SASTF Publications

Reports

The Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force Biennial Report to the Legislature is required by Texas Government Code § 772.064.

As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force (SASTF) posts copies of its Biennial Report on our website to ensure the public can access them.

The Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force prioritizes survivor-centered research. Below are summaries of recent research projects and links to the related reports.

Texas Sexual Assault Survivors’ Study

With funding from the Office of the Texas Governor’s Public Safety Office, The University of Texas – Austin’s Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (IDVSA) and the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) collaborated on a two-part study on service needs and availability for sexual assault and abuse survivors in Texas. The two reports from this project offer findings on (1) baseline availability of resources and services for sexual assault and abuse survivors across Texas, as well as unmet needs and (2) needs and experiences of sexual assault and abuse survivors with existing services. This research was a required component of House Bill 1590, passed in the 86th Legislative Session, which created the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force.
Texas Sexual Assault Survivors’ Study (2020-2022)

Resources for Texas Sexual Assault Survivors: Inventory and Survey Findings on Services, Gaps, and Accessibility (Part 1 - 2020)

IDVSA and the BBR developed and implemented a statewide survey to a broad and diverse set of providers who serve survivors of sexual violence, and then conducted a collaborative analysis of the survey findings with a specific focus on service availability and service gaps. The Resources for Texas Sexual Assault Survivors report offers findings on baseline availability of resources for sexual assault survivors across Texas, as well as unmet needs, capacity limitations, and the impact of COVID-19 on service providers. These findings were presented in a report to the Office of the Texas Governor along with an inventory list of resources for survivors across the state to inform the creation of a comprehensive statewide service directory.

Voices of Texas Sexual Assault Survivors: Services, Gaps, and Recovery Journeys (Part 2 - 2022)

IDVSA interviewed survivors of sexual assault and abuse to assess their experiences and needs (met and unmet) for sexual assault-specific services and resources in Texas. This report is based on an analysis of in-depth, trauma-informed interviews with survivors of sexual assault and parents/guardians of child survivors of sexual abuse. IDVSA and BBR conducted this research to understand survivors’ recovery journeys after sexual violence, focusing on experiences with the formal service system and other available resources. Findings were developed based on independent and collaborative analyses of interview themes and were presented in a report to the Office of the Texas Governor.

Adult Survivors' Rights Guide (and other resources)

First Responder Guide to Adult Sexual Assault Cases (and other resources)