📬 Sign up for CCASA’s emails to stay updated on all the ways you can support priority bills for survivors during this legislative session: bit.ly/ccasanews

HB26-1052 passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee, and we’re hopeful it will pass the House of Representatives soon.

As Elizabeth shared in her testimony, “this bill is critical for helping to strengthen Colorado’s Victim Rights Act and essential for survivors of sexual violence.”

👉 Giving survivors a voice in kit re-test requests for cases of lab misconduct

👉 Honoring survivors’ preferred name or use of initials in court hearings for safety and respect

👉 Ensuring victims and survivors are heard in restitution hearings

We’re proud this bill (HB26-1052) was informed by survivors’ voices, including members of CCASA’s Survivor Task Force.

Provisions include...

Thank you Rep. Katie Stewart, @javiermabrey.bsky.social, @judyamabileco.bsky.social, & Sen. Mike Weissman for bringing this legislation forward to prevent sexual abuse in CO jails.

Here's how YOU can help pass this bill:
1. Donate
2. Sign up for alerts
3. Sign up to testify
linktr.ee/ccasacolorado

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (#PREA), a federal law, sets standards of protection, but those standards aren't enforced in local jails.

If passed, HB26-1123 would

👉 PREVENT SEXUAL ABUSE
👉 SUPPORT SURVIVORS
👉 INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY

"Sexual violence and violations of bodily autonomy pose an urgent threat to the rights, dignity, and safety of people held in our state’s jails. Colorado has a responsibility to do more to prevent this."

- Elizabeth, Director of Public Policy, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Recent coverage from @durangoherald.bsky.social @coloradopolitics.bsky.social @cbscolorado.bsky.social @ccmlocalnews.bsky.social and more reflects what the research shows: sexual violence is rampant in jails, including Colorado's.

3. JOIN THE COLORADO VICTIM SERVICES COALITION: Attend monthly Zoom meetings to advocate for sustainable funding alongside survivors and advocates.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

2. JOIN OUR SURVIVOR TASK FORCE: This collective of survivors and their loved ones helps CCASA pass meaningful legislation and systems change in a variety of ways, from behind-the-scenes feedback to public-facing advocacy.

ccasa.org/get-involved...

3 ways you can help us pass these bills into law:

1. DONATE: Unlike most grant funding, individual donations can support our policy work. www.coloradogives.org/donate/ccasa

CCASA's 2026 priority bills for CO survivors:

👉 Protect people in jail from sexual violence and invasive, humiliating strip searches

👉 Improve system responses to child sexual abuse

👉 Strengthen the Victim Rights Act by increasing access, ensuring safety and respect, and improving communication

🫶 The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault is here for you. You can find more resources for SA survivors and advocates at ccasa.org.

6. Move your body

Practice movement that brings you joy, whether that’s dancing with your pet in the kitchen, attending a gentle yoga class, or going hiking with a friend.

5. Connect

Talk to someone you trust and who makes you feel safe.

4. Unplug

Take a break from looking at social media and scrolling through news.

3. Go outside

Go for a walk in nature, take a stroll around your neighborhood, or simply spend a few minutes outdoors.

2. Express yourself

Draw, journal, sing, paint – pick up an expressive activity that calls to you right now.