Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA)

SEXUAL VIOLENCE JUSTICE INSTITUTE: The Sexual Violence Justice Institute provides expertise in the criminal justice and community response to sexual violence. System change-in protocol, procedures, and routine practice-is a key element to improving the response to sexual violence. We work with communities to create a comprehensive, victim-centered response through multidisciplinary collaborations, leadership development, training, and technical assistance. As a state and national technical assistance provider for Minnesota OJP and the Office of Violence Against Women, we share our decades of experience to increase knowledge and improve how responders work with victims/survivors and each other. We provide specialized support for rural grantees, SMART and SASP Administrators, teams considering Case File Review, Minnesota SART Collaboration Project, and leaders conducting evaluation or needs assessment.

MEMBER SUPPORT: The Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault provides support and assistance to sexual assault advocacy programs and other professionals and communities throughout the state. With more than 66 member programs serving victims/survivors, our primary goal is to be a catalyst in changing society's attitudes toward sexual violence and the systems, policies, and procedures that may further victimize survivors, including survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Our members receive tools, resources, and training each year to improve the effectiveness of anti-sexual violence programs in Minnesota. Key events to support our members include the annual training symposium, legal advocacy training, Executive Directors and advocates meetings, and regional meetings for purposes of planning and organizing around emerging issues in the field.

PREVENTION PROGRAMMING: Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault works to make the prevention of sexual violence a priority in Minnesota. We utilize three key strategies: providing training and technical assistance to build statewide capacity to prevent sexual violence; influencing policies and practices at both the state and local level; and mobilizing community members to help make the prevention of sexual violence an urgent priority.

POLICY WORK: MNCASA works with state and national partners to promote, shape, and support victim-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed policies and practices that improve the response to victims of sexual violence, improve systems for victims, and promote the prevention of sexual violence.