Isolation is one of the biggest challenges survivors of abuse and sexual violence face. The added difficulty of not knowing where to turn for support often deepens this isolation, leading to further trauma. The opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences and can offer support is invaluable. Online communities provide survivors with a vital space to find resources, support, and solidarity.This workshop will focus on how to create and nurture survivor-informed, supportive online communities for both survivors and their supporters.

 

Modern consent education is an ever-evolving landscape of best practices (thank goodness!). We’ve moved from “no means no” to “only yes means yes,” to “FRIES,” but what do we do when we don’t actually know what we want? Using activities (dareIsay, games!) rooted in theatrical intimacy direction, this workshop will give you the tools to explore boundaries, consent, and communication in learning spaces with nuance and embodiment at the center.

The workshop’s primary focus is on the intersectionality of sexual assault and human trafficking in an effort to help service providers learn how to di-silo various types of interpersonal violence responses to create a more holistic approach to serving survivors. We seek to discuss and provide insight on how the distinct gaps in identification and support prevent survivors from receiving immediate and long-term services. The desired implications for the practice of attendees are to expand their understanding of Human Trafficking support services through some lecture and group discussion activity as well as encourage them to start creating stronger coordinated responses to the distinct needs of persons with poly-victimization.

This presentation explores the critical connection between child welfare and human trafficking, highlighting the vulnerabilities that place children at risk and the role of child welfare professionals in prevention, identification, and intervention. By bridging the gap between child welfare services and anti-trafficking efforts, this presentation aims to enhance awareness, improve coordination among agencies, and ultimately provide better protection for vulnerable minors.

Survivors of sexual violence, including secondary survivors, often navigate healing in systems that fail to honor their full humanity. Traditional justice mechanisms frequently exclude survivor voices, leaving them without meaningful pathways to healing and accountability. This workshop explores how art, storytelling, and community-driven practices can foster survivor-centered healing, resilience, and justice beyond legal and civil systems.

Childhood sexual abuse leaves a lasting impact on survivors, and one of the most common, yet often hidden, experiences they carry into adulthood is shame. This shame is deeply ingrained, often tied to complex parts of their stories that feel too painful, embarrassing, or difficult to share. As a result, these aspects of their experience often remain unspoken, making it harder for survivors to heal. This interactive lecture presentation is designed for anyone who works with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, not just therapists. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, member of law enforcement, educator, social worker, community organizer, or anyone who interacts with survivors in the larger community, understanding how shame shows up in people can help you create a safer, more empathetic environment where survivors feel seen and supported by the community, ultimately fostering trust and encouraging healing through compassionate, shame-informed interactions.

Rosie Hidalgo brings a powerful message rooted in decades of advocacy, legal expertise, and policy leadership. In this compelling keynote, Hidalgo invites us to reimagine our collective response to sexual assault by centering community as both the source and solution. Drawing on her deep experience in the field and federal leadership, she will explore how courage, compassion, and community action must intersect to create lasting change. This address is not only a reflection—it is a rallying cry. Participants will leave inspired and challenged to build inclusive, survivor-centered movements that advance prevention and healing.