Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc.

06/19/2026

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day honoring the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth reminds us that justice requires ongoing work. Through education, prevention, advocacy, and support, KASAP remains committed to helping build safer communities where all Kentuckians can live free from violence.

06/16/2026

Join KASAP for an engaging panel discussion bringing together campus and community partners from across Kentucky to strengthen how we support survivors of violence on college campuses.

Panelists represent the University of Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, the University of Louisville, and Legal Aid Society. Together, they will explore reporting options, Title IX processes, survivor-centered resources, prevention programming, and the unique roles and responsibilities of campus and community professionals.

Through both panel discussion and a case study scenario, participants will gain practical insight into how coordinated responses can improve safety, communication, and support for survivors navigating multiple systems.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from professionals working in advocacy, law, campus safety, and legal services across the state.

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uotFO-tmSMKDTq5ff5tQvw

06/15/2026

Young people today are growing up in a digital world, and that comes with new safety challenges.

Sexual extortion, often called "sextortion," is a form of exploitation in which someone uses threats, coercion, or intimate images to manipulate another person. It can happen through social media, gaming platforms, texting, and other online spaces.

The Kentucky Department of Education has developed free resources for students, parents, caregivers, and educators to help recognize warning signs, start important conversations, and respond when concerns arise.

We encourage families, schools, and community partners to take a few minutes to explore these resources and share them with others.

Learn more: https://www.education.ky.gov/school/sdfs/Pages/Sexual-Extortion.aspx

06/11/2026

Another great moment from our trip to D.C. last week! KASAP Chief Policy Officer Jenna Cassady had the opportunity to meet Congresswoman Ann Wagner, sponsor of the bipartisan Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act.

Congress created the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to support state victim assistance programs. Importantly, the CVF is not funded by taxpayer dollars, but primarily through fines, settlements, and penalties collected in federal criminal cases. The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act helps strengthen this critical funding stream that supports r**e crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, and child advocacy centers serving millions of survivors nationwide.

It was an honor to thank her for her leadership in person, and we're grateful to Congressman Andy Barr for making the introduction. It’s always encouraging to connect with leaders who understand the importance of strengthening support for survivors and the organizations that serve them.

06/10/2026

Our friends at Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) are offering a training on the new HB4 anti-grooming law tomorrow, June 11. CEUs are available!

We invite you to join us for an important virtual training in recognition of Internet Safety Month and the passage of HB4. Please find additional details below. We hope to see you there, virtually!
Title: Understanding Grooming, Online Exploitation, and Kentucky’s New Law (HB4)
Date: June 11
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86914290703
Presenters:
Lt. Mike Bowling (Retired, Kentucky State Police), PCAK Board Member
Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Murrell, Office of Counter Exploitation, Department of Criminal Investigations, Office of the Attorney General, Former PCAK Board Member
About the Training:
June is Internet Safety Month—an important time to examine how grooming and online exploitation are impacting children and families across Kentucky. This session brings together prevention professionals and law enforcement to explore emerging electronic crimes and Kentucky’s new grooming law (HB4).
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how grooming occurs in digital spaces, why it matters now, and how recent legislation affects prevention and response efforts. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn to recognize warning signs and take action.
The training will also cover what to do if grooming is suspected, highlight the role of the Attorney General’s Office, and share key resources and prevention strategies—equipping participants with practical tools to better protect youth.
Continuing Education:
Social Work CEUs and General Attendance Certificates are available.
For More Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859-225-8879

06/09/2026

Advocates from across Kentucky are in Lexington this week for the final three days of KASAP's Foundations of Advocacy Course.

After weeks of virtual learning, participants are coming together in person to deepen their skills, connect with colleagues, and continue building the knowledge needed to support survivors of sexual violence. The 40-hour course fulfills Kentucky's advocate training requirements and is approved for the National Advocate Credential Program.

We're excited to see this first cohort learning, growing, and strengthening Kentucky's response to survivors!

06/05/2026

No matter where you live in Kentucky, help is available.

Kentucky's regional sexual violence resource centers provide free and confidential services to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones, including:

• 24/7 Helpline - Immediate crisis support
• Medical Advocacy - In-person support during medical care
• Legal Advocacy - Help navigating the legal system
• Counseling & Therapy - Support to heal and recover
• Prevention Education - Programs that reduce future violence
• Community Outreach - Connecting survivors with resources and support
• Professional Training - Trauma-informed training for community professionals

06/03/2026

During Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C., KASAP CEO Joni Tamalonis and Chief Policy Officer Jenna Cassady are meeting with lawmakers to elevate the needs of survivors and the programs that serve them across Kentucky.

One of the priorities they’re advocating for is the bipartisan Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act ( ). The Crime Victims Fund is supported by federal criminal fines and penalties, not taxpayer dollars. It’s a critical source of funding for victim services nationwide.

In Kentucky, this funding helps sustain r**e crisis centers in all 120 counties, providing services like 24/7 crisis response, medical and legal advocacy, counseling, and prevention education. As demand continues to grow, stable and predictable funding is essential to ensuring survivors can access care without interruption.

We're grateful for the opportunity to bring Kentucky’s voice into these conversations and advocate for the systems survivors rely on every day.

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence The National Network to End Domestic Violence

06/02/2026

Thank you Representative Heavrin!

KASAP is grateful for your ongoing leadership and support of funding that strengthens Kentucky’s RCCs and the work of KASAP. Your advocacy helps ensure survivors across the Commonwealth have access to consistent, life-changing services.

06/02/2026

We’re excited to be in Washington, DC, this week, joining The National Network to End Domestic Violence and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence for to amplify the voices of sexual assault and domestic violence survivors on Capitol Hill.