The organization I am volunteering for, CCASA (Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault), addresses gender issues associated with all types of sexual violence. One way they do this is by having their members participate in training sessions about different aspects of sexual assault in a very gender neutral way, because no gender is exempt from sexual violence. They do address specific genders when or where it is specifically needed, such as different needs different genders might require in order to get the proper support. (Male, Female, Transgendered etc.) They do this not only because different genders might respond in a different way to sexual violence but because that violence may have occurred because of their specific gender in the first place.
Another way they address gender issues regarding sexual violence is, through their handbook called, "Toward Healing & Justice: A Handbook for Survivors of Sexual Assault". It has some sections geared toward specific gender's issues with sexual violence, such as for men and LGBTQQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, or Intersex). In the LGBTQQI section it says, "Perpetrators may use sexual violence to "punish" and humiliate someone for their sexual orientation or gender identity." This definitely expresses a need for a separate section for each gender or gender group.
From what I can see so far, CCASA does a great job at addressing the needs of all genders when it comes to advocacy against sexual assault of any kind. They believe that it doesn't matter who you are, what your gender is, or what you look like. Sexual violence is sexual violence, period. They even offer the option to their members(or non members for a small fee) to request more individualized training sessions if they have a specific need to be more informed or better trained to help survivors of sexual assault of a specific gender. If they cannot fulfill the need themselves they will find resources to help in any way they can.
The only suggestions I might have would be to expand further in each gender section within their handbook or have separate pamphlets for each gender with more information, and perhaps having an entire training session geared just towards the different motivations for sexual assault on specific genders and how to support those victims. This should include a section for women, because even though it seems like it is a given that women are the main group of victims, they still may need something geared toward only and specifically them.
I am glad CCASA does a great job at being gender neutral when addressing sexual violence in general, but also focuses on specific genders when needed. CCASA seems to be a great organization that just wants to help all victims of any kind of sexual violence, and I support that one hundred percent!
To learn more about CCASA's mission statement, values, and vision please visit:
http://www.ccasa.org/whoweare/index.cfm
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