Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a unified network of rape crisis centers throughout Illinois. ICASA's mission is to end sexual violence by advocating for survivors and providing critical support services.

History

ICASA has its origins in the Illinois Coalition of Women Against Rape (ICWAR), which was established in 1977. Over time, the coalition evolved and was renamed to the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault in 1984. This change reflected a broader focus on addressing all forms of sexual assault and promoting social change.

Mission and Services

ICASA consists of 30 community-based sexual assault crisis centers that collaborate to provide a comprehensive range of services. These include 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and their families. The centers also offer prevention education programs in schools and communities across Illinois. By focusing on survivor-centered services, ICASA aims to build safe and just communities.

Advocacy and Reform

ICASA has played a key role in legislative reform efforts related to sexual assault. The coalition has supported the passage of significant laws, such as the Rape Victims Emergency Treatment Act and the Illinois Criminal Sexual Assault Act. These laws have helped standardize the collection of medical evidence and override irrelevant sexual history in court proceedings. Additionally, ICASA has contributed to the development of federal and state statutes that provide funding for victim services.

Specialized Services

The crisis centers supported by ICASA have developed specialized services to meet the diverse needs of survivors. These services include counseling for children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as programs tailored for teens and male survivors. ICASA has also implemented standardized volunteer training and educational curricula for prevention programs.

Community Impact

Today, ICASA's member centers provide services to approximately 98% of Illinois' population, ensuring widespread access to support for survivors of sexual assault. The organization continues to advocate for social justice and the elimination of oppressions that contribute to sexual violence.

Recent Initiatives

ICASA has recently focused on addressing the intersection of racism and sexual violence through projects like the "Listening, Healing, and Moving Forward" initiative. This project aims to enhance understanding of how racism affects the experiences of survivors, particularly African American women, and to provide training for staff on these issues. Such initiatives underscore ICASA's commitment to addressing systemic barriers and promoting racial justice in its work.