Programs and Services at UASA have grown and evolved over our 30-year history. Our growth is in direct response to the needs of the community.

United Against Sexual Assault (UASA) is committed to reducing the level of violence in our community. Education is a critical step toward attaining more knowledgeable community members and, hopefully, a safer environment leading to a less violent future.

Prevention Education presentations are provided to elementary, middle and high school classrooms, after-school programs, universities, and to students, teachers and parents. Read “Rave Reviews” of these programs.

Professional Trainings are provided on UASA’s role in the community and include overviews of our services, explanation of needs and volunteer opportunities. We describe services for sexual assault survivors, educational programs on the awareness and prevention of sexual assault, and opportunities for community involvement. Staff also trains on specific topics, including Sexual Harassment and Faith Issues.

UASA provides informational materials such as brochures and Resource Guides to any group or individual in need of more information about sexual violence. We can provide an informational table to display at your community event. Contact the Community Education Coordinator to receive informational materials or schedule an outreach program. 707-545-7270 extension 10 or email: admin@uasasonoma.org.

PREVENTION EDUCATION

UASA has been in existence since 1974 serving as the rape crisis center in Sonoma County. Our intervention, advocacy and prevention services are tailored to meet specific client needs as well as those of the entire community. UASA added the prevention component: CAPP (Child Abuse Prevention Project) in 1980 and TAPP (Teen Assault Prevention Project) in 1985.
UASA’s Prevention focus is both Youth and outreach to the Community.

YOUTH
Sonoma County youth are at risk for sexual assault. One way to reduce their risk is to put information and resources in their hands. Students in grades K-12 are educated in an age-appropriate manner. Some of the issues we address include: identifying different kinds of touches, self defense techniques, skill building through role plays, sexual harassment, date rape, gender stereotyping, the media’s influence on rape, community resources, and how to build healthy peer and dating relationships. Our presenters use dynamic role-plays and games that involve youth for an interactive workshop experience. We have a history of identifying and tailoring specific audience needs to our presentations and are happy to accept curricula requests and feedback.

The Prevention Department offers the following services :

• Child Abuse Prevention (CAPP)
• Teen Assault Prevention (TAPP)
• Peer Education
• Art-Based Education through Theatre and other projects
• Diversity
• Self Defense

Student education programs are generally provided free of charge. An honorarium or letters of support for United Against Sexual Assault’s education programs are accepted. To schedule a workshop or for more information, contact 707-545-7270 extension 13 or email prevention@uasasonoma.org.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

The Speaker’s Bureau consists of UASA staff members and trained volunteers who are available to speak on a variety of sexual assault topics. Whether it is speaking to a group of developmentally disabled women or a forum of teachers, we can format presentations specific to an audience's needs. A community-wide awareness of assault issues and preventative techniques is essential in the efforts to eliminate violence. Sexual assault prevention workshops are offered to any community group requesting information on child abuse and general sexual violence issues. Contact the Speaker’s Bureau at 707-545-7270 extension 10 or

admin@uasasonoma.org.

All of our education programs can be presented in Spanish.

If you would be interested in participating on our Speaker’s Bureau, we would love to talk with you, please call 707-545-7270 extension 10 or email: admin@uasasonoma.org.

PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS

Part of UASA’s advocacy and outreach effort is seeking out opportunities to educate professionals who will likely have an impact on the lives of those we serve. This includes parents and loved ones of survivors, law enforcement, attorneys, medical professionals, caregivers, teachers, school staff, grand juries, and more. Through such training, we are able to offer an important perspective of the challenges faced by survivors of violence as they navigate various systems and situations following their trauma. This is essential to creating a seamless and accessible safety net in our community, and a vitally important part in preventing future violence from occurring.

UASA is licensed by the State of California to provide the Sexual Assault Victim Counselor Certification Training for Sonoma County.

We offer the following professional training:

• Crisis Line Counselors (Sexual Assault Victim Counselors)
• Law Enforcement
• Sexual Assault Response Team
• Sexual Harassment
• Faith Issues

Crisis Line Counselors (Sexual Assault Victim Counselors)

In 2005, UASA trained and certified 33 Crisis Line Counselors.

“Sexual Assault Victim Counselor Training” is a nationwide training required by the Office of Emergency Services for any person who works on a Sexual Assault hotline.

Sexual Assault Victim Counselor training is offered 3 times a year to train volunteers to work on UASA’s 24/7-rape crisis line. The training covers crisis intervention skills, medical issues, law enforcement and court procedures, oppression and diversity issues, specific survivor issues, rape trauma syndrome, referral procedures and more.

