Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)

Yellow and blue flyer with the MCASA and DAWN logos. Text reads: "Become a Maryland Community Ambassador for Prevention. Are you a leader within the Deaf community in Maryland? Do you want to get involved in sexual violence prevention? Are you fluent in ASL? If so, then this paid opportunity is for you! We are recruiting community members to head training programs in a Deaf-led sexual violence prevention initiative in partnership with MCASA and DeafDAWN."

Yellow, white, and blue flyer with the MCASA and DAWN logos. Text reads: "Community Ambassadors will be paid $25/hour for participating in the MCAP Training Institute, and leading trainings for community members throughout Maryland. Training Topics will include Sexual Violence 101, Bystander Intervention, and Financial Empowerment. The estimated Time Commitment is Available from December 2025 through June 2026 for 10 hours of initial live training and 2 hours per week leading trainings. If interested, contact info@mcasa.org to learn more!"

Don't forget to apply for our winter MCAP cohort! In partnership with DAWN, MCASA is recruiting community members in Maryland to become Community Ambassadors for sexual violence prevention. Learn more and apply: https://loom.ly/54Y8-Rc
Applications are due 10/20!

This is a photograph looking upward toward the Maryland State House against a blue sky on a fall day. The view is framed by trees with colorful leaves.

Many new laws in Maryland take effect on Oct. 1st of the year they’re enacted, others in July. MCASA is a leading voice for survivors in Annapolis, & this year’s legislative advocacy helped support important progress. Learn more about this year's success for survivors: https://loom.ly/_-_9IB8

This is a blue and white graphic. MCASA's logo in the top left, and in the top right is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered purple text reads: "Thank you." Small, black text at the bottom reads: One person can make a difference, and all of us together can fuel a movement. That's the power of One."

This week we took a look at the some of the many facets of MCASA’s work, but the fight doesn’t end with this campaign. We’re already considering our plans for next year, and there is still much work to be done for sexual assault survivors. Read more: https://loom.ly/vJGDKnY

This is a blue and white graphic. MCASA's logo in the top left, and in the top right is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered purple text reads: "The Power of SAKI." Small, black text at the bottom reads: One person can make a difference, and all of us together can fuel a movement. That's the power of One."

Many survivors who get a sexual assault forensic exam do so hoping the evidence will be used to get justice. But, like many states, MD has thousands of untested kits. MCASA is a partner in the SAKI Project to end the backlog & provide survivors w info & support. Read more: https://loom.ly/IOsBczA

This is a blue and white graphic. MCASA's logo in the top left, and in the top right is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered purple text reads: "The Power of Federal Funding." Small, black text at the bottom reads: One person can make a difference, and all of us together can fuel a movement. That's the power of One."

The shutdown threatens critical funding for survivors. Federal funds support victim services across the US & are vital for rape crisis centers, child advocacy centers, & others serving crime victims. One of MCASA's key duties is to advocate for cont'd funding. Read more: https://loom.ly/9BtpPXo

A lack of federal funding would have immediate and severe consequences for survivors and their children, the programs they rely on, and the advocates who help them. #FundSafetyNow #SupportSurvivors

This is a blue and white graphic. MCASA's logo is at the top, and underneath is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered purple text reads: "The Power of Training." Small, black text at the bottom reads: One person can make a difference, and all of us together can fuel a movement. That's the power of One."

This is a blue and white graphic. At the top is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered black text reads: "MCASA's 2024 Training Program. 45 training sessions conducted."

This is a blue and white graphic. At the top is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered black text reads: "MCASA's 2024 Training Program. 26 training topics covered."

This is a blue and white graphic. At the top is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered black text reads: "MCASA's 2024 Training Program. 2,490 total attendees."

MCASA’s training program reaches thousands of advocates per year. Since our start we’ve held over 800 trainings & conferences to support MD professionals working with survivors. Training just 1 advocate means 75 survivors will have better services. Help us keep training: https://loom.ly/szIwh7g

This is a blue and white graphic. MCASA's logo is in the top left. In the top right is a purple, blue, and green logo that reads "Fight for Survivors." Underneath, centered purple text reads: "The Power of Legal Services." Small, black text at the bottom reads: One person can make a difference, and all of us together can fuel a movement. That's the power of One."

