Quick Links
The San Diego Summit
is a unique forum for professionals across all disciplines and philosophies to gather for in-depth exchange of current information on all facets of violence, abuse and trauma prevention, intervention, treatment, and research. We are one of the very few events that include researchers, practitioners, advocates, survivors, and front-line workers from all disciplines to share information, discuss controversial issues, and engage in difficult dialogues. Evident in our uniquely comprehensive programming, the Summit focuses on linking research, practice, policy and advocacy to promote violence-free living for all. Opportunities for networking, continuing education, specialty certifications, and more make this an event you don’t want to miss.
“This was my first IVAT. It superseded my expectations. The variety of speakers and classes that were offered was amazing. The organization from sign ins to room locations was well thought out and easily understood. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful. I left each session wanting to learn more and do more. I left the conference motivated to find solutions and unite others in my quest. Thank you for all of the hard work, time, dedication, expertise, knowledge and heart it took to put this conference together”
Summit Tracks
1. Adult Survivors of Abuse and Trauma
2. Adolescent Trauma, Campus Assault & Youth Violence
3. Child Maltreatment/Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
4. Historical Trauma, Systemic Trauma & Marginalized Populations
5. Intimate Partner Violence: Offenders
6. Intimate Partner Violence: Victims/Survivors
7. Labor & Sex Trafficking
8. Legal & Criminal Justice Issues
9.Primary Prevention/Early Intervention
10. Sexual Victimization
11. Trauma Among Military Personnel, Veterans, First Responders,
and Their Families
12. Trauma in General
Highlights
The Summit (Provider #7840) is approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training for POST Training (Certification #7840-28000-24).
Earn CEs and specialty certifications to fulfill your annual requirements and refine your skill set.
Network and collaborate with professionals from across disciplines
Gain applied knowledge by hearing from acclaimed keynote speakers.
Attend panels and workshops that cover hot-button topics like #MeToo, Campus Sexual Assault, and more.
Refresh your self-care routine by attending a variety of self-care opportunities.
Photo: Sandi Capuano Morrison with Pawsitive Teams: Service and Therapy Dogs, exhibitors at the 21st San Diego International Summit
28th San Diego Highlight Video
Opening Plenary and Ceremonies:
Sunday August 25th, 2024
10:30AM - 12:15PM
The "Urban" Greenbook Initiative: Mobilizing Communities to Stop the Co-occurrence of Violence Against Women and Children
Darrell Armstrong, EdS, MDiv
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
As the Former Director of NJ's Division of Prevention and Community Partnership, Darrell Armstrong, co-authored NJ's first statewide prevention plan. He interpreted this public assignment as a per personal charge to: [1]...prevent child abuse; [2]...stop individual violence, and [3]...eradicate community violence. As DPCP Director, he oversaw $100M in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention investments that included, but not limited to: (1)..Universal Home Visiting; (1)..Community-based Family Success Centers; (1)..School-based Youth Services;(1)..Domestic Violence services. He credits his oversigh and administration of these public government investments with helping him to crystalize some personal aspects of his life, mainly how he understood the co-occurrence Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence. In 2009 he represented NJ in presenting at the National Greenbook Initiative on IPV and CAN, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the site of the first Greenbook Conference in 1985. Pastor Armstrong will use both personal and professional narratives and disclosures to address these critical issues of violence prevention and cessation. He will particularly talk about the art and science of personal disclosure using his own family narratives of overcoming child abuse, placement in long-term foster care and kinship care, and ultimately the death of his mother from domestic violence and substance abuse. Pastor Armstrong has a passion for preventing individual and community violence, abuse, and trauma and building resilience in diverse communities to overcome violence, regardless of race, region, or religion.
Closing Plenary & Ceremonies
Wednesday August 28th, 2024
11:00AM - 1:00PM
How Parkland Students Turned Trauma into Change
David Hogg
Co-Founder of March For Our Lives, Co-Founder of Leaders We Deserve, NYT Bestselling Author
Following the Parkland shooting students demanded change to prevent another school shooting. They created the largest student protest in American history that resulted in the defeat of more NRA backed politicians than ever before when many said it was impossible. In this presentation former Parkland student David Hogg will discuss the story of how a group of motivated teens changed the conversation on guns in America.
