Sexual Violence Learning Series
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services presents a year-long sexual violence learning series to expand knowledge about all aspects of sexual violence. All sessions are free, but registration is required.
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 Talking with Children About Consent
4-5 p.m.
Gain information and insight about how to help children and adolescents understand and communicate about consent. Topics covered will be age-appropriate consent, respect and how to ask for help. Register now.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors
1-2 p.m.
One in four women and one in six men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Help transform the response to sexual assault with information about sexual violence, plus learn how to be supportive to victims and how they can access community resources. Register now.
Monday, May 17, 2021 Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Adult Male Survivors
3-4:30 p.m.
Join Doug Tinder as he shares his story of surviving and healing from childhood sexual abuse to help normalize conversations about male childhood sexual abuse and to enable survivors and the community to work together to heal and prevent abuse. He will discuss the prevalence, gravity and lifetime impact of this type of trauma, as well as the healing process and the support survivors may need. Register now.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021 Responding to LGBTQ Survivors of Sexual Violence
1-3 p.m.
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project will explore institutional barriers and normative beliefs that make LGBTQ people vulnerable to sexual violence and discourage survivors from seeking help. The discussion will include best practices to help services providers and community members improve the response to LGBTQ sexual violence survivors, as well as efforts to address harmful barriers and beliefs. Register now.
Friday, July 16, 2021 Reproductive and Sexual Coercion
10 a.m.-Noon
Participants will learn about reproductive and sexual coercion using a reproductive justice framework, an intersectional approach created by SisterSong that treats reproductive health in a holistic way. The presenter will discuss how local partners can collaborate; how to improve providers’ procedures regarding clients’ sexual activity and sexual health; and how to better identify and support survivors. Register now.
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021 Incarcerated Victims of Sexual Violence
9-11 a.m.
Incarcerated individuals face much higher rates of sexual violence and are also disproportionately likely to have been sexually abused before incarceration. Just Detention International will explain the incidence and dynamics of sexual abuse in detention and provide guidance on addressing the impact of sexual violence on incarcerated survivors, including the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards. JDI will also discuss how to challenge cultural assumptions about sexual violence in detention so “rape is not part of the penalty.” Register now.
Friday, Sept. 10 Strangulation and Sexual Violence
1-2:30 p.m.
Beth Roach will share her expertise on strangulation and asphyxiation as they are used in intimate partner and non-intimate partner sexual violence. She will describe the general dangers and signs of strangulation, as well as the unique characteristics of strangulation/ asphyxiation of sexual violence victims, how to identify and support strangulation victims, and Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team (FACT) services. Register now.
Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 Sexual Harassment
10 a.m.-Noon
Sexual harassment can include a wide range of unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature, and can occur in a workplace, learning or housing situation. The speaker will address how to be aware of and respond to sexual harassment, whether you are a victim, witness or advocate. This presentation will enable participants to raise awareness and decrease tolerance for sexual harassment. Register now.
Economic Advocacy
Personal safety and economic security are inextricably linked for victims of domestic violence. Research from the Centers for Financial Security shows financial abuse is present in 99% of domestic violence cases. Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services as they present the Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead Curriculum to help trainers learn how to support domestic violence survivors as they get their financial lives in order. This training is free, but registration is required.
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 Working with Domestic Violence Survivors on Their Financial Safety
2:30-4:30 p.m.
This workshop will share how to help domestic violence survivors question the messages and implicit lessons they have learned from society and abusers about financial relationships and decisions. Participants will learn how financial abuse impacts survivors and how to work with them on financial fundamentals such as budgeting, credit and long-term planning, using the Allstate Foundation's Moving Ahead Curriculum. Participants will also learn about local resources available to help survivors with other economic issues, including housing and employment. Registration information coming soon.
County Conversation Podcast: Sexual Violence Learning Series
May 2021 Teen Dating Violence Teen Talent Showcase