Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

A healthy relationship feels like teamwork: clear boundaries, honest conversations, shared accountability, and space for each person to grow.

Love thrives where respect and consent lives.

A best friend is often the first person a survivor turns to in the aftermath of sexual violence.

When someone responds with belief, compassion, and support, it can make a positive difference in a survivor's healing journey. You don't need to have all the answers; simply listening, believing them, and helping connect them to resources can be powerful.

This Best Friends Day, take a moment to think about how you would respond if a friend shared that they had experienced sexual assault or abuse. And consider saving our 24/7 hotline number in your phone so it's there if you ever need it:

📞 815.932.3322

We're always here to support survivors and their loved ones throughout Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties.

WE WANNA KNOW…What is the one song that reminds you of summer? We’re talking about the one that you know every word to and you sing really loud as you’re driving on a sunny day with the windows down. Let us know down below!

(Go ahead and ask your friends and office mates too! We love a group project!)

KEES Client Partner, Mutual Ground, taps Sylvia Acosta Chávez as its next CEO KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Mutual Ground, has announced the appointment of Sylvia Acosta Chávez as its Chief Executive Officer.

Help us spread the word about the 38th Annual Duck Race by sporting your very own Duck Race t-shirt all summer long! Both youth and adult sizes are available.

You can purchase your shirt at one of our community sales sites or online at https://cfpapeoria.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Last week, ICASA’s CEO, Carrie Ward, and Public Policy Coordinator, Lucas Serrato joined advocates from across the nation and US territories in Washington DC. They met with 16 of 19 Illinois legislators and/or their legislative staff teams to discuss FY27 federal budget requests and advocate for the needs of survivors and Illinois communities. Thank you to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence and The National Network to End Domestic Violence for bringing us together and for your tireless advocacy and leadership. Thanks also to the following Illinois legislators/legislative staff for making time to meet with us and to Mujeres Latinas en Accion for joining in on some of the meetings while also engaging in expanded advocacy on the Hill:

Congressman Jonathan Jackson
Congressman Bill Foster
Congressman Sean Casten
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood
Congresswoman Robin Kelly
Congressman Mike Quigley
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
Congressman Brad Schneider
Congressman Nikki Budzinski
Congressman Darin LaHood
Congressman Eric Sorenson
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez
Congressman Chuy Garcia
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Tammy Duckworth

Ending the stigma surrounding sexual violence starts with all of us.

Too often, survivors stay silent because they fear being blamed, questioned, judged, or dismissed. This is what r**e culture can look like in communities:
• Asking survivors what they were wearing
• Minimizing harassment or assault as “just a joke”
• Spreading rumors or victim blaming
• Protecting perpetrators because they are well-known or respected
• Teaching people how to avoid being assaulted instead of teaching respect and consent
• Doubting disclosures or asking “why didn’t they report sooner?”

These attitudes create fear, shame, and isolation for survivors.

We can create safer, more supportive communities by:
💜 Listening without judgment
💜 Believing survivors
💜 Teaching consent and healthy boundaries
💜 Speaking up against harmful comments and behaviors
💜 Supporting survivor-centered resources and advocacy services
💜 Creating spaces where people feel safe asking for help

Every survivor deserves compassion, support, and the opportunity to heal without shame. Together, we can help end the stigma and build a community rooted in empathy, accountability, and respect.

🩷❤️🧡💛💚💙💜