What Is Free To You? Identifying Changes of an Entirely Different Order
Jennifer M. Gómez, Ph.D.
In this closing plenary panel presentation, Dr. Gómez will provide a brief overview of cultural betrayal trauma theory (Gómez, 2012-2024, CBTT; Giroux et al., 2023), which is a Black feminist, scientific framework she proposed to better understand the impact of violence within the context of inequality (Howard et al., 2023). In line with the Summit theme of Prevention, Resilience, Connections, and Wellness, she will then show a brief video of Nina Simone describing what being free means to her. Next, Dr. Gómez will share an excerpt from her book, The Cultural Betrayal of Black Women & Girls: A Black Feminist Approach to Healing from Sexual Abuse (Gómez, 2023), in which Nikiya—a survivor of cultural betrayal sexual trauma—engages in a freewriting exercise to discover what being free means to her. Next, she will share insight from Angela Davis, who suggested in the 1970’s that eradicating sexual violence would require changes of “an entirely different order” than that focused on male physiology or psychology: that different order would need to include grappling with the social and sociocultural environments that not only condones but also promotes such violence and inequality. From The Cultural Betrayal of Black Women & Girls, Dr. Gómez will then identify ways in which power can be transformed into collective determination (Pastor et al., 2022) that subverts and disrupts the very hierarchies that hold power over sustaining the violent and unequal status quo. Finally, she will close with discussing how freedom from racism, intersectional oppression, cultural betrayal, and sexual violence can be fought for in coalitions that prioritize the humanity of Black women and girls.
Special Peformance
San Diego Dance Company
Ballet Folklorico El Tapatio (BFET), now San Diego Dance Company, is recognized for presenting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through traditional dance. The dance company showcases choreography, and beautifully designed outfits to represent each region of Mexico. With their vibrant performances and exceptional talent, BF San Diego Dance Company captivates the audience by showing the beauty and craftsmanship of Mexican dance.
San Diego Summit Registration Brochure & Rates
Congratulations to our 2024 Awardees
Celebrating Great Achievements
Each year, IVAT recognizes outstanding individuals during the San Diego Summit on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma Across the Lifespan. We ask for nominations of people, who live and work within these fields and who should be honored for their contributions and achievements. This year we are pleased to announce we are again, opening the award nominations to the public.
2024 Awards Presented:
*Donald R. Fridley Memorial Award for Excellence in Training and Mentoring
This award is dedicated to the memory of Donald Fridley Ph. D, and is given to an individual or organization that through innovative activities, strategies, and methodologies has contributed to the training, mentoring, and development of future generations of mental health care providers.
Jeff Temple
*Lifetime Achievement in Family Violence Advocacy Award
This award is given to the individual who exemplifies compassion, wisdom, and tirelessness. They serve those who most need an ally during the most painful of times. This award honors and encourages the qualities of an advocate by recognizing outstanding life achievement on behalf of victims of interpersonal violence.
Etiony Aldarondo
*The Returning Veterans Resiliency in Response to Trauma Award
This award is given to a veteran who has experienced specific trauma in war and has chosen to work to alleviate the trauma experienced by others, and act as an advocate in helping others heal and recover for the trauma experienced as a veteran. This award will identify a veteran whose work has had a notably restorative impact on a traumatized population due to effort, therapeutic and other positive qualities, and advocacy of the veteran who is chosen for this award.
Alfonso Villegas
*Rosalie Wolf Memorial Elder Abuse Prevention Award
This award is dedicated to the memory of Rosalie S. Wolfe, PHD, who was the driving force behind the elder abuse prevention movement. Dr. Wolf founded and served as the president of the National Committee for Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA), founded, and edited the Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, conducted ground breaking research, and served as the founding Chairperson of the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). The honoree may be either an individual or organization that has demonstrated dedication and commitment to the ideals of Rosalie S. Wolf to prevent and reduce the incidence of elder abuse and neglect through research, education, policy, or practice.
Ronald Dolon
*William Friedrich Memorial Child Sexual Abuse Research, Assessment and/or Treatment Award
This award is dedicated to the memory of William Friedrich, Ph.D., who dedicated his life to ending child sexual abuse through research, assessment, and clinical treatment. This award encourages these qualities by recognizing either new or established researchers or practitioners who have made substantial contributions to the field of child sexual abuse.
