You Deserve to Be Safe: Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault

Over the past year, sexual assault has been prominently featured in the headlines – bombarding our newsfeeds, search engines, and Facebook pages.

Emotions range from complete and utter shock to outrage, but most people are left with one unanswered question, "How can I help?".

Unbeknownst to most Californians, there are simple ways to support local communities and the nonprofit organizations that care for survivors of sexual assault.

The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) is the professional association for the network of rape crisis centers serving survivors of sexual assault in California.

CALCASA is committed to ending sexual violence through a multifaceted approach of prevention, intervention, education, research, advocacy and public policy.

CALCASA creates strategic initiatives to raise the profile of California rape crisis centers and the needs of survivors of sexual assault.

Support Local Rape Crisis Centers

There are numerous ways to give to the local community and help survivors of sexual assault – all of which are rooted in connecting with a local rape crisis center.

Every county in California has a crisis intervention organization, called a rape crisis center, that responds to reports of sexual assault, provides hospital accompaniment, and offers follow-up counseling for victims of sexual violence.

In addition to crisis intervention services, rape crisis centers are an integral community partner for the prevention of sexual assault by offering trainings and outreach to schools and other community organizations.

Community members can donate to their local rape crisis center at any time. And, for those that wish to make more than a monetary investment, there are ample volunteer opportunities. Volunteers must complete an extensive training and pre-screening process and are usually asked to make a minimum time commitment. Visit Calcasa.org to locate a community rape crisis center.

Pre-Order a Specialized License Plate

In addition to donating time or money to a rape crisis center, Californians now have the opportunity to pre-order a specialized license plate that will raise awareness of sexual assault and funding for rape crisis centers and domestic violence agencies.

In 2015, the "California Says NO MORE" specialized license plate was created by CALCASA in partnership with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, the California Office of Emergency Services, NO MORE, and the Office of Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles). This license plate boldly displays the NO MORE symbol representing sexual assault and domestic violence and is now available for pre-order at NOMOREplate.

The first-in-the-nation "California Says NO MORE" license plate established a domestic violence and sexual assault prevention fund, which will be financed through license plate purchases, and support domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention efforts throughout the state.

Voluntary Contribute a Portion of your State Tax Return

In 2015, the "California Victim Services Fund" was created by legislation signed by Governor Brown, establishing a special fund for rape crisis centers via the voluntary contributions portion of the California State Tax Return.

In 2015, over $250,000 was generated, creating a new funding stream for rape crisis centers to bolster direct services to meet the needs of survivors of sexual assault in California.

Individuals may choose to contribute a portion of their tax return to the "California Victim Services Fund" on Form 540 when they file their state income tax return. Individuals that have filed for an extension are still able to make their contribution. Contributions to the "California Victim Services Fund" are tax deductible.

Help Rape Crisis Centers End Sexual Violence

You can join other individuals in the movement end sexual assault by donating to a rape crisis center, pre-ordering a "California Says NO MORE" specialized license plate, or by contributing a portion of your tax return. These are a few simple ways that you can help create a culture where sexual violence cannot exist. Communities can come together to say "NO MORE" and invest their time and energy in organizations that support survivors of sexual assault.