This training is mandated and certified by the State of California. Trainings are 6-8 weeks long and are free with a 6-month commitment to work on the crisis line. Internships accepted. Sonoma State University offers credit for approved participation in the training. Space is limited. To maintain certification, continuing education is provided monthly. For more information, please call UASA’s Crisis Line Coordinator at: (707) 545-7270 ext.19, or email to intervention@uasasonoma.org.

In 2005, CLC volunteers responded to 1,039 Crisis Line Calls,
an average of 86.6 calls per month.

Law Enforcement Training

UASA’s Law Enforcement training is based on the belief that sexual assault survivors and the investigative process are best served by the thoughtful and timely intervention of law enforcement, mental and medical health communities.

Law Enforcement training is centered on the rights of victims and the best practices for survivors. It is the intention of UASA that law enforcement follows these penal codes:

679.04- Inform the victim that he/she has the right to have a sexual assault victim advocate present at all interviews, court appearances and forensic medical exams.

264.2 (b) (1)- Law Enforcement shall immediately notify the local rape crisis center if a victim is being transported for a forensic medical exam so that a sexual assault victim advocate can be present with the victim.

If you are in Law Enforcement and are interested in this training to better understand how to work with sexual assault victims and to learn how UASA can assist, please contact intervention@uasasonoma.org.

If you feel your local Law Enforcement personnel would benefit from this training, please refer our services to the local Chief of Police or Personnel Division.

Sexual Assault Response Team -- Helping Victims Become Survivors

The Sonoma County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) consists of specially trained professionals from agencies throughout the county who provide a community coordinated response to sexual assaults. Members of SART represent the fields of law enforcement, health care, advocacy/counseling, and prosecution and are employed in city and county governments, medical clinics, and nonprofits. SART identifies the barriers that keep sexual assault victims/survivors from coming forward and works to overcome those barriers through its sensitive, survivor-centered approach.

In individual cases, a three-person team consisting of a police officer, sexual assault nurse examiner, and an advocate respond to sexual assault reports, offering their services but leaving all decisions to the victim/survivor. SART strives to provide the first response to all sexual assaults in Sonoma County to ensure a consistent, compassionate, and professional initial contact for victims.

The SART training describes the procedures and practices of police, medical and advocate to a sexual assault response. Training offered by the Sonoma County Department of Public Health jointly with United Against Sexual Assault. Contact the SART Coordinator at the Public Health Department to schedule a presentation. 707-565-4758.

Sexual Harassment (SH) is any unwelcome or unwanted sexual behavior of a sexual nature, related to gender, dating and physical appearance. Laws related to SH make it illegal to engage in behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment. It is an illegal form of sex discrimination as defined by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1964, amended 1972), the equal protection clause of the 14 th Amendment of the Constitution, as well as numerous state and civil statutes.

Because of our awareness of the devastating impact of sexual harassment on the victim, and our commitment to preventing this serious problem, United Against Sexual Assault developed a training program to combat SH

In the Sexual Harassment Awareness presentation, UASA provides information to middle school, high school and college students about the legal definitions of SH. Our focus is on teaching the importance of respect, acceptable school/work behavior and clear communication. We emphasize that this information is not based on personal opinions or values; rather we inform students that these are State and Federal laws, as well as school district policies that protect all students, faculty and staff from having to tolerate SH. Students are taught how to recognize SH by looking for three types of behaviors: Verbal, Non-Verbal and Physical.

If you would like to schedule a Sexual Harassment Awareness presentation, contact the Crisis Line Coordinator at 707-545-7270 extension 19 or email intervention@uasasonoma.org.

Faith Issues

Faith issues looks at how a survivor of sexual assault is affected spiritually and in terms of their religious beliefs. This program also addresses how clergy and lay people can help support a survivor of sexual violence within their faith community.

Programs are also available for professionals who work with survivors, i.e., day care workers, medical legal and law enforcement. We can tailor programs to meet the particular needs of a group.

If you would like to schedule a Faith Issues training, call 707-545-7270, extension 21, or email gloria@uasasonoma.org.

CAPP Child Abuse Prevention Project- since 1980

Child Abuse Prevention Project (CAPP)

It is an unfortunate fact that our communities are not always safe for our children. The facts are that the third leading cause of death of children is abuse. The Department of Justice estimates that 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually abused by age 18. The Child Abuse Prevention Project (CAPP) works to address these alarming realities.

