Resources in our Network

Legal Services

CAASE Legal Services provide individualized legal advice, consultation, and representation following and related to sexual harm. Our attorneys assist survivors in understanding and asserting their victims’ rights during criminal justice proceedings. CAASE also represents survivors in civil litigation, including protective orders, employment and education matters, and Gender Violence Act claims.

CAASE is are making sure survivors never lose access to high-quality legal representation during the pandemic. CAASE connects with clients virtually and can help them navigate the complexities of new (and ever-changing) online court systems.

To learn more, call 773-244-2230, ext. 205, email legal@caase.org or visit https://www.caase.org/legal-services.

Community Engagement

CAASE commits time, space, and energy to listen to survivors so their experiences and expertise can inform our work and raise public awareness. For example, CAASE invites survivors to guide their work, produces trauma-informed public programming, and collaborates with allies and partners throughout Chicago.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CAASE and Surviving the Mic are facilitating a weekly online space dedicated to the perspectives, experiences and artistic expressions of survivors of sexual harm. Each one is shaped by what participants want to get out of the virtual gathering and includes a writing prompt. Learn more at https://www.caase.org/event/virtually-together.

Prevention Education

CAASE teaches innovative, evidence-informed, and engaging curriculum across Chicago that empowers students to become active allies in the movement to end gender-based violence.

Participants in CAASE prevention workshops learn to think critically about gender, consent, and boundaries. They’ll also be able to recognize the realities of the commercial sex trade and sex trafficking.

CAASE reaches students in grades 9-12, parents/guardians, school personnel, and professionals in the field. All programs are provided virtually during the pandemic. If you’re interested in bringing CAASE workshops to your school or organization, please see the information at https://www.caase.org/prevention.

Public Policy and Advocacy

CAASE advocates for local and statewide policies and legislation that expand options for survivors of sexual harm, hold perpetrators and systems accountable, curtail the criminalization of trauma behaviors, and prevent future violence. Their work includes advocating for survivor-centered legislation on local and state levels, working in coalitions with survivor-leaders and allies to address major systemic issues, meeting with policymakers and elected officials, educating voters on candidates’ positions on issues, and engaging in strategic judicial reforms like amicus briefs. Learn more at https://www.caase.org/policy-and-advocacy.