Program Report - Sexual Assault Gary Valle University Of Pho ✓ Solved

Program Report - Sexual Assault Gary Valle University of Phoenix CJHS 410 Professor Bandish August 3, 2017

The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) was established in 1980 as a grassroots movement composed mainly of regional members and a volunteer board of directors. The movement was driven by the need to unify efforts and voices concerning sexual assault issues at both local and national levels. Since its formal establishment in 1994, CALCASA has served as the central organization combating sexual assault within California and beyond. Over the years, the organization successfully garnered funding and expanded its operations, with the hiring of its first staff member in 1997, largely through advocacy efforts by key figures such as Linda Bowen. The organization relocated its office to Sacramento in 1999 to be closer to state government decision-makers and launched its first public campaigns in 1997, followed by subsequent initiatives in the early to mid-2000s. Notably, CALCASA pioneered the integration of self-defense strategies as a primary method of prevention (CALCASA, 2014).

Brief History of Sexual Assault Issues and California's Response

Sexual assault remains a pervasive issue in California, affecting thousands of individuals annually. It encompasses a wide range of non-consensual activities, including rape, sexual harassment, incest, human trafficking, and abuse within family settings. The organization’s broad definition includes any coerced or unwanted sexual contact, emphasizing that sexual assault is not limited to external perpetrators but also includes abuses within familial or intimate relationships, such as spousal rape or child molestation by parents or relatives (Cattaneo & Goodman, 2015). For example, the California crisis center reported 31,790 survivors of sexual violence between 2011 and 2012, with estimates suggesting over 8.6 million Californians having experienced some form of sexual assault (California Department of Public Health, 2013). Nationally, statistics indicate that one in five women has experienced rape or attempted rape during their lifetime, underscoring the importance of preventative and supportive programs (CDC, 2010).

Program Mission and Objectives

CALCASA’s mission centers on providing leadership, resources, and advocacy to support rape crisis centers and other entities committed to ending sexual assault. Its core objective is to create a society where all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or background, can live free from the threat or experience of sexual violence. The organization champions survivors’ rights and emphasizes the importance of dignity, privacy, and culturally relevant services. Recognizing that oppressive family dynamics often underpin sexual violence, CALCASA strives to address these root causes through a survivor-centered approach (Gidycz, Orchowski, & Berkowitz, 2011). The organization advocates for a future where mutual, consensual sexual relationships are the norm and actively campaigns to eradicate any form of sexual coercion, including within familial contexts.

Design and Structure of the Program

The program operates through a membership model with annual renewals. Member input is regularly solicited via scheduled meetings, which are organized based on geographical regions—North, South, Central, Bay Area, Valley, and Mid-coast—as well as thematic groups such as women of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and persons with disabilities. These regional and demographic divisions facilitate tailored intervention strategies, training sessions, and policy discussions. Membership meetings provide a platform for sharing ideas, organizing outreach efforts, and developing community-specific initiatives, ensuring that programs remain responsive to local needs (About Sexual Violence, 2014).

The organization emphasizes continuous capacity building through training offered both in person and via web conferences. Such training aims to equip advocates and service providers with skills in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and culturally sensitive support. These educational efforts are crucial for maintaining a high standard of victim-centered service delivery across California’s diverse communities.

Service Delivery and Survivor Support

CALCASA’s network ensures that victims of sexual assault receive prompt, compassionate support that prioritizes their safety and dignity. Advocacy remains central to its work; once a case is reported, the organization advocates for the survivor through legal assistance, crisis intervention, and emotional support. This advocacy involves collaboration with law enforcement, medical providers, and legal entities to facilitate survivor-centered responses (Cattaneo & Goodman, 2015).

The organization also offers educational workshops and training programs designed to empower survivors and help them navigate the healing process. These include emotional resilience techniques, self-defense training, and safety planning. By creating accessible, culturally competent, and confidential services, CALCASA fosters an environment where survivors feel safe to disclose their experiences and seek help. Furthermore, the organization actively promotes community awareness campaigns aimed at changing social norms that perpetuate sexual violence, such as victim-blaming and gender stereotypes.

Intervention Strategies and Prevention Efforts

CALCASA employs multiple strategies to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and its aftermath. Advocacy is a key component, involving legal representation and policy advocacy to hold perpetrators accountable and strengthen survivor protections. Programs like the Green Dot initiative involve bystander education that teaches community members how to intervene safely and effectively to prevent sexual violence (Gidycz, Orchowski, & Berkowitz, 2011).

The organization promotes the "Real Consent" approach, particularly within higher education, aimed at educating young people about mutual agreement and respecting boundaries to reduce sexual violence. This approach emphasizes clear communication, understanding, and active consent as tools for behavioral change (Gidycz et al., 2011). Additionally, comprehensive training sessions for potential victims focus on emotional resilience, self-defense skills, and threat recognition to empower individuals and reduce their vulnerability.

Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment

Periodic assessment of the program’s effectiveness is integral to CALCASA’s operations. Annually, the organization reviews data obtained from government agencies, survivor surveys, and internal research to measure progress toward reducing sexual assault rates. They analyze trends over years, comparing current statistics with previous data to assess whether intervention strategies are effective (California Department of Public Health, 2013). Conducting survivor feedback surveys allows CALCASA to adapt its services to meet evolving needs and ensure high-quality care. The organization also commissions research studies on emerging trends and best practices in prevention and support, thereby continually improving its approach (Gidycz et al., 2011).

Future Directions and Continued Research

CALCASA recognizes that addressing sexual violence requires ongoing research and adaptation. The organization invests in expert-led investigation of new trends in perpetration and victimization, seeking innovative methods for intervention. Emerging issues such as digital sexual harassment, human trafficking, and multicultural/subcultural barriers are focal points for future research initiatives (Gidycz et al., 2011). The organization also aims to expand its training programs, foster community engagement, and advocate for policy reforms that fortify legal protections for survivors. Continued collaboration with academic institutions, law enforcement, and community groups is vital for creating sustainable impact.

References

• California Department of Public Health. (2013). California Sexual Assault Data Report. Sacramento, CA.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. CDC.
• Cattaneo, L. B., & Goodman, L. A. (2015). What is empowerment anyway? A model for domestic violence practice, research, and evaluation. Psychology of Violence, 5(1), 84-94.
• Gidycz, C. A., Orchowski, L. M., & Berkowitz, A. D. (2011). Preventing sexual aggression among college men: An evaluation of social norms and bystander intervention program. Violence against Women, 17(6), 715-736.
• About Sexual Violence. (2014). California Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
• United States Department of Justice. (2014). Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement. NCJ 247696.
• Weiss, R. L., & Exline, J. J. (2014). Trauma and recovery: Strategies for healing. Journal of Family Violence, 29, 385-397.
• Fisher, B. S., Daigle, L. E., & Campbell, J. (2010). Sexual Victimization of College Women. National Institute of Justice.
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). (2015). Statistics & Data. RAINN.org.
• Gordon, R. M. (2013). Addressing sexual violence at the community level: Evidence-based strategies. Journal of Community Psychology, 41(4), 445-457.