2025 Legislative Update
Description:
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 Legislature. Key topics include expanded privacy protections for survivors of sexual assault, new accountability for sexual deepfakes, survivor-centered housing rights, and efforts to address the sexual assault evidence kit backlog, among other significant issues.
Presenters:
Elizabeth Newman, Public Policy Director, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault – Elizabeth joined CCASA in August 2021 as its Public Policy Director, where she leads the development and advocacy of state legislation and systems-change efforts to improve the response to and prevention of sexual violence. Previously, she served as the Policy and Projects Director at the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, and held various political roles for labor, candidate and issue campaigns. She has a BA in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies and Sociology and a Master of Public Policy.
Onnastasia Cole, Policy and Outreach Manager, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault – Onnastasia joined CCASA in 2023 with years of fund development and strategic communication experience. Before joining CCASA, she worked as a Policy Advocate at a national nonprofit and as a Grants Specialist at a child advocacy center. In her role, Onnastasia supports legislation development and outreach, provides technical assistance, and oversees CCASA’s Survivor Task Force (STF), where she supports survivors across Colorado in sharing their stories to effect change. She also serves on the Colorado Human Trafficking Council, YI Rocky Mountain’s Youth Advisory Board, and Citizen Project’s Board of Directors.