Conference Overview

Join us for an in-depth introduction to the issue of sexual violence in our community. This conference will be highly interactive including group activities and role-playing. Activities are designed to encourage reflection on personal biases that may or may not be obvious, gain a better understanding of the complexity of this crime, and build more empathy for survivors of sexual violence. Participants will walk away with skills in supporting survivors of sexual violence and actionable items to encourage a change within our community.

Who should attend?

Anyone who is interested in making a difference within the arena of sexual violence or wants to better serve their clients. If you are a seasoned professional accustomed to working with this topic, this conference may be a great learning experience, BUT it is truly designed for people new to the issue.

Interested participants may include: 

• Community members
• Students
• Professionals such as case managers, non-profit employees, nurses, skill builders, police officers, hair stylists, etc.
• Community activists
• Parents
• AND MORE!

What will be covered?

• Sexual violence in our community and why it continues to be an issue
• Root causes of sexual violence
• The impact of trauma on sexual violence survivors
• How our society reacts to sexual violence and survivors
• Reporting, including why or why not survivors choose to come forward
• Effective sexual violence prevention
• How to support survivors of sexual violence, including rights and options
• Making an impact!

Agenda

The exact agenda will be released in March.

Food

We’ll provide a small continental breakfast in the morning and beverages all day. A lunch will not be provided, but a lunch break will enable participants to eat at one of the nearby restaurants/grocery stores in the Grandin Village. Bonus points for getting to know someone new!

Presenters

Presenters are the SARA Roanoke staff including:

• Teresa Berry, Executive Director
• Kaisha Williams, Director of Clinical Services
• Kelsey Harrington, Director of Community Engagement
• Laura Guilliams, Director of Crisis Services

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This conference is part of SARA’s greater vision for our first community-wide Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign during April 2017. Other ways to actively engage in the issue of sexual violence will be on our website within the next few months!

Transportation and Parking

Plenty of free parking is located directly behind the Grandin CoLab. The Grandin area is also on the bus line. Biking is a wonderful way to get around, too! More information can be found here.

Space is limited to only 35 participants, so register as soon as possible.

Have questions? Contact Kelsey Harrington at kharrington@sararoanoke.org OR 540-345-7273.