1. Talking with Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs Bilingual Advocate Patricia Flores Heritage University SOWK 310A Evodio Reyes Jr.

2. What Services does WCSAP offer? The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) is a non-profit organization that strives to unite agencies engaged in the elimination of sexual violence. WCSAP provides information, training and expertise to program and individual members who support victims, family and friends, the general public, and all those whose lives have been affected by sexual assault. Our activities include: Public Policy, Resources & Publications, Technical Assistance and Trainings.

3. What are Individual Job Duties…What Does a Typical Day Consist of?  At WCSAP employees include: a Program Management Specialist, a Training Specialist, a Prevention Specialist, an Advocacy Specialist, a Pregnant & Parenting Women & Teens Program Coordinator, a Child Advocacy Specialist, and a Bilingual Advocacy Specialist (Patricia)  Patricia’s role is focused on immigrant advocacy, particularly Spanish language immigrants. Yesterday her day consisted of driving to a rural program with a sister coalition (Domestic Violence Coalition). She met with their bilingual advocate and Director to problem solve certain issues in reaching and working with survivors who don’t have social security numbers and can’t access certain services.

4. What do I like most about the job? Least? Patricia loves working with advocates, but she doesn’t enjoy the reports that go along with the work.

5. If I could change one thing about this job what would it be?  Patricia would love to increase capacity at the coalition. She is a part-time employee. She expressed concern that there never seems to be enough funding to do what she believes is needed of the coalition.

6. What do you see as the cause of child sexual abuse, child neglect, domestic violence and/or elder abuse? What do you think are the essential elements of intervention?  “ We live in a patriarchal society. Women and children are seen as objects not human beings. Elders are invisible. We live in a society that has a strong rape culture. Prevention and intervention are critical in this work. We must start with ourselves and ripple out. By that I mean we should each ask ourselves, how do I feel about my power, do I have power, what is healthy sexuality?”  “We must walk our talk.”

7. What do you think are the essential elements of prevention?  Individuals need to know their own feelings about sexuality. Individuals need to be educated and informed before they can go out and talk about and experience this topic. Once that is done, they can address what healthy sexuality looks like in a comfortable, and meaningful way.  “Prevention starts at birth. Teach children the proper names of every body part. Teach children that their bodies belong to them and that nobody has the right to touch them or make them feel uncomfortable.”

8. What do you think future social Workers need to know about child sexual abuse and neglect?  “That is an epidemic in our society. Connect with yourself first. Educate yourself first on this topic and be hopeful!”

9.  Sexual Assault Help | safehelpline.org Sexual Assault Help | safehelpline.org  National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) |  SARA 24-Hour Hotline (434) 977-7273 SARA 24-Hour Hotline (434) 977-7273  RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The... RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The...  CDC - Additional Resources - Sexual Violence - Violence … CDC - Additional Resources - Sexual Violence - Violence …  Sexual violence, Sex Crimes & Abuse - AARDVARC.org Sexual violence, Sex Crimes & Abuse - AARDVARC.org Thank you!