East Tennessee State University’s second annual Upper East Tennessee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit conference happens Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Carnegie Hotel. 

The conference aims to train and educate members of the community in the prevention of and response to sexual assault and in advocacy and treatment for victims.  It is intended as an initial effort to eliminate misconceptions and create an environment in which victims/survivors will be better cared for.   

“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, program manager for the Office 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.” 

Conference speakers include representatives from the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, ETSU Dr. Patricia Robertson Pride Center, Quillen College of Medicine and more. Featured will be narratives from sexual assault and domestic violence victims/survivors and art from renowned soft sculpture artist Melissa Vandenberg. 

The registration fee of $89 ($55 for students) includes breakfast, lunch and breaks. ETSU employees may use their employee audit benefit to pay for registration. 

For registration or more information, call the Office of Professional Development at 1-800-222-3878 or visit this site. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346


East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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