The Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) has announced its 28th San Diego International Summit, which will bring together international leaders to explore innovative approaches for preventing and addressing violence and trauma. The Summit will take place from August 26 - 30, at the Hyatt Regency at Aventine in La Jolla. IVAT, a non-profit 501 © 3 organization founded by Robert Geffner, Ph.D., ABN, ABPP, in 1984, aims to improve the quality of life for individuals on local, national, and international levels by promoting violence-free living. With the theme of “Promoting Resilience Amid Global Challenges,” this year’s Summit will attract 1,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds, who will engage in insightful presentations, interactive workshops, and networking events focused on evidence-based solutions to violence and trauma. The Summit will focus on topics such as child abuse, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, children exposed to violence, at-risk youth, criminal justice issues, sexual assault, unserved and underserved populations, human trafficking, treatment of victims and offenders, trauma among first responders, military personnel, veterans and their families, elder abuse, grief and loss, substance abuse, prevention efforts, threat assessment, trauma-informed care, and more. Attendees will learn about innovative research and interventions while sharing their own experiences and best practices. The Summit is honored to feature renowned keynote speakers and esteemed community leaders who will deliver keynotes and important presentations. Here is what’s in store: Opening Plenary & Ceremonies: Sunday, August 27, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Welcome: Mara W. Elliott, San Diego City Attorney Native American Blessing: Erica M. Pinto, Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village of California 1. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Alissa Ackerman, California State University, Fullerton/Ampersands Restorative Justice, "Survivor to Survivor Scholar: A Pracademic's Guide to Healing, Justice and Connection." 2. Keynote Speaker: Nicole Hockley, Co-Founder, Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, "Know the Signs: Creating Culture Change That Leads to Safer Schools." Closing Plenary & Ceremonies: Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Native American Blessing: Mr. Kenneth A. Meza, of the Jamul Indian Village, Tribal Elder 1. Keynote Speaker: Lynn Rosenthal, Director of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "The National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action.” “As we celebrate the 28th anniversary of this significant Summit, we applaud the researchers, practitioners, advocates, survivors, and front-line professionals who unite annually to make this multidisciplinary endeavor possible,“ said Sandi Capuano Morrison, CEO, MA. “We are excited to host this unparalleled opportunity for learning, forging connections and advancing professional development as we come together in beautiful San Diego alongside colleagues and friends from across the globe.” Registration for the IVAT International Summit is open. For more information and registration, visit the IVAT website at www.ivatcenters.org/SanDiegoSummit.
