East Tennessee State University’s third annual Upper East Tennessee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.

The event, sponsored by ETSU’s Office of Professional Development, brings together advocates, law enforcement, victim-service professionals and community members for training and discussion focused on preventing and responding to domestic and sexual violence and strengthening support for victims and survivors.

The summit is part of an ongoing effort to address misconceptions surrounding domestic and sexual violence and foster an environment in which victims and survivors receive informed, compassionate care.

“This conference began to further the conversations that would benefit both new and experienced domestic and sexual violence advocates, professionals and activists on the front lines of violence prevention and survivor services,” said Ruth Taylor Read, interim director of Professional Development at ETSU. “Amplifying voices that have been historically silenced around domestic and sexual violence is key to survivor-centered advocacy and program capacity building for resources for victims and survivors.”

As the flagship institution of Appalachia, ETSU is committed to improving quality of life across the region through research, education and community partnerships.  

The Office of Professional Development plays an important role in that mission by creating accessible learning opportunities that address workforce needs, foster lifelong learning and connect university expertise with communities throughout Northeast Tennessee.

Conference speakers include 2nd Judicial District Attorney General Barry Staubus; Sgt. Shane Williams of the Johnson City Police Department’s Special Victims Unit; Tina Johnson, program coordinator for Frontier Health SAFE Houses in Johnson City and Kingsport; and others.

The conference will also feature narratives from survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, providing participants an opportunity to hear directly from people whose experiences can inform advocacy, prevention and survivor services.

Registration is $89, or $55 for students, and includes breakfast, lunch and breaks. Continuing education units will be available. ETSU employees may use their employee audit benefit to cover registration.

For registration or more information, call the ETSU Office of Professional Development at 1-800-222-3878 or visit https://bit.ly/4hFlIY4.