What does a Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA) advocates do?

CAASA strives to eliminate violence against all individuals. We are dedicated to assisting survivors and victims’ through empowerment and providing supportive programs and services. CAASA believes that everyone desires to lead a life free from violence.

CAASA advocates DO:

  1. Respect

  2. Support & Empower

  3. Assess

  4. Connect

Services CAASA advocates provide for support:

  • 24 hour crisis line

  • 24 hour crisis intervention

  • Individual support, counseling and advocacy for adults, teens and children

  • Bilingual services

  • Information and referral

  • Emergency shelter for victims

  • Victim transportation services

  • School and community education programs

  • Prevention education programs

  • Networking with other agencies

  • Legal advocacy

Asses

CAASA has extensive trainings for incoming advocates such as Victims Counselor Training that covers Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Advocacy/Counseling, as well as Advanced Core and Advanced Sexual Assault Trainings. CAASA staff members attend continuous Trainings and Conferences to make sure our advocates are up to date with what is current to better assist sexual assault survivors with their needs; like creating safety plans, medical advocacy, and navigating the criminal justice process if you choose. Each advocate is trained and certified to counsel survivors, assess the situations the survivors are in and be able to respond by giving the survivor options. Advocates also educate their community members and demonstrate professionalism with outreach work. As Advocates, we provide a variety of services to victims and survivors depending on what their needs are; however, we maintain these top five goals when we work with each person.

Connect

How an Advocate can help by sharing information about relevant community resources:

  • Providing information on victims' legal rights and protections

  • Providing information on the criminal justice process

  • Providing emotional support to victims

  • Helping victims with safety planning

  • Helping victims with victim compensation applications

  • Remaining with you (if you wish) throughout your examination, explaining all medical procedures and tests

  • Explaining your options and choices concerning police reporting and legal rights

  • Talking about the emotions and trauma that typically follow acts of sexual violence

  • Providing support and assistance to victims and family members

Connect with our CAASA Advocates, and check out which one covers your county: Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Ida, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, & Woodbury.

Resources:[1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abUeZQ0dRf8

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