CASAS believes that violence can happen to anyone and it’s never the survivors fault. Students of all identities are welcome. The mission of CASAS is to meet every survivor where they are at in their journey of healing. CASAS provides a safe and confidential resource for students who have experienced violence.
CASAS is Western’s compassionate response to acts of violence. Our staff can assist students by providing emotional support and by accessing all available resources to ensure students continue to be academically successful while they move through their healing process. CASAS also provides support to friends or family members of those who have experienced violence.
Anyone who has ever experienced any kind of violence is encouraged to utilize this resource, whether it occurred recently or long ago. It is available to students who have experienced any of the following:
• Attempted assault • Sexual assault • Dating violence • Attempted rape • Harassment • Physical violence • Domestic violence • Hate crimes • Rape • Indecent exposure • Incest • Stalking • Molestation • Unwanted touching
360.650.3700 (Message Phone) | Old Main 585B and Viking Union 432
Walk-ins Welcome | Evening Appointments Available
Advocacy
CASAS services are provided by two highly qualified professional staff members, Michelle Langstraat, MA, LMHC, and Jon Dukes, MSW and by several highly trained CASAS Advocates. These CASAS advocates are students in in the Peer Health Educator group WEAVE (Western's Empowerment and Violence Education). They have completed a 55-hour Washington State Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault advocate's training, an 8-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, in addition to ongoing professional development. Advocates provide a private place for you to seek support, information and assistance if you have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, domestic violence or stalking.
CASAS Staff and Advocates can Provide:
Emotional Support by giving you periodic check-ins and assessing your emotional needs with referrals to campus and community counselors and/or support groups.
Academic Support by communicating with professors to assist in creating an appropriate academic plan.
Emergency Leave by providing assistance with withdrawal from class or school and/or assistance with petitioning for tuition refunds.
Orders of Protection/University No Contact Orders by providing you with information and assistance obtaining an order of protection (protection order, restraining order, anti-harassment order) and information about Western's no contact orders.
Housing Services by providing assistance with changing housing or phone number as well as information about local shelters and temporary housing.
Medical Assistance by referring you to the Student Health Center, your professional care provider or the local hospital where you can get treated for you medical concerns.
Financial Aid Services by providing you with information about waivers and financial aid options.
Reporting Options to campus and community resources. Advocates will walk you through your reporting options including the Equal Opportunity Office and area police departments.
Prevention Workshops and Training
Our staff and student volunteers are available to present information about violence prevention, bystander intervention, CASAS advocacy, or tailor any prevention trainings upon request. For more information or to request a training, please submit a program request form.