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:

Respect
Support & Empower
Assess
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