Laws are only as good as their ability to be used, & MCASA’s @SALIorg is here to help survivors of sexual violence seek justice. SALI served more than 180 sexually abused children in 2024 alone. Help us keep serving the most vulnerable among us: https://loom.ly/OFqK8ms

An older white woman with short, curly, brown hair smiles at the camera. She's wearing a purple blouse.

We're deeply saddened by the passing of former Del. Sue Hecht. A lifelong public servant, she was a fierce advocate for survivors. She was a longtime MCASA member & served as exec. director of Heartly House, among other roles. We're honored to have worked w her in the fight to end sexual violence.

MCASA supports legislation that promotes justice for survivors of sexual violence, accountability for offenders, and protection for the general public. Read more and donate today: https://loom.ly/R-8yHxA
Help us keep survivor voices centered in Annapolis!

Blue and white graphic. Black text at the top reads: "donate today to." Underneath is the Fight for Survivors logo in purple, blue, and green text. Underneath are the dates September 28 - October 3, 2025. At the bottom of the image black text reads: "One person can make a difference, and all of us together can fuel a movement. That's the power of one."

2025 brought a landslide of challenges & we're seeing threats to funding at all levels. In the face of overwhelming odds, you can help us make a difference. This week we’ll share the impact of our work to show how your support matters. ✨ Donate today: https://loom.ly/szIwh7g

A black graphic with MCASA's logo centered at the top left. Centered below that, white text reads: "Virtual Campus Training Session #2: Emerging Issues in Digital Safety and Sexual Violence on Campus." Centered below that, white text reads: "October 8, 2025, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm ET." A headshot of the trainer, with a purple frame is on the right of this text. The trainer is a White man with short hair and facial hair, sitting with bookshelves in the background. Below the headshot, white text reads: "Presented by Adam Dodge, Attorney, Digital Safety Advocate, and Founder of EndTAB"

Join us on Thursday, October 8th at 1pm for a Virtual Campus Training Session on Emerging Issues in Digital Safety & Sexual Violence on Campus. Learn more and register: https://loom.ly/MZB48kY

Yellow and blue flyer with the MCASA and DAWN logos. Text reads: "Become a Maryland Community Ambassador for Prevention. Are you a leader within the Deaf community in Maryland? Do you want to get involved in sexual violence prevention? Are you fluent in ASL? If so, then this paid opportunity is for you! We are recruiting community members to head training programs in a Deaf-led sexual violence prevention initiative in partnership with MCASA and DeafDAWN."

Yellow, white, and blue flyer with the MCASA and DAWN logos. Text reads: "Community Ambassadors will be paid $25/hour for participating in the MCAP Training Institute, and leading trainings for community members throughout Maryland. Training Topics will include Sexual Violence 101, Bystander Intervention, and Financial Empowerment. The estimated Time Commitment is Available from December 2025 through June 2026 for 10 hours of initial live training and 2 hours per week leading trainings. If interested, contact info@mcasa.org to learn more!"

Apply for our winter MCAP cohort! In partnership with DAWN, MCASA is recruiting community members in Maryland to become Community Ambassadors for sexual violence prevention. Learn more and apply: https://loom.ly/54Y8-Rc
Applications are due 10/20!

Black graphic with MCASA's logo centered at the top. Underneath, white text reads: "Virtual Campus Training, Session #1." Centered below that is the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag. Centered below that, white text reads: "Legal Rights, Resources, & Policies for LGBTQ+ Student Survivors of Sexual Assault. September 25, 2025."

Join us on Thursday, September 25th at 1pm for a Virtual Campus Training Session on legal rights, resources, & policies for LGBTQ+ student survivors of sexual assault. Learn more and register: https://loom.ly/mUR3PCs

Black graphic with white static 'noise' overlay. Blue text at the top reads: "Coming soon- MCASA's fundraising campaign." Tan text underneath reads: "Fight for survivors. September 28-October 3, 2025."

