The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is a statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas.
Our mission is to be the unifying voice to eliminate sexual violence in Texas. As the statewide coalition of survivors, advocates, rape crisis centers, and allied professionals, we are committed to fostering a culture that respects the fundamental rights and dignity of all.
Our Vision is to advocate for a Texas free from sexual violence. We envision safe, healthy communities across Texas–where no one is burdened by the far-reaching effects of sexual violence.
Our Core Values
At TAASA, our work is guided by a trauma-informed and survivor-centric approach that affirms survivors’ experiences.
Promoting Equity — Inequity is at the root of all forms of violence. We can eliminate sexual violence by fostering communities in which all people are valued, have meaningful access to resources necessary to thrive, and are free to express their full identities without fear of violence and oppression.
Improving Access to Services — Effective advocacy and inclusive programming are necessary for survivors’ healing and attainment of justice. We are committed to ensuring all survivors in Texas have access to appropriately funded and culturally-resonant services, as well as systems that are responsive to their needs.
Building Community through Collaboration — The way survivors are treated reflects the way our society respects and values their experiences. We affirm survivors and improve responses to sexual violence by engaging with an array of institutions, organizations, and individuals throughout the state.
Acknowledging the Intersectionality of Identities and Systems — People’s identities and positions in society impacts their vulnerability and experience of violence. We center the voices of those in marginalized communities and those affected by violence by supporting the movements that challenge systems of oppression.
Our History —
A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas.
Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development.
TAASA is a state coalition
and does not provide direct services to sexual violence survivors. The role of a state coalition is different from that of local programs, agencies, and shelters. Many of your local shelters, programs, and agencies are members of our coalition. Our role as a coalition is to:
+ Advocate for the improvement of laws and processes at the state level such as the state legislature and the Governor’s office;
+ Help to set standards for care and service for member organizations;
+ Seeks and distributes funding from federal and other sources;
+ Develops training materials and information for the public, members, and state officials;
+ Works with media to raise awareness and frame the issue of sexual assault;
+ Amplify the voice of sexual assault survivors, rape crisis centers, and allied professionals that directly and positively impact survivors of sexual assault.
