California Women Empowering Women: CAWEW: Services

What We Do
California Women Empowering Women, (CAWEW) provides the necessary funding to test the DNA evidence acquired in rape test kits.

Due to the state's limited financial resources, and the growing number of sexual assaults, overwhelming numbers of rape test kits are left unanalyzed. Tens of thousands of sexual assault kits in California are locked away while rapists walk free, and survivors are left without justice and closure. CAWEW is dedicated to raising the necessary funds to ensure that no sexual assault kit is left untested in California.

CAWEW also works closely with local Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) providing much needed funds, services and equipment.

CAWEW is working towards building the CAWEW Center, which will provide counseling and support to survivors of sexual assault. The center will facilitate the empowerment of women and girls with programs such as: occupational skills, job placement, self-esteem, and self-defense. The center will operate a rape crisis hotline and provide resources for survivors and their families.

About SART
What is SART (Sexual Assault Response Team)?

SART is a phenomenal program that treats survivors of sexual assault. They collect forensic evidence after a sexual assault that can be used by law enforcement to bring criminals to justice. SARTs trained forensic nurses are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Prior to SART, survivors would have a long wait in the emergency room, accompanied by a police officer and be seen by a doctor with no forensic training. Now, survivors can be seen in a private setting where a highly trained forensic nurse examines them. They are offered counseling and other services as well as hot showers and new clothing after an attack.

One SART program that we work with today is located at Valley Medical Center in San Jose. This SART serves all the 17 cities of the south bay area. While many of the survivors they help are adults, many are young children.

Why do they need our help?

Due to limited county funding, SART is in desperate need of equipment and financial assistance.

What can we do?

Please donate by clicking here. These funds go towards purchasing this much needed equipment:

1. Digital Camera - - DONATED - THANK YOU!
2. Courtroom Training - - DONATED - THANK YOU!
3. ALS / Alternative Light Source (CrimeLight) - $1,800 NEEDED.
4. Colposcope - $7,000 NEEDED. PLEASE HELP.