The Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) will launch the first cohort of its Foundations of Advocacy Course on May 12, 2026, marking the debut of a newly developed 40-hour training designed to strengthen survivor-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual violence across Kentucky.
This course is the result of a multi-year effort by KASAP to build a standardized, accessible training pathway for advocates and allied professionals working in sexual assault response and prevention. It was developed in collaboration with member programs and grounded in national best practices, Kentucky-specific systems, and the lived realities of survivors and advocates across the state.
A hybrid model built for access and connection
The Spring 2026 cohort will begin with virtual sessions May 12-June 2, allowing participants from across Kentucky to engage in shared learning without geographic barriers. This will be followed by three in-person training days June 8-10 in Lexington, where participants will come together to deepen skills, practice advocacy techniques, and build connection with peers across the state.
This blended model was intentionally designed to balance accessibility with the relational, skills-based learning that is essential to advocacy work.
Free, statewide access to foundational training
KASAP is offering the Foundations of Advocacy Course free of charge to participants in order to reduce barriers to entry and expand access to consistent, high-quality training across the Commonwealth. This investment reflects KASAP’s commitment to building a strong, well-supported advocacy workforce statewide.
“This training is about strengthening the foundation of our response system,” says Emily McKenzie, KASAP Training Coordinator. “When advocates are equipped with shared language and skills, survivors receive more consistent, compassionate, and effective support.”
Course overview
Participants will move through six core units covering:
- Sexual violence, trauma, and empowerment-based advocacy
- Movement history, ethics, and collaboration across systems
- Prevention strategies and Kentucky-specific programming
- Core advocacy and crisis response skills
- Medical advocacy in healthcare settings
- Legal advocacy within criminal and civil systems
The course meets the training requirement for Kentucky’s designated rape crisis centers (922 KAR 8:010) and is approved for the National Advocate Credential Program.
The first of many cohorts
The May 2026 cohort is only the beginning. KASAP plans to offer additional cohorts in the near future, expanding opportunities for advocates and allied professionals across Kentucky to access this foundational training.
Future offerings will continue to build on lessons learned from the inaugural cohort and ongoing feedback from participants and member programs.
For questions, contact training@kasap.org.
