Hello all, and welcome to April!
We are excited to share with you OCADSV’s theme for 2025:
This will be our theme for the whole year!
For many, Spring brings with it the energy of renewal, and the optimism of new ideas. As we developed our theme for this year, we thought about what is needed to sustain us – not only as an individual but as communities, as the sexual and domestic violence field is filled with vast experiences and perspectives. How do we tap into each of our histories, our values, our care for one another, and use our collective strength to stand together and face new challenges before us?
Join us as we put our heads and hearts together in 2025 – to coordinate our efforts to maintain effective service and support networks for all survivors, especially the most marginalized, and to build a culture where we can stand together with resolute resistance to the idea that violence is inevitable.
With gratitude and solidarity,
OCADSV Staff
Monday 4/14: Episode 1 of The Common Ground.
We will be joined by guests Kirsten Lewis (she/her), the Program Community and Education Manager with the Sexual Assault Resource Center in Washington County, Erin Martin Fornier (she/her), the Director of Advocacy Services with Community Works in Washington County, and Syd Reed (she/they), the Prevention and Development Supervisor with Sexual Assault Support Services in Lane County to tell us all about their 2025 April campaigns and programming, the work their programs do in their counties, and more.
If you’re a survivor looking to get in contact with an advocate, you can find a list of Oregon based service providers on our website here, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 800-799-7233
Didn’t make it to our 3/26 Joint SAAM/CAPM Launch with Oregon SATF?
Check out the featured programs, speakers and resources:
What else is going on for Sexual Assault Action Month?
Futures Without Violence – Leave from Work for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking
4/8 | 10AM PST
State laws exist to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking keep their jobs while they seek safety. Join Futures Without Violence’s Robin Runge, the Center for American Progress’ Molly Weston Williams, and New York Legal Assistance Group’s Sara Rodriguez, for a comprehensive overview of the different employment laws that provide leave from work to employees who experience domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This webinar is open to all, but will have a special focus on how advocates and attorneys funded by the Office of Violence Against Women can support survivors using these laws. Spanish language interpretation and American Sign Language will be provided.
Existen leyes estatales que podrian ayudar a los sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica, agresión sexual y acecho a mantener sus trabajos mientras buscan seguridad. Únase a Robin Runge, de Futuros Sin Violencia, Molly Weston Williams, del Centro de Progresso Americano, y Sara Rodríguez, del Grupo de Asistencia Legal de Nueva York, para obtener una descripción completa de las diferentes leyes laborales que brindan licencia laboral o tiempo libre a los empleados que experimentan violencia doméstica, agresión sexual y acecho. Este seminario virtual está abierto a todos, pero se centrará especialmente en cómo los defensores y abogados financiados por la Oficina de Violencia contra la Mujer pueden apoyar a las sobrevivientes que utilizan estas leyes. Se proporcionará interpretación en español y lenguaje de señas americano
Don’t Forget the Pets- Home Stretch: Join us for the final year of the 25 by 25 Campaign
4/9 | 1-2pm PST
Join us on April 9 to learn more about our current and ongoing work to ensure domestic violence (DV) survivors and their pets are safe, and what we have planned for our final year.
When we launched the Safe Housing program in 2012 only 3% of domestic violence shelters were pet friendly – we’re proud to see that percentage grow to nearly 20%! As we enter into our final year, learn how you can empower your local community and organizations you’re a part of, to advocate for survivors and their pets and help us ensure more survivors and their pets are safe from harm.
National Center to Advance Peace- Child Custody Training Series: Advocacy with Pregnant Survivors
4/10 | 11am PST
Join the National Center to Advance Peace for Children, Youth, and Families for the second webinar in a four-part series on child custody. This session is designed for those supporting pregnant survivors and their families as they navigate healthcare, child welfare, and legal systems. Pregnancy often involves heightened risks of violence and increased interactions with these systems, making it a critical time for advocates to share harm reduction strategies specific to pregnancy and postpartum periods. The webinar will cover legal rights and topics such as parentage related to child custody, helping survivors make safer arrangements. Speakers from Caminar Latino and the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence at Futures Without Violence will provide insights based on lived experiences and offer advocacy strategies that prioritize survivor and child safety, health, and well-being.
Únase al Centro Nacional para Avanzar la Paz para Niños, Jóvenes y Familias para el segundo seminario web de una serie de cuatro sobre la custodia infantil. Este seminario está dirigido a personas que apoyan a sobrevivientes embarazadas y sus familias mientras navegan por los sistemas de atención médica, bienestar infantil y legal. El embarazo a menudo conlleva riesgos elevados de violencia y más interacción con estos sistemas, lo que representa un momento clave para que los defensores compartan estrategias de reducción de daños específicas para el embarazo y el período posparto. El seminario cubrirá derechos legales y temas como la filiación relacionados con la custodia de niños, ayudando a las sobrevivientes a hacer arreglos más seguros. Ponentes de Caminar Latino y el Centro Nacional para Avanzar la Paz para Niños, Jóvenes y Familias en Futuros Sin Violencia ofrecerán perspectivas basadas en experiencias vividas y brindarán estrategias de defensa que priorizan la seguridad, salud y bienestar de las sobrevivientes y los niños.
me too. International, NAESV, MIWSAC, Mujeres, NAPIESV, and SCESA- Together in Our Power: A Celebration of Advocates and Healers
4/10 | 3-4:30PST
We invite you to join us for Together in Our Power: A Celebration of Advocates and Healers, a special virtual gathering to honor and uplift the incredible work of advocates, healers, and survivor justice leaders in our communities. This gathering is designed to foster connection, hope, and healing—ensuring that those doing the work feel valued, seen, and inspired. Together, we will: – Show a united front in survivor justice work. – Share wellness practices that advocates can integrate into their own self-care and well-being. – Celebrate and uplift the voices of advocates and healers. – Create a safe, intentional space for community and care.
