2nd Annual Conference on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Stalking

Registration Opens at 7:30 AM day of event

This year's conference theme, The Response Matters, emphasizes the profound impact that a coordinated, survivor-centered response has on individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Together, we can strengthen our community's response through education, collaboration, and shared commitment.

Whether you work in advocacy, law enforcement, prosecution, healthcare, education, social services, or another helping profession, this conference offers practical, multidisciplinary training designed to enhance your knowledge and strengthen partnerships across our community.

Featured Keynote Speaker Dottie Davis, Retired Deputy Chief of Police & Author of Strangled

Session Descriptions:

How to Have the Conversation presented by Donlaray Reese, Coordinator of Well-being, Fort Wayne Community Schools

-Talking with children and young people about domestic violence and sexual assault can feel difficult for parents and caregivers. This workshop will help frontline professionals support families in navigating these important conversations. Participants will explore practical, age-appropriate approaches they can share with parents and caregivers to help them talk with young people about domestic violence, sexual assault, safety, healthy relationships, and seeking help. The session will provide strategies for opening the conversation, responding to difficult questions, and creating an environment where young people feel safe talking about their experiences and concerns.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors of Harm and Domestic Violence presented by Maria Hogle (she/her) – Prevention + Support & Advocacy Coordinator, Center for Nonviolence & Elena Silva (they/she) – Prevention & Youth Services Co-Coordinator, Center for Nonviolence & Olive Rusk (she/they) – Prevention + Support and Advocacy Facilitator, Center for Nonviolence

- This training supports providers in building safer, more responsive environments for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, relationship harm, and coercive control. Participants will explore the unique dynamics that can exist within LGBTQ+ relationships, common barriers to support, and practical ways social services and community spaces can respond with care, accountability, and survivor-centered practices.

Watching From a Distance: Technology, Stalking, & Digital Evidence presented by Sgt. Daniel Hartman, Fort Wayne Police Department

-Technology has made it easier than ever to locate, contact, and harass victims. This presentation explores digital evidence in stalking and harassment investigations, including a real-world case example examining the cycle of violence and how technology can be used throughout that cycle. Attendees will also see practical demonstrations of how publicly available information can be used to locate individuals and how easily phone numbers can be spoofed, highlighting the challenges victims face and the importance of recognizing and preserving digital evidence.

After the Call: The Role of Law Enforcement in Domestic Violence Cases presented by Sonia Atienzo, Detective – Domestic Violence Unit, Fort Wayne Police Department

-What happens when someone calls 911 because they are afraid in their own home? This presentation takes a closer look at the role of law enforcement in domestic violence cases—from the initial response to the investigation and beyond.  How police, victims, advocates, and the community can work together to break the cycle of domestic violence.

Why Do They Stay? DV Simulation presented by Jennifer Rohlf, Director of Empowerment, YWCA Northeast Indiana

-The presenter will lead the group through a simulation to help them understand why individuals stay in abusive relationships, exploring the complex choices and barriers encountered along the way. Participants will also learn about the dynamics of domestic violence in this highly interactive, discussion-oriented session.

Co-Parenting With an Abuser presented by Cathy Leslie, Family Connections Manager, Iris Family Support Center & Shawn Westfall LMHC, Clinical Director, Iris Family Support Center

-This presentation will explore how abuse can continue and evolve after separation, creating unique challenges for survivors who must remain connected to an abusive former partner through parenting. Participants will learn about the difficulties of co-parenting with an abuser, strategies for establishing boundaries and effective systems for managing conflict, and ways to respond when interactions do not go as planned. The presentation will also address the impact of ongoing abuse and conflict on children and provide guidance on how to support and protect their emotional well-being.

Cultural Humility in Working with Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault presented by Melissa Grossman, Chief Executive Officer, Amani Family Services & Zachariah Pusti, Chief Operations Officer, Amani Family Services

-This presentation explores the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Participants will learn practical strategies for building trust and respectfully engaging with survivors in their homes and communities, supporting their safety and protection through a lens of cultural humility. The presentation will also cover best practices for working effectively with interpreters to ensure clear communication, confidentiality, and culturally sensitive care.

Introduction to Non-Fatal Strangulation 101 presented by Leslie Cook RN, MDI, SANE-A, SANE-P, Director of Nursing & Forensic Nurse Examiner, Sexual Assault Treatment Center & Heather Turner AGACNP-BC, MDI, Part-time Forensic Nurse Examiner, Sexual Assault Treatment Center

-This introductory session provides a foundational understanding of strangulation in clinical, forensic, and advocacy contexts. Participants will learn to identify subtle signs, understand underlying pathophysiology, and recognize critical risk factors.

Stalking: Uninvited, Unwanted, Unrelenting: A Survivor’s Perspective on Control, Fear, & Fighting Back presented by Taryn “Bunnie” Kiger, Survivor, Advocate, & Storyteller

-More than a report. More than a case number. This is the story of what it means to be stalked, threatened, and systematically stripped of your sense of safety, your job, your peace, your relationships, and even the people you love most. He tried to take my security. He tried to take my livelihood. He threatened my family. He tried to take my voice. He didn’t get to take me! This is not just a story about what happened; it’s a story about what I survived, what it cost me, and how I fought my way back.

“Burden of Proof”: Inside the Domestic Violence Prosecution Process presented by Tasha B. Lee, Deputy Prosecutor, Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office & Cathy Maggart, Domestic Violence Coordinator, Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

-Domestic violence cases are among the most volatile and complex in the criminal justice system.  This session delivers a behind the scenes look at what it truly takes to build a legally sound case while navigating victim trauma.  We will explore the operational realities of evidence-based prosecution. 

Beyond the Title: Advocacy is Everyone’s Work presented by Tasha B. Lee, Deputy Prosecutor, Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office & Cathy Maggart, Domestic Violence Coordinator, Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office & Patrice Miller, MSW, Senior Victim Advocate, Victim Assistance, Fort Wayne Police Department & Dr. Jo’Netta Neeley, Victim Advocate, Victim Assistance, Fort Wayne Police Department

-Advocacy is more than a job title it is a mindset and skill set that can be practiced across professions. This interactive session explores how professionals can move beyond simply helping to truly empowering individuals through listening, choice, collaboration, and trauma-informed practice.