Melissa Merrick
IVAT Community Volunteer of the Year Award
This award is given to the person who has performed volunteer work that is above and beyond what is normally expected in such a role. The efforts put forth by the honoree show commitment to the values and goals that IVAT represents, and demonstrate a strong commitment to ending violence, abuse and trauma.
Nada Yorke
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA
Sponsored by the Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence (LC) and the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT).
Olivia Gentile
Congratulations to our 2023 Award Winners!
29th San Diego Summit
Poster Session
29th Summit Self-Care Sessions
Please see below for our Self Care offerings for the 29th San Diego International Summit
Self-care is providing yourself with the support you need to enhance your physical/mental/emotional well-being. Self-care involves monitoring your own experience and taking steps to maintain balance even with ever shifting demands. To support this balance, the IVAT Summit offers a wealth of self-care sessions to help prepare for hours of sitting, refresh, recenter after triggering presentations on trauma, release physical/mental/emotional tension, or simply enjoy. Self-care sessions are included at no extra cost in your registration but are not eligible for CEUs.
As part of our increased efforts to provide space and opportunities for self-care and wellness/healing/support opportunities, we have reserved the Sorrento Room for anyone who would like a quiet place to go and speak with a therapist. Notify any IVAT staff member and they will have a clinician paged to meet you.
Please note that Self Care sessions are not eligible for CE credit
Click Here to Enter Zen Den
Zen Den
Unable to catch a Self-care session at our summit? Be sure to visit our Zen Den, full of resources, activities, and interactive tools!
2024 Self-Care Sessions
Hatha Yoga
Presenter: Glenna Tinney, MSW, ACSW, DCSW
Times: Sunday, August 25th, 2024, 6:30am-7:30am | Monday, August 26th, 2024, 6:30am-7:30am | Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, 6:30am-7:30am
Where: TBA
Description: Hatha yoga is practiced at a slower pace, with focus on the breath, controlled slow movements through static postures, alignment, and stretching. The class is designed to increase range of motion and mobility while focusing on strength, alignment, flexibility, and balance.
Through movement and breath, Glenna helps those seeking to increase their strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance while also increasing self-awareness, decreasing stress, overcoming trauma, and becoming their best compassionate and gentle selves
Emotional Freedom Technique (AKA Tapping)
Presenter: Gail Soffer
Times: Sunday, August 25th, 2024, 7:30am-8:00am
Where: TBA
Description: Participants will be guided through using EFT/Emotional Freedom Technique/Tapping to address stress, to stabilize, and to rebalance by gently tapping on acupuncture/acupressure points in a specific sequence through the top part of their bodies. No clothing is removed, and you are sitting in a chair, working on your own body, within a group.
Self-Care with Art Therapy and Collage
Presenter: Rocio Evans
Times: Sunday, August 25th, 2024, 12:30pm -1:15pm | Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, 12:30 pm-1:15 pm
Where: TBA
Description: This session will allow attendees to create self-care collages. Attendees will be encouraged to focus on the theme: How can you best engage in self-care? Participants are welcome to engage in creating collages with whatever theme they choose. Poster board, scissors, glue, markers, postcards, glitter, scraps of fabric, and other materials will be provided.
Movement/Breathwork
Presenter: Cortenay C.
Times: Sunday, August 25th, 2024, 12:30pm-1:15pm | Monday, August 26th, 2024, 12:30pm-1:15pm | Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, 12:30pm-1:15pm
Where: TBA
Description: Coming Soon.
Journaling
Presenter: Mary Jo Barrett
Times: Monday, August 26th, 2024, 7:30 am-8:00 am
Where: TBA
Description: Coming Soon.
Relax with Yin Yoga
Presenter: Jagbir Kang
Times: Monday, August 26th, 2024, 12:30 pm-1:15 pm
Where: TBA
Description: Coming Soon.
Reiki Session
Presenter: Gail Soffer
Times: Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, 5:00 pm-5:30 pm
Where: TBA
Description: Reiki is an energy healing technique in which a practitioner who has undergone formal training in this healing art places their hands gently on or just above your body to guide a flow of healthy energy through your body to reduce stress and promote wellbeing. No clothing is removed, and you are sitting in a chair not doing anything but receiving a short one-on-one “treatment”.
