal
& Practical Issues;
 and Ensuring Forensic Medical Exams
for All Sexual Assault Victims.

Launched the Maryland Women of Color Network in 2000
to focus on issues impacting underserved and diverse
populations.
Provided technical assistance to thousands of
professionals, survivors, and members of the general
public.

 

Formalized a program to support the state’s Sexual Assault
Response Teams and Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
programs.

Distributed tens of thousands of pieces of literature statewide.