CCASA works to ensure that state and federal legislation supports survivors of sexual violence, provides adequate funding for sexual assault service providers, holds offenders accountable, and strives to end sexual violence in our communities. Attendees will receive an update on recent legislative developments from the latest session of the Colorado General Assembly. Key topics include updates to the Victim Rights Act (VRA) as well as civil and criminal protections for survivors; increased regulations for technology platforms such as social media, rideshare apps, and AI chatbots; new policies and protections from sexual abuse for people in jail; and expanded access to resources, care, and information.

Presenters:

Elizabeth Newman (she/her), Public Policy Director, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault – As CCASA’s Public Policy Director, Elizabeth leads the development and advocacy of state legislation and systems-change efforts to improve the response to and prevention of sexual violence. Elizabeth came to CCASA in 2021 with nearly 15 years of experience in government, politics, and policy advocacy. She is co-chair of the Colorado Department of Higher Education Sexual Misconduct Advisory Committee and a member of the Colorado Bureau of Investigations Forensic Services Committee. In her free time, she enjoys doing home projects, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Onnastasia Cole (she/her), Policy and Outreach Manager, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault – As CCASA’s Policy & Outreach Manager, Onnastasia leads the organization’s policy education and engagement efforts with members, survivors, and partner organizations. With a passion for increasing access to the policymaking process and centering lived experience, she is proud to oversee CCASA’s Survivor Task Force, where she supports survivors in sharing their stories to advance reform at the state and local levels. Onnastasia joined CCASA in 2023 with a background in strategic communications, fund development, and policy advocacy. She currently represents CCASA on the Colorado Human Trafficking Council and serves as Board Chair at Citizens Project. When she’s not working or reading, you can find her hiking, thrifting, spending time with loved ones, and adding to her ever-growing lava lamp collection. This training was supported by Subgrant No. 2025-VW-26-259-02 awarded by the state administering office for the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice’s STOP Formula Grant Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this training are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Division of Criminal Justice, Colorado Department of Public Safety nor the U.S. Department of Justice.