Last week I composed a reflection essay based on materials I received from CCASA, which was only supposed to be 2 pages. At 4 pages, I felt satisfied that I had met the requirements outlined in the assignment and conveyed my true thoughts and feelings. CCASA is an enormous source of information for not just survivors of sexual assault but also for agencies and those who provide services to victims. The sourcing project for the handbook I'm working on, as I've mentioned before, is chock full of facts, statistics, general information, images, etc. The issues that this organization are concerned about range from legislative action, raising awareness, reporting of crimes, the criminal justice system, victims' advocacy and root causes of sexual violence.
     CCASA as an organization does an outstanding job of providing information for providers of services and being a hub to locate resources. The survivor's handbook, titled Toward Healing and Justice, covers a wide range of topics including defining sexual assault/sexual violence, law enforcement and criminal justice system, healing and recovery and survivor resources. The handbook even contains a chapter for family and friends. While the handbook is only 76 pages, I was astounded at how much I learned from reading it. In every section, there are supportive and informative statements that seem to stand up off the page. I tried to carry the perspective of what it might be like to read the survivor's handbook as a victim of sexual assault. Since I have no first hand experience, I imagined that I felt afraid, distraught, confused, angry and seeking direction. I sincerely believe that information is a solution to fear, and felt as though CCASA did a fine job in conveying much needed information in a dignifying, honest and direct way. Who knew a flowchart could seem comforting!
      In terms of what could be done better, I think that CCASA should find ways to be more visible in the community. I work in emergency medicine and am quite familiar with the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence because in the majority of bathrooms in my hospital, CCADV has a small display rack on the wall with bookmarks and mini-handbooks. As a EMS provider, I would love to see a copy of their handbook available to staff. I think my colleagues could benefit greatly from an inservice or continuing education course using CCASA materials and possibly facilitated by volunteers. Considering my hospital is but one of many in Denver, and hospitals are a small portion of providers, it would be wonderful if more people knew about the resources available from CCASA. After writing this, I may have to pitch my ideas to the fine folks at my service learning organization. Hmm.. Sounds like another project!

To view the survivor's handbook, Toward Healing and Justice, please click this link.