As the statewide coalition, WCASA does not provide direct services to survivors. WCASA does provide support to programs in developing and implementing core services to survivors. These core services are required for programs designated as Sexual Assault Service Providers, or SASPs (for more information, including how to become a SASP, see the Get Involved page). These services include:

24 Hour Crisis Response

Provide a telephone number with 24-hour immediate access to a person trained in providing sexual violence crisis counseling/intervention, information and referrals.

Personal Advocacy

Address victim’s/survivor’s self-identified needs through an ongoing supportive process of listening, providing emotional support, identifying options, problem solving and skills development.

Systems Advocacy

Act on behalf of and in support of victims/survivors of sexual violence to ensure their interests are represented and their rights upheld. This includes legal and medical accompaniment/advocacy, as well as the development of cooperative relationships with community partners in order to improve systems response to all survivors.

Also see our Systems page.

Information and Referral

Provide and maintains current information pertaining to appropriate community resources.

Support Groups

Provide regular facilitated meetings of victims/survivors of sexual violence and/or survivor allies (e.g. family members, partners) with a supportive and educational focus.

Support groups can aid in a survivor’s healing process by giving them an opportunity to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Everyone’s experience is unique but survivors can provide each other with support and validation especially when oftentimes they have not been believed or have experienced victim blaming.

Accessible Services

Adhere to policies, procedures, attitudes, communications and accessible physical space (according to ADA guidelines) for all members of the community. Agency works toward removing barriers to services through a commitment to cultural competency.

Also see the Disability page.

Community Outreach and Prevention Education

Increase awareness and understanding about sexual violence through community outreach and engagement.

Also see the Prevention page.

Resources: