Western’s CASAS staff continuing to provide support services

While Western’s CASAS Survivor Advocacy Services office is closed until the university resumes regular on-campus operations, the office continues to provide important support options for the 2020 Spring Quarter.

What is CASAS?

CASAS is a confidential support service for Western students who have been affected by relationship violence, sexual violence, stalking, harassment and other forms of violence, either recently or in the past. For many survivors of intimate partner/domestic/dating violence and sexual violence, home is not always the safest place. This time of physical distancing can leave survivors more isolated and increase safety concerns. Everyone deserves to feel safe and to live a life free from violence.

“Around the globe, we are seeing an increase in intimate partner/domestic violence during this time of social isolation due to COVID-19,” said Deidre Evans, CASAS Survivor Advocacy Services Coordinator. “Many domestic violence and sexual assault organizations have moved to a remote advocacy services model to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although necessary, this is not the typical way that survivors and advocates work together, but it is vital that services are still available, even if those services are delivered remotely.”

24-hour survivor support resources

CASAS has compiled a list of national, regional and local 24-hour survivor support options with trained advocates who can provide emotional support and assist callers in safety planning. For these 24-hour support resources, visit pws.wwu.edu/24hoursupport.

Advocacy support

Since CASAS is not conducting in-person appointments, they will continue to support student survivors with pre-scheduled phone or video appointments.

To schedule an appointment:

● Contact the confidential CASAS voicemail at 360-650-3700.

● Leave a message with your name, preferred form of communication (phone number and/or email), if it is safe to do so. Voicemail will be checked at least once a day during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

● The CASAS Coordinator will follow up with all advocacy requests by email or phone.

CASAS provides student survivors with:

● Individual advocacy and emotional support

● Support groups (on hold for spring quarter)

● Safety planning

● Academic advocacy

● Information and support navigating medical, legal and reporting options

● Connection to resources on and off campus

If you have any questions, please contact Deidre Evans, CASAS Survivor Advocacy Services coordinator, at Deidre.Evans@wwu.edu or 360-650-7982.