MCASA fights for sexual assault survivors every single day and we hope you'll join us in these efforts by supporting us for this year’s Fight for Survivors, the Power of One fundraising campaign. This online event will showcase our important work. Donate early: https://loom.ly/szIwh7g

Blackboard graphic with white text at the top that reads: "MCASA's online training library." Underneath is an illustration of a laptop with MCASA's website on the screen. Below that is the url of the training library in black text: "mcasa.org/providers/online-training-library"

Looking for more resources on SV prevention & response for the new school year? Check out MCASA’s Online Training Library! Find resources on cyber safety, digital dating, stalking, legal advice, financial options for survivors, & college-specific info: https://loom.ly/VBku1rk

Photograph of the Chesapeake Bay at sunset. An illustrated blue envelope sits over the photograph, with a piece of paper that reads: "Frontline, Summer 2025. MCASA's digital newsletter on sexual violence prevention and response."

A pale photograph shows a woman's hand blocking a line of dominoes from falling over. Text over top the picture reads: "Prevention corner- Important research, interventions, and other topics related to sexual violence prevention. In this edition, we cover ways to prevent sexual abuse in the foster care system."

A pale photograph shows a large building on a college campus. Text over top the picture reads: "College consortium- Sexual violence prevention and response topics relevant to colleges and universities. In this edition, we discuss the importance of community gardening in creating safe environments and connected communities on college campuses."

A pale photograph shows a smartphone sitting on top of a laptop keyboard. Text over top the picture reads: "Survivor safety- Topics, laws, and policies related to the safety of survivors, with a focus on technology and sexual violence. In this edition, we explore how ‘manosphere’ online communities can feed into a negative culture that promotes sexual violence."

The summer edition of Frontline is live! Frontline is MCASA's digital newsletter on sexual violence prevention and response. In this edition we discuss the impacts of sexual violence on women facing homelessness, and more. Visit our website for the full articles: https://loom.ly/vEMNnGI

CleryCenter works with college and university communities to create safer campuses. Learn more about their work: www.clerycenter.org/what-we-do

Image of a blackboard. At the top, white text reads: "Clery Act. Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act." A yellow arrow drawn in chalk points downward to a blue text box with black text that reads: "Requires schools to: Publish annual public security reports; Maintain public crime logs; Issue timely warnings of crimes and threats to campus; and Release crime statistics." To the left of the arrow and text box is Clery Center's logo.

Thanks to the Clery Act you have the right to be informed about crimes & threats on & around your campus, including SA. Enacted after Jeanne Clery's tragic death in 1986, due to her family's brave advocacy, this federal law requires schools publicly report campus crime & keep students informed.

If you're a survivor of sexual assault in Maryland, help is available. To find your local rape crisis center, visit our website (loom.ly/juv2qFc) or call 211 to be connected with local resources. You can also call MCASA's Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) for legal support: 301-565-2277. (3/3 🧵)

MCASA is committed to acknowledging the past because it is important to reflect on the systemic injustices that continue to impact Black & Brown communities. Join us in supporting survivors and advocating for a safer, equal future for all! (2/3 🧵)

Purple graphic with an illustration of a woman's silhouetted head filled with many raised fists in different shades of purple. Text above her head reads: Women's Equality Day 2025.

On #WomensEqualityDay MCASA is shedding the light on some alarming statistics: 1 in 5 women and girls have experienced physical or sexual abuse by a partner, while 1 in 4 Black girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18. (1/3 🧵)

(3/3 🧵) Off-campus resources are also available: Maryland's Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers provide confidential support services for survivors. To find your local rape crisis center, visit our website (loom.ly/juv2qFc) or call 211 to be connected with local resources.

(2/3 🧵) Whether you’re thinking about reporting or just looking for someone to talk to, it’s important to know your options. You can visit your school’s website or speak with your Title IX Coordinator to learn more about on-campus resources.

Blue graphic with white text at the top reads: "Confidential versus Non-confidential campus resources." Underneath are two illustrated chalkboards. The first contains white text that explains that confidential resources: "Provide information, support, and resources; Will not share identifying information; and Are not obligated to report to Title IX." The second contains white text that explains non-confidential resources: "Provide information, support, and resources; Share information while keeping as much as possible private; and Must report to Title IX."

#BacktoSchool College & university employees have different responsibilities when it comes to handling reports of harassment, discrimination, & sexual assault. Some are required to report what you share, while others can offer confidential support without triggering a formal process. (1/3 🧵)

A blackboard with a chalk drawing of a megaphone at the top. White text underneath reads: "The Red Zone." A red box below has white text that reads: "The period of time from the beginning of the fall semester through Thanksgiving break, when more than 50% of sexual assaults occur on college campuses."

