Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault

10/20/2026

Comprehensive S*x Education (CSE) is a fundamental component of s*xual violence prevention.

CSE is critical to stopping violence before it occurs through education on topics such as consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and safe s*x practices. Health standards influence how s*x education is taught in schools, and by implementing statewide health standards that include CSE, we can shift cultural norms to emphasize safety, consent, equality, and reduced perpetration.

Check out our Survivors Vote: By the Issues Guide at https://mncasa.org/get-involved/public-policy/survivors-vote-guide/

Register to vote: www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

*xEd

10/20/2026

Save the Date! Join all six anti-violence coalitions (Violence Free Minnesota; Mending the Sacred Hoop; Minnesota Indian Women's S*xual Assault Coalition; Minnesota Children's Alliance; Minnesota Coalition Against S*xual Assault; and Minnesota Alliance on Crime) for Action Day 2027 on Thursday, February 11, 2027 at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.

The theme for Action Day 2027 is Safety Today, Prevention Tomorrow: Sustainable Futures in Minnesota.

Stay tuned for more information, including registration details.

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/16/2026

"Ashley Sturz-Griffith, who trains advocates for the Minnesota Coalition Against S*xual Assault, said Minnesota isn’t dealing with as many setbacks as other states. But she still doesn’t think the legal system is 'reaching victim-survivors the way that we would like it.'

'I feel very confident saying that s*xual violence, even with these laws being changed, is underreported, probably under-investigated, under-prosecuted,' said Sturz-Griffith, who served on a work group that helped develop the 2021 law changes. 'We still have plenty of things to work on to make victim-survivors feel like the criminal legal system is an option for them to seek justice and safety.'"

Despite the change in state law, advocates say the justice system is still hard on victims.

10/16/2026

Crime victim services funding is awarded to r**e crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, coalitions, and other advocacy organizations providing services for victims of violence. There has not been an increase in base funding for crime victim services in ten years, preventing agencies from offering competitive wages. This leaves many agencies understaffed and struggling to provide all of the services victims/survivors need. We need elected officials who want to invest in the programs offering life-saving services for victims/survivors.

Check out our Survivors Vote: By the Issues Guide at https://mncasa.org/get-involved/public-policy/survivors-vote-guide/

Register to vote: https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

10/15/2026

MNCASA is thrilled to recognize Susan Powell of HOPE Center as this year's SART Member of Excellence Award recipient!

Susan exemplifies the compassion, dedication, and collaborative spirit that make S*xual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) so impactful. Her commitment to learning, asking thoughtful questions, building connections, and exploring ways to make responses more survivor-centered and trauma-informed reflects the very best of this work.

Please join us in congratulating Susan on this well-deserved recognition! We are grateful to have such passionate and thoughtful professionals working alongside us to strengthen SARTs and support survivors across Minnesota.

10/15/2026

We want to share a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the MNSART All Teams Meeting this week! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their knowledge, experiences, ideas, and perspectives throughout the day.

We are proud to work alongside such compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals across Minnesota who continue to show up, collaborate, and work toward stronger responses to s*xual violence.

10/15/2026

Our Medical Forensic team, Bree and Alisha, recently had the opportunity to train at Essentia Health Emergency Department in Sandstone . They trained 24 emergency department staff on forensic exams, evidence collection, documentation, and medical advocacy. Family Pathways also joined us to discuss their services in Pine County.

Thank you, Sandstone Essentia Health, for understanding how important this training is for victims/survivors of s*xual violence.

10/13/2026

Election Day is only 3 weeks away! Do you have a plan to vote?

Voting is one of the many ways we can work to end s*xual violence, challenge oppression, and ensure that victims/survivors’ voices are heard.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing information about key issues impacting victims/survivors of violence from our Survivors Vote: By the Issues Guide and voter registration, how to find out what’s on your ballot, other election information.

Learn more at https://mncasa.org/vote.

10/12/2026

MNCASA's office is closed today for Indigenous Peoples' Day.

We honor Indigenous victims/survivors, advocates, and leaders in the movement to end violence. We recognize Indigenous activists and families fighting for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. We celebrate the advocacy, courage, imagination, and ingenuity of Indigenous communities.

Some amazing local organizations to follow and support today and every day:

Minnesota Indian Women's S*xual Assault Coalition (Minnesota Tribal S*xual Assault Coalition and National Tribal S*xual Assault Resource Center)

Mending the Sacred Hoop (Native-led non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and ending violence against Native relatives)

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (A non-profit social and mental health services organization committed to traditional ways of being and support of Native women and their families)

10/09/2026

Collaboration doesn’t mean we’ll always agree! Join MNCASA for an upcoming Connection Call focused on navigating conflict, addressing power dynamics, and building trust within S*xual Assault Response Teams (SARTs). Together, we’ll explore ways to approach difficult conversations with curiosity, accountability, and a shared commitment to supporting survivors.

October 21, 2026

2:00–3:00 PM CT

🔗 Register here: https://mncasa.coalitionmanager.org/eventmanager/trainingevent/details/1330