Public Policy

Ms. Gotch has worked in the field of sexual abuse since 2000 as a clinician, consultant, trainer, and researcher. She first became involved in public policy while employed as the Clinical Coordinator - Sex Offender Unit for Multnomah Count Department of Community Justice during which time she was the principle author of HB 3233, which created the Oregon Sex Offender Treatment Board. She additionally was the content expert and co-author for HB 2549, which developed a risk assessment based level system for individuals convicted of sexual crimes in Oregon. She currently serves as the Public Policy Representative for the ATSA Executive Board and previously served as the co-chair for the Public Policy & Engagement for the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV), currently serving on the NPEIV Advisory Board. She was also previously employed as the Coordinator of Public Affairs for ATSA and, during her time as ATSA staff, she handled a variety of legislative, policy, and media issues, as well as assisted in the development of policy, media, and public engagement resources.

Effective public policy for the prevention of sexual abuse, as well as the treatment, management, and rehabilitation of individuals who have sexually abused or are at risk to abuse, necessitates incorporation of sound research and best practice standards within the development, implementation and application of policies and laws.

Education is key to the prevention of sexual abuse, yet educational efforts are often impaired by the numerous myths and misconceptions which abound about sexual abuse and those who engage in sexually abusive behavior. The below resources are available for the general public, policy makers, and anyone interested in best practice strategies for the assessment, treatment, and management of individuals who have sexually abused or are at risk to abuse.

ATSA Public Policy Resources
ATSA Public Engagement Resources
ATSA Media Resources
National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
SAJRT Blog