Clark County Democratic Women to host ACASA director as guest speaker June 4

Monie Ballard, executive director of the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ACASA), will be the speaker at the June meeting of the Clark County Democratic Women. The group will meet at noon Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Democratic Headquarters, 1020 Village Drive, Arkadelphia.

Ballard is a native of Arkansas, born in Dumas and raised in Pine Bluff. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders in 1991 from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. In 2009, she was awarded the Master of Public Health from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She became the Executive Director of the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ACASA) in August 2014. In 2016, she was awarded the Distinguished Service Award during Crime Victims’ Rights Week by the Crime Victims’ Association of Arkansas for her efforts to support victims’ rights and her dedicated service to victims of sexual assault while at ACASA.

Ballard leads ACASA with a mentoring approach, fostering growth and learning among her staff as they collectively strive to end violence against all girls and women. She is committed to providing knowledge and resources to communities throughout Arkansas.

The Coalition is launching initiatives across the state to educate those working in victim justice on issues related to sexual violence and the dynamics surrounding these crimes. A trauma-informed approach to victim services is central to all training offered by ACASA. The Coalition believes that every victim of rape or other forms of sexual violence deserves justice and has access to resources that promote healing.

Ms. Ballard has expertise in supporting victims of human trafficking, understanding the neurobiology of trauma, victimology, and conducting trauma-informed investigations or forensic experiential trauma-informed interviewing. Additionally, she serves as an expert witness and is able to testify on behalf of sexual assault victims. She also actively advocates for sexual assault victims and related programs, dedicating time each legislative session to educate legislators and work towards supportive legislation on their behalf.