This graphic is split into a red top half and green bottom half. Black text across the full graphic reads: Look out for relationship flags in your relationship and others'." In the red half of the image, white text reads: "Red flags: unequal decision-making, constant arguing, dishonesty, coercion or control, and disrespecting boundaries." In the green half, white text reads: "Green flags: mutual respect, equal decision-making, open communication, independence, and respecting boundaries."

The 'Red Zone' is the time between the start of the fall semester & Thanksgiving break when more than 50% of sexual assaults occur on college campuses. SA generally occurs by someone a survivor knows, so it’s vital to know the signs of healthy & unhealthy relationships- here's what to watch for!

Blue graphic with an illustration of a chalkboard. White text on the chalkboard reads: "Want to support survivors on your campus? Start a survivor support group today!" Next to the text on the board is a chalk drawing of a blue heart. Underneath the chalkboard is a list of purple text that reads: "Build community with survivors. Share resources for healing. Process emotions in a safe space."

Purple graphic with white text at the top that reads: "Tips for getting started." Surrounded by illustrations of a dorm desk, snacks, and tea, is text that reads: "Hold your group in a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. (You can even try it virtually!) Encourage participants to dress comfortably. Consider offering tea, snacks, and even fidget toys to help create a welcoming atmosphere!"

Blue graphic with text at the top that reads: "Topics and activities." Surrounded butterfly stickers and a coloring page, text underneath reads: "Try discussing building trust, self-blame, coping skills, and processing anger. Organize activities like coloring pages, writing affirmations, or making collages. Every support group is different - don’t be afraid to be creative and try new things!"

Looking for a way to support survivors of sexual assault as you head #BacktoSchool? Start a survivor support group on your campus today! Support groups can offer survivors a safe space to process their experiences, build community, and share resources that've helped their healing journey.

Purple and teal graphic. Text reads: "Nominate a Fearless Changemaker. We're honoring bold leaders transforming sexual violence advocacy in the DMV area. Submit your nomination for a fearless leader in your community. Deadline: August 15, 2025, 12pm EST. Self-nominations accepted." Underneath is the logo for the Maryland Women of Color Network Conference, which reads: "Building on the past. Forging the future. The next era of activism."

The 2025 MD WOCN Conference is set for 11/14 & this year we’re launching the Fearless Changemaker Award to honor two outstanding youth & young adults who are making waves as advocates or activists in their community. Nominate a young leader boldly shaping the future today: https://loom.ly/XKx_OcM

A chalkboard with a heading at the top that reads: "What is sexual coercion?" A blue box below, next to a chalk drawing of a red flag, has text that reads: "a type of sexual abuse where someone manipulates or pressures another person to engage in sexual contact that they don't want to do."

A chalkboard with a heading at the top that reads: "Sexual coercion can include." A blue box below, next to a chalk drawing of a red X, has a list of text that reads: "Giving you a gift and expecting sex as 'payback;' Repeatedly asking you to do something sexual after you’ve already said no; Threatening you if you don’t give in to what they want; and Making you feel guilty for not having sex." A purple box below, next to chalk drawings of green arrows, reads: "Your partner does not owe you sex. Ask what they’re comfortable with and respect their boundaries. Practice enthusiastic consent!"

Going #BacktoSchool can mean starting new relationships or continuing old ones. It’s important to respect your partner's boundaries. Pressuring them to do something intimate they aren’t ready for is a form of sexual coercion. We should all listen, discuss boundaries & practice enthusiastic consent!

Black graphic with blue frame. White text reads: #JusticiaParaVictimas Si usted, o alguien que usted conoce, es un sobreviviente de asalto sexual, abuso sexual infantil, o tráfico sexual aprenda sus derechos. Llame a Sexual Assault Legal Institute: 301-565-2277. La ayuda está disponible.

#JusticiaParaVictimas Si usted, o alguien que usted conoce, es un sobreviviente de asalto sexual, abuso sexual infantil, o tráfico sexual aprenda sus derechos. Llame a SALI: 301-565-2277.