The Sexual Assault Advocacy Training Institute (SAATI) Class of 2021 completed 26 hours of advocacy training this month! Participants learned from experts and gained knowledge in restorative justice, sexual violence policy, applying anti-oppression practices, and much, much more. While the entire CCASA staff pitched in with SAATI training by presenting, offering technical support and hosting office hours, the success of the institute is due to Maria Mendez, CCASA’s Training and Technical Assistance Manager. As creator, presenter, and lead facilitator, Maria led this year’s class through a wealth of information all while managing things on the backend.
Maria and Jenna Harper, Sexual Assault Response Program Manager, road-tripped from Denver to Beaver Creek this September. In addition to taking in the crisp mountain air and changing fall foliage, Jenna and Maria presented at the Colorado Sexual Health Initiative Summit. This dynamic duo presented on Discussing Trauma- Informed Response to Sexual Violence. If you’re interested in receiving specific or personalized training and technical assistance, you can make a request via our website.
Gina Lopez, CCASA’s Indigenous and Rural Communities Specialist, was featured on CBS4 this month. She spoke to Shawn Chitnis about the epidemic of missing Indigenous women and girls, along with the challenges to finding them. These challenges include a lack of media attention and a lack of resources. Gina consistently works to create awareness around missing Indigenous relatives and maintains one of Colorado’s lists of missing and murdered Indigenous folks, ensuring these loved ones aren’t forgotten.
Check out the story here.
At the end of August, CCASA sent our Survivor Task Force a survey to ask them about the future of the group. This month, we’ve analyzed their feedback and have reformatted what the Survivor Task Force will be. One element we have decided to add is giving STF members the opportunity to learn from experts. If you are interested in speaking to STF regarding crafting powerful survivor stories, writing testimony, or talking to the media, reach out to Brandi Dye (brandi@ccasa.org).