CAPP teaches prevention and assertiveness techniques through age-appropriate role-plays and active group discussions. Children learn ways to recognize potentially abusive situations, to say “NO” or get away from the situation, to access (and give) peer support and to tell a trusted adult about unsafe situations. CAPP's message is age-specific. We use age-appropriate language depending on the audience's grade level. Through the use of interactive role plays children learn to trust their feelings and intuition. UASA believes that younger children become more enabled when given the opportunity to brainstorm safety skill responses after they have identified different kinds of touches and abusive behavior.

Our CAPP workshops instill in children the skills necessary to recognize and avoid abuse. Most importantly, children are taught that if abuse does occur, they are never at fault. Youth are also urged to tell a trusted adult immediately after the assault happens. We teach children that they have have rights when it comes to their bodies and minds that everyone, regardless of age, should respect. A self defense "NO" yell is one way our program teaches children that they have the power to alarm a perpetrator, stop an attack, and get the attention of a nearby adult. CAPP sessions end with Private Time, when presenters may hear from children personal incidents of abuse. If that occurs, a report is made to the proper authorities so that the cycle of violence can end. Our aim is to make children feel less vulnerable and more empowered. In this way, children are more prepared for success as they face future challenges.

CAPP also offers workshops to parents and school staff. Parents may partake in an evening meeting at their children's school where we discuss the content of classroom presentations, and how to address with their children in their home the topic of abuse. School staff receive a similar workshop with the addition of: signs of abuse, mandated reporter roles, and crisis-counseling skills. The effectiveness of CAPP relies heavily on parent and staff involvement in the program. UASA believes that children's safety depends on collaborative efforts between the child, family, and school.

Want to read what others have said about CAPP?

For information or to schedule CAPP presentations or workshops, call (707) 545-7270 ext 13 or email prevention@uasasonoma.org.

TAPP- Teen Assault Prevention Project

“We just can’t thank you enough for the service you have given our students.”

Peer Educator Program

TAPP PEACe (Teen Assault Prevention Program/Peer Educator Assault Curriculum). UASA trains high school aged students to effectively educate their peers on the topics of dating violence, the dangers of teen alcohol and other drug usage, date rape, healthy relationships and communication skills.

To schedule a PEACe program, call 707-545-7270 extension 13 or email: prevention@uasasonoma.org.

Art Based Education through Theatre and other projects:

The Prevention Department at UASA has a history of creative and interactive teen projects. Previous projects include a Poster Project and our Teen Website. The Art-Based Prevention Project for 2004 was a youth created and designed interactive theatre project presented in Sonoma County high schools. This project educated students while engaging and entertaining them. The main topics addressed during the presentation are the dangers that teen alcohol and other drug usage pose in relation to sexual assault and other forms of violence. The performance fuses a basic educational theater premise with a heavy dose of audience participation and improvisation.

Over the past two years, UASA, with the aid of local teens, through funding from the Prevention and Planning Division of the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services, has developed various art projects that raise awareness about the linkage between teen drinking and drug use to sexual assault.

Poster Project
In 2002, we completed a poster project designed by Sonoma County students that focused on the consequences of teen alcohol abuse and lack of consent in regards to sexual assault. This poster has been distributed to over 100 classrooms in 35 schools in Sonoma County.
If you would like a copy of this poster for your classroom, contact prevention@uasasonoma.org.

Teen Website
In 2003, youth helped develop the teen Web Page for United Against Sexual Assault of Sonoma County. This teensite is in both English and Spanish.

Diversity

In ongoing outreach efforts, UASA’s Prevention Program continually seeks avenues to make contact with our diverse youth population.

Our purpose is two-fold, to provide sexual assault prevention workshops to the targeted youth and to offer diversity sensitivity training to the community.

Programs such as these are as important as they are innovative and are in need of support in order to continue their growth. If you can offer suggestions as to funding or your time as a volunteer, please contact our Prevention Department at prevention@uasasonoma.org.

Prevention Diversity Programs: LGBT & At-Risk Youth

LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered)

LGBT survivors of violence often fear reaching out for help due to homophobia. The layers of oppression, bigotry and discrimination complicate a survivor’s healing.

UASA is responsive to the needs of the LGBT communities. While many service providers are not adequately trained to address the special needs of LGBT clients, UASA wants to make it safer for LGBT survivors to reach out by providing culturally competent services in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

UASA offers sexual assault prevention workshops to LGBT and non-LGBT youth and adult groups and schools that are interested in LGBT sexual assault issues and prevention education. Our LGBT diversity sensitivity training is available to parents and school staff in middle schools and high schools and for organizations that aim to enhance and/or create services appropriate for this population.

