[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   30TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT OF SONOMA COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United Against Sexual 
Assault (UASA) of Sonoma County on the occasion of its 30th 
anniversary. Founded in 1974 as Women Against Rape, the agency 
consisted of a phone number to call for emotional support. Today that 
crisis line operates 24 hours a day, and the organization has 12 board 
members, 14 paid staff, and more than 40 volunteers who address the 
problems related to all forms of sexual assault.
  Over the past 30 years, UASA as greatly expanded the services offered 
to the people of Sonoma County. It provides extensive training on 
helping victims, including not only women and girls, but also men, 
children, and the families of victims. Staff and volunteers also 
accompany victims and their families for police reporting, court 
appearances, medical exams, or other personal situations.
  Prevention programs include outreach to elementary through high 
school youths, reaching approximately 6,000 young people every year, as 
well as parents and school personnel. Other efforts include bilingual 
outreach to Hispanic teens, teen peer education training, anti-racism 
curriculum which deals with violence against the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/
Transgender community, and a unique men's program featuring men 
educating men. All services are offered at no cost.
  UASA also plays a key role in the county's pioneering SART (sexual 
assault response team) which unites law enforcement, mental health, 
legal, and advocacy programs to support victims and families. This 
collaborative project makes services easily accessible and minimizes 
the stress felt by victims. The agency is also working with the 
District Attorney's office to establish a county-wide Family Justice 
Center by 2005.
  In May 2004, Executive Director Gloria Young was named ``Outstanding 
Director of the Year'' by the California Coalition Against Sexual 
Assault for shepherding the agency through many of these transitions.
  Mr. Speaker, UASA's long-term mission is to eliminate all forms of 
sexual assault. I know that with its inspired leadership, dedicated 
staff, and committed volunteers United Against Sexual Assault of Sonoma 
County has brought our community a long way toward achieving this goal 
and will not be satisfied until they have reached it. I salute UASA on 
their 30th anniversary and look forward to the day when their services 
are no longer needed.




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