Advocacy Support

We provide support to advocates and programs in Texas.

Our primary responsibility is to assist sexual assault programs in providing advocacy services in a way that is trauma-informed and survivor-centered. Because our staff has extensive experience in providing advocacy throughout the state, we can recognize many of the needs and barriers advocates and agencies face when serving survivors. 

Select the tabs to learn more about advocacy and the support we offer advocates and programs. To learn more about how we can support you or your program contact: advocacy@taasa.org.

  • We assist programs in developing practices that are relevant and responsive to survivors in their community. 

    • Consulting and Assessment of Advocacy Program:  This includes assessing advocacy programs and developing action plans to enhance services for survivors.

    • Compliance: We assist programs in understanding advocacy requirements and minimum service standards for sexual assault programs. This includes understanding advocacy principles and implementing practices that enhance survivor-driven advocacy.

  • Compliance: Texas has specific laws that protect a survivor's right to an advocate and ensure survivors of sexual assault receive the standard of care they are entitled to when seeking support from advocates. 

    Advocacy Compliance: The law requires Sexual Assault Programs* to adhere to certain standards so that survivors receive consistent support that is relevant to their needs. We are available to assist programs in meeting these standards.

    Sexual Assault Training Program (SATP) Requirements: The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) only offers certification to Sexual Assault Programs that meet the OAG Sexual Assault Training Program Certification requirements. The current SATP requirements can be found here.

    What is a Sexual Assault Program? Texas Government Code Chapter 420.003 (7) defines a "Sexual assault program" as:

    a local public or private nonprofit corporation, independent of a law enforcement agency or prosecutor's office, that is operated as an independent program or as part of a municipal, county, or state agency and that provides the minimum services to adult survivors of a stranger and non-stranger sexual assault.

    Understanding forms of advocacy (coming soon)

  • To provide comprehensive services, advocacy programs must address the entire scope of survivors’ experiences and needs beyond immediate crisis response. We are available to help you develop relevant and responsive services that empower and honor the unique experiences of survivors. The following are some of the ways we can assist: 

    • OAG Certified Sexual Assault Training (more info coming soon)

    • Advanced Training/Continuing education (more info coming soon)

    Advocacy Support and Mentorship

    Our staff’s training and experience positions us to provide mentorship and support to advocates across the state. We partner with advocates to share knowledge and support growth. This can include individualized support, case management assistance, and professional development.

  • While TAASA does not provide 24-hour crisis response, we have advocates available to assist in connecting survivors to local programs and are available to provide additional support on a case-by-case basis. 

    To identify the closest program near you visit our crisis map.

    • Human Trafficking Brochure (Spanish)

    • A Campus Advocates Guide to Title IX (English)

    • Medical Accompaniment Guide to Hospital Accompaniment (English)

    • Advocate Accompaniment for Law Enforcement (English)

    • Resolution Template for Regional SART (English)

    • Texas SART Bylaws Template (English)

    • SART Guide (English)

    • SART Info Sheet (English)

    • HIV Info Sheet (English)

    • Trauma-Informed Communication (English)

    • 86th Legislature Update (English)

    • 87th Legislature Update (English)