CCASA works to ensure that state and federal legislation supports survivors of sexual violence, provides adequate funding for sexual assault service providers, holds offenders accountable, and strives to end sexual violence in our communities. This process includes drafting, reviewing and lobbying for legislation and policy that encourages systems change.
CCASA represents its members’ interests by advocating for legislation that supports victims’ rights, ensures offender accountability, promotes prevention efforts, and sustains adequate resources. Since 1984, CCASA has been instrumental in the passage of legislation that includes:
- Eliminating the criminal statute of limitations for child sex abuse
- Requiring mandatory reporting of abuse by clergy
- Criminalizing marital rape
- Instituting lifetime supervision for sex offenders and creating the sex offender registry
- Clarifying and strengthening Colorado’s rape shield law
- Making the communications between a sexual assault victim and victim advocate confidential
- Assisting in the creation of an interagency task force on the trafficking of persons
- Ensuring access to information about emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault
- Clarifying mandatory reporting laws to ensure confidentiality for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
- Safeguarding the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board
Members of the CCASA Public Policy Committee must review and sign the Code of Conduct.
CCASA Legislative Summaries
2010 Legislative Summary
2011 Legislative Summary
January 27, 2012 Policy Update
February 13, 2012 Policy Update
February 17, 2012 Policy Update
CCASA Legislative Fact Sheets
2010- Mandatory Reporting: signed by Governor 6/10/10!
2011- SOMB Bill: signed by Governor 5/27/11!
CCASA Position Papers
“Restorative Justice Practices and Sexual Assault Response” Position Paper
Colorado Allied Organization and National Position Papers
Federal Legislation
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a landmark piece of legislation that sought to improve criminal justice and community-based responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in the United States, tribes, and territories. VAWA was initially passed in 1994 and was reauthorized in 2000 and 2005. VAWA 2005 reauthorized critical grant programs created by the original VAWA, established new programs, and strengthened federal laws. Of particular note, the statute directed new resources to help victims of sexual assault, Indian women and youth victims.
Colorado Revised Statutes Pertaining to Sexual Offenses
Chapter 11 of the CCASA statewide Crisis Line and Advocacy Training Guide contains an annually updated selection of relevant statutes pertaining to sexual offenses.
