Voices of Courage Awards Gala

press release: On June 9, 2016, the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) will recognize the 2016 Voices of Courage awardees at a luncheon at the Kalahari Resort (12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Wisconsin Dells) as part of the WCASA Training Institute. The Institute is a multidisciplinary conference covering an array of topics for professionals committed to addressing sexual assault.  

“WCASA’s annual Voices of Courage Awards highlight the leadership of amazing people across Wisconsin in the movement to end sexual violence,” stated Pennie Meyers, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “We are excited that this year WCASA is able to recognize the awardees at our statewide Training Institute.”  

Sexual violence is pervasive in Wisconsin. The most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey found that 41.3% of women and 23.7% of men in Wisconsin experience sexual violence during their lives.  

The 2016 Voices of Courage Awardees:

    Lifetime Achievement: Lt. Faye Schouten (retired), UW-Whitewater PD; Linda Selk-Yerges, executive director (retired), ASTOP

    Courage: Callen Harty, survivor, activist, author, playwright

    Criminal Justice: Jill Karofsky, executive director, Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services

    Health & Human Services: Catina Cole, MPower Theater, UW-Milwaukee Women's Resource Center

    Policy: Jason Mugnaini, chief of staff for State Senator Robert Cowles

    Prevention: Maria Schirmer, director of education and outreach, Rape Crisis Center

    Victim/Survivor Advocacy: Paula Schoenberg, sexual assault services coordinator, Family Advocates, Inc.