WCASA is a statewide organization dedicated to support and complement the work of Wisconsin’s community-based sexual assault service provider programs and other organizations working to end sexual violence. WCASA does this through:
Training and Technical Assistance
We provide advocacy for the sexual assault service providers in WI, otherwise known as technical assistance (TA). TA is one way we provide support to providers through; phone conversations, emails, web conference calls, in-person meetings, training and program visits. Training is provided, statewide, regional, as webinars and program-specific.
Prevention
We work with service providers on implementing prevention methods in their communities. Sharing related prevention resources, discussing approaches and methods for implementing and developing best practices around prevention.
Anti-Oppression
Sexual violence impacts individuals, but its root causes are interwoven throughout our entire culture. Therefore, to eradicate violence, we must all evaluate the prevailing language, attitudes, and cultural beliefs about race, gender, orientation, and ability. Understanding the intersections of oppression is critical to sexual violence work. WCASA works with partners doing Racial Justice work to identify ways to support efforts.
Survivors and Allies
The Survivors and Allies Task Force is a statewide group of sexual assault survivors and their allies working towards bringing the voice of the survivor to the sexual assault movement. WCASA holds an annual “day of healing” event in Madison for Survivors and Allies to proved a safe space for education and healing. See Survivors & Allies Task Force events
Evaluation
We work with service providers on best practices around collecting data and implementing evaluation methods in their programs and communities.
Policy & Law
WCASA works to influence, shape and enhance policy and law that impacts survivors of sexual assault, their families, and sexual assault providers. We introduce, track, and respond to bills that affect survivors and communities. At the state level, we testify before state legislative committees and connect with state legislators. We continue to educate SASPs about relevant laws and policies and support them in contacting their legislators. We also provide input on court rules and other state policies that pertain to sexual violence, victim services, and many other social justice issues. See WCASA's 2021-2022 Public Policy Agenda to learn more.
Systems
WCASA supports and provides expertise in both local and statewide efforts to improve how these systems respond to sexual assault survivors. Some hallmarks of system reform include: implementing trauma-informed responses to the survivor, increasing survivor access to information (including confidential community-based advocacy services), and placing survivor interests at the center of system responses while also enhancing efforts to hold offenders accountable.