Posts by aniss

ATSA Changemaker: Dr. Alissa R. Ackerman — Shaping Justice Through Restoration and Prevention Back to ATSA Statements ATSA is proud to shine this month’s Changemaker spotlight on Alissa R. Ackerman, PhD, a longtime ATSA member, co-founder of Ampersand Restorative Justice, and professor of criminal justice at California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Ackerman is nationally recognized for her work…

Dear ATSA Members Residing Outside the United States,
As we prepare for our 2025 Annual Conference in Florida, we want to acknowledge the concerns many of you may have about traveling to the U.S. We recognize the challenges created by shifting political climates, international tensions, and the growing recognition that evidence-based approaches are being sidelined. Please know that ATSA remains firmly committed to science, research integrity, and evidence-based policy and practice.

The Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) is deeply concerned by the recent staff reductions at the CDC’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP). The OVP serves as an essential federal entity that provides leadership, coordination, and financial support for initiatives to prevent sexual violence and other interpersonal harm. Annually, the OVP allocates tens of millions in grants to support sexual violence prevention programs grounded in evidence-based frameworks. These grants not only work to prevent sexual violence but also raise awareness about prevention efforts and represent a cost-effective use of taxpayer resources, as prevention ultimately saves institutional funds.

At ATSA, we are committed to creating a world where ending sexual harm is a shared responsibility and an achievable goal. Through championing research and treatment, informing public policy, and advocating for best practices, we work together to shift narratives on preventing sexual abuse perpetration.

ATSA Changemaker: Dr. Stacey Benson Back to ATSA Statements Dr. Stacey Benson Uses Media to Support Community Understanding We’re proud to highlight the impact of Dr. Stacey Benson, a forensic psychologist with over 30 years of experience and a leader at STAND (Sex Offender Treatment and Assessment of North Dakota). When STAND faced local opposition…