Legislative Advocacy

Driving Policy Change

KASAP plays a vital role in advancing survivor-centered legislation in Kentucky.

As the statewide coalition for all 13 regional rape crisis centers, we work year-round with lawmakers, state agencies, survivors, and community partners to strengthen protections, expand services, and support meaningful prevention.

From consulting on policy initiatives to offering expert testimony, KASAP ensures survivors’ needs remain at the heart of Kentucky’s legislative process.

For questions about our public policy and legislative advocacy work, please contact KASAP's Chief Policy Officer, Jenna Cassady at jcassady@kasap.org, (502) 226-2704.

Keep up with what’s happening in KY’s General Assembly

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3 principles to address sexual violence through state-level policy

1

Center survivor experiences – Ensure policies reflect the needs of those impacted by sexual violence.

2

Promote prevention and accountability – Support evidence-based approaches that prevent harm and strengthen response systems.

3

Use expertise and data to drive change – Inform policy with research, professional knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration.

2025 Legislative Wins

Ensuring Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams

Survivors of sexual assault should have immediate access to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFEs) when seeking care.

While Kentucky law mandates that emergency departments provide SAFEs to any survivor requesting one, this service is not always accessible.

Thank you Representative Raymer for sponsoring the following:

HB 219: Improving Emergency Response for Survivors

HB219 established a statewide requirement for specialized sexual assault response training for emergency department staff. KASAP has coordinated the development of a comprehensive, statute-aligned training curriculum through the SART-AC to support Kentucky hospitals in meeting those requirements.

HCR 20: Studying Barriers to SAFE/SANE Access

HCR 20 mandated a legislative study to examine access to sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) in emergency care settings. This study reviewed barriers to SANE coverage in hospitals and access to sexual assault forensic exams (SAFE).

Click here for the "Access to SANE Nurses Fact Sheet" from the LRC study

Champion for Justice Award

In May, KASAP honored Representative Rebecca Raymer with the Champion for Justice Award at Med Center Health in Bowling Green. Nearly 40 advocates, nurses, members of law enforcement, and community leaders gathered to celebrate her work on HB219 and HCR20. Jenna Cassady, KASAP’s Chief Policy Officer, and Melissa Whitley, Executive Director of Hope Harbor, shared remarks on the real-world impact of these policies, highlighting how policy and compassion together strengthen survivor care across Kentucky.