KASAP Hosts Legislative Press Conference on Building a Safer Kentucky

KASAP Hosts Legislative Press Conference on Building a Safer Kentucky

Community Leaders Shine a Spotlight on National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month 

Frankfort, KY., (March 24, 2026) – The Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP), the statewide coalition against sexual violence, was joined today by state leaders, legislators and survivors to kick off April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Sexual violence is an issue that impacts one person in the U.S. every 68 seconds. 

Hosted at the State Capitol, the event touted this year’s theme of “Building A Safer Kentucky,” underscoring the shared responsibility of creating communities where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected.

State leaders in attendance included First Lady Britainy Beshear, Attorney General Russell Coleman, and State Representative Rebecca Raymer, all of whom affirmed their commitment to ending sexual violence in the Commonwealth.

“We must condemn sexual assault for what it is: a violent crime that has no place in this world,” said First Lady Britainy Beshear. “If we work together, we can support survivors and create the resources that provide hope, healing and the ability to seek justice. Andy and I are committed to making progress that helps protect more lives and creates a pathway forward for brave survivors.”

In addition to recognizing the lifesaving work carried out by KASAP, the event emphasized the impact of recent and proposed legislation. House Bill 219, sponsored by Rep. Raymer and signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear in 2025, requires sexual assault response training for all Kentucky emergency departments. This year, House Bill 521, strengthening early intervention in stalking cases, and House Bill 134, addressing the shortage of trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, are crucial to building on Kentucky’s progress of preventing sexual violence and ensuring survivors have access to necessary support services.

“As Attorney General, my core responsibility is ensuring that those who commit these crimes are held accountable, sending a clear message that sexual violence is not tolerated in Kentucky,” said Attorney General Coleman. “However, accountability is not only about prosecution; it’s about ensuring our legal system responds effectively and treats survivors with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“It is because of survivors’ stories and experiences that we know where gaps exist and what legislation is needed to strengthen prevention, survivor services, and community education,” said Rep. Raymer. “We’ve already made great progress, and I’m confident that if we keep going in this direction, we can create policies that not only respond to violence but prevent it once and for all.”  

“We are incredibly grateful to our elected officials and policymakers for their commitment to advancing smart policies that create the infrastructure for safer communities,” said Jenna Cassady, Chief Policy Officer at KASAP. “We cannot achieve a Commonwealth free from sexual violence without their efforts to implement meaningful changes that benefit survivors at every step of the process.”

The event concluded by recognizing the organization’s leaders who serve as the heartbeat behind the mission. Award recipients include:

• Visionary Voice Award: Kathy Phillips, Office of the Attorney General
• Innovative Program Award: Chloe Huntsman, Hope Habor/The Hive BG and Deanna Spangler, Refuge for Women
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month Awards (SAAMy): Lesley Carroll, Sanctuary, Inc. and Ella Bean and Caleb Dotson, University of Kentucky ‘It’s On Us’.
• Fonetta A. Elam Award: Dr. Rhonda Sims, SANE-A, SANE P, MCTC
• Kentucky National Guard Charles L. Ray Victim Advocate of the Year: Major Adela P. Smith 

Throughout April, KASAP’s 13 regional rape crisis centers will host events, awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to honor survivors and empower communities with the tools to “Build A Safer Kentucky.”

“This Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we hope communities across the Commonwealth will join us in spotlighting this issue that is far too prevalent in our communities and households,” said Eve Rabinoff, Chief Strategy Officer at KASAP. “Together, we can ‘Build A Safer Kentucky’ and ensure that every Kentuckian knows they can contribute to making the Commonwealth free from sexual violence.”

About KASAP 

The Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) is the coalition of Kentucky’s 13 regional sexual assault centers which offer free, confidential, 24/7 support services and care to survivors of rape and other kinds of sexual violence. For over 30 years, KASAP has been the leading voice advocating for sexual assault victims with the goal of ending sexual violence in Kentucky.