At-Risk Youth
UASA provides a curriculum designed specifically for at-risk youth that focuses on the effects of sexual assault, creating and maintaining boundaries, the roots of sexual assault, drug and alcohol usage, guilt and blame issues associated with surviving sexual assault, and skill building to create healthy relationships.

To schedule a Diversity Workshop, contact prevention@uasasonoma.org.

Self-Defense

The Prevention Department of UASA is proud to offer self-defense for women aged 18 and older and female teens aged 12-18. Facilitators present the workshop based on a Women’s Empowerment Model that focuses on Awareness, Assertiveness, and Physical Technique – three main components for self-defense. Learning Awareness and Assertiveness skills can prevent most potential attacks from happening in the first place. UASA believes that a woman’s mind is just as valuable as her body in resisting abusers. Workshops are free of charge.

Teen workshops are presented at various schools and teen centers. Adult workshops are held at the Santa Rosa Police Department and youth centers.

UASA offers internships for adults and service hours for teens that would like to become self-defense instructors. Please refer to the number below for more information.

To schedule a self-defense workshop or find out when and where classes are held, please call (707) 545-7270 ext. 13 or email: prevention@uasasonoma.org.

PREVENTION EDUCATION

"Rave Reviews"

This section contains excerpts from letters received from both teachers and students. The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services also contributed to this section.

These are highlights, for some you can access the entire document.

“...utterly appropriate, authentic, and important... I have been inviting the TAPP speakers to my classroom for the past 6 years. My only regret is that there is not more support for this extremely important social program. ...the need for straight-talk from experts/professionals grows more urgent with each passing year...We adults walk around haking our heads, wondering why so many of our youth, our future adults, are so poorly informed, violent, and uneducated as to how to function in a relationship. When such a program as TAPP is available, we should all be clamoring, not only for its maintenance, but for its growth.”
From Sandra Hummell, Teacher, Sonoma Valley High School
Read all about it

“TAPP educators present age-appropriate information effectively for teens. Our Department of Health Services Public Health educators interface with TAPP educators in many settings.”
Barbara Branagan, R.N.N.P., County of Sonoma Department of Health Services

“Thank you so much for bringing CAPP to Flowery Elementary School....I feel it is my job as a school counselor to give them skills to get help and teach them of their rights. Your program did both....I am so grateful that your program is available to students in Sonoma County.”
Tracy Dorrance, Flowery Elementary School, Sonoma

“This is an excellent program with a very professional staff. Our children need as much support as possible to stay safe in this ever-changing world....We rely on their professional staff and follow-up with students to supply an important component to our educational system.”
Ilene Frommer, Healdsburg Elementary School, Healdsburg

“I believe it is empowering for our children to learn how to take care of themselves and to know that they always have the right to say no if someone is doing something that makes them uncomfortable...I have found the CAPP presentations to be very well done...I appreciate the prevention and education work the CAPP does and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to bring their services to my school.”
Blaire Murphy, El Verano Elementary School, Sonoma

“The presenters did a great job of educating and communicating with the children by using role-plays, interactive discussions and activities.”
Olga Gimenez, Brookhill Elementary School Counselor, Santa Rosa City Schools

“Sexual harassment is a very serious subject that can not be avoided and thanks to TAPP they help us go through the proper ways to deal with that.”
Student, Brookhaven Middle School, Sebastopol

“This is a good program and is helpful in establishing boundaries and clarifying some of the myths or stereotypes of harassment and assault.”
Student, Petaluma High School

“I thought I knew a lot about the subject of sexual assault, therefore I was surprised to have learned as much as I did.”
Student, Petaluma High School

“I am going to be a lot more careful about what I do at parties in the future.”
Student, Petaluma High School

“I never knew that looking at someone in a way that would make them uncomfortable is sexual abuse.”
Student, Petaluma High School

“There were many aspects of your presentation that I found helpful. One was the ease with which you spoke to the class. You made an uncomfortable topic more relaxed, and your humor and pleasant disposition made discussing the subject much more interesting and fun.”
Student, Petaluma High School

“I found that your truthful and down to earth approach was helpful for the class...my class gained a valuable organization to turn to when in need of help.”
Student, Petaluma High School

© Copyright 2006 UASA of Sonoma County- Over Thirty Years of Breaking the silence of Violence.