Lets Talk About Sex… Education 2025- Candid Conversations for Consent in Elementary School
4/11 | 11am PST
In the early years of childhood, conversations about consent tend to be overlooked. However, it is crucial to build a bedrock for bodily autonomy in early elementary. This workshop will unpack definitions of affirmative consent when engaging with younger kids, explore grade-specific consent content for all elementary-aged young people, and examine various tools and strategies for facilitating conversations about bodily autonomy.
See the full “Lets Talk About Sex… Education 2025” series here, next in the series is on 5/9: Consent Conundrums: Substances, Sexting, and STI’s.
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center- Uniting Communities, Strengthening Networks and Raising Awareness on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Access to Safe Housing for American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Survivors
4/16 | 12pm PST
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and an important time to raise awareness about sexual assault and the related issues of access to safe housing and shelter for survivors in Tribal Nations, Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiian communities. This webinar will feature the important work of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC), highlighting its efforts to enhance the safety of women and children. We will discuss how building networks and strategizing with other organizations can lead to comprehensive, successful efforts in understanding and addressing the complex challenges survivors face, including housing insecurity, homelessness, and access to safe shelter. Join us for this engaging and informative session!
SPARC- Stalking & Sexual Violence: Understanding the Intersections
4/16 | 11am PST
Sexual violence and stalking are both prevalent, commonly misunderstood, and severely underreported victimizations. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this webinar explores what multidisciplinary professionals need to know about the intersection of stalking and sexual violence. Victim support, criminal justice, and allied professionals are invited to learn about similarities, co-occurrence, and strategies to support victims and survivors of sexual violence and stalking.
NAPIESV- Sharing Story Feat. TOHGE
4/16 | 5-6pm PST
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and NAPIESV (National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence) invites you to stand with us in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and healing together.
Join TOHGE Guam (pronounced Toe-Gi) for a powerful discussion on the link between substance abuse and sexual assault. Learn how substance use affects vulnerability, consent, and survivor support. Gain insights, prevention strategies, and resources to help create safer communities.
Ujima: Webinar- After Rain Showers We Bloom: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault
4/17 12-1pm PST
Join Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community for a webinar on supporting survivors of sexual assault. This webinar will emphasize the need for a coordinated and holistic response to best support survivors and will explore the impact of inclusive programming and community engagement.
NAPIESV- Virtual Wellness Offering: Breathwork
4/21 | 11-11:30am PST
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and NAPIESV (National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence) invites you to stand with us in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and healing together.
We invite you to join us for a special Virtual Wellness Offering session on breathwork, led by, Athena Blue, one of our expert culturally specific wellness facilitators. This brief but meaningful meeting will offer valuable insights and practical strategies to promote sustainable wellness.
EVAWI- International Conference on Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Forging New Pathways
4/22-24 | Anaheim CA
Join law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, health care providers, judges, faith leaders, educators, researchers, and others for this intensive 3-day conference highlighting promising practices and emerging issues to effectively respond to gender-based crimes.
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center- Understanding the Intersections of Disaster Preparedness & Health Emergencies
4/23 | 12pm PST
From wildfires and floods to hurricanes and extreme weather, we are collectively witnessing profound climate shifts across the country. The disasters’ impacts on the land and human health have been undeniable— the scale of the crisis, displacement, health effects, trauma, and the compounded needs of the most vulnerable. Our health and the environment are inextricably connected— our bodies are connected to the land. Humans act on the external world, nature reacts, and our bodies respond to the initial harm. The normalization of extreme weather conditions poses a threat to our world and human life, while climate shifts, extensive land use, and destruction increase the prevalence of disease emergence with the possibility of cross-species viral transmission. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been reminded how individual health impacts communal health. We have seen how emergency responses under capitalism seldom center the needs of the most impacted and leave those without resources to fend for themselves. The voices, experiences, and perspectives of the historically undervalued are silenced to ignore the profound impacts on these communities. In this webinar, we will explore strategies for climate adaptation and resilience, centering the voices of those most affected. Join us as we discuss practical preparedness planning and health mitigation strategies to protect our communities and build a more resilient future.
Healing Equity United- Mapping Your Inner Landscape: Self-Reflection Through Parts Work
4/23 | 2-4pm PST
As we navigate 2025, many of us are carrying different aspects or parts of ourselves—some rooted in resilience, others shaped by fear, urgency, or past experiences. Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a powerful framework to explore these inner dynamics, helping us engage with our thoughts, emotions, and reactions with greater clarity and compassion. Although rooted in Western psychology, in this space it will be shared through a decolonized lens.
This interactive, self-reflection workshop will help participants understand their “parts”—the inner voices that influence our actions, from the protector who avoids conflict to the perfectionist striving for control. Through guided exercises, journaling, and discussions, participants will gain tools to move through this year with greater self-awareness, intention, and emotional resilience.
NAPIESV- Story Sharing Feat. Guma Mami
4/23 | 5-6pm PST
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and NAPIESV (National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence) invites you to stand with us in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and healing together.
Join Guma Mami as they lead a powerful discussion on men’s health, the impact of sexual violence, and supporting male survivors. We invite you to come along with us as we explore the role of men’s programs in healing and prevention.
Ujima- The Cookout: A Rose Through Concrete – Navigating Sexual Violence Work in 2025
4/24 | 4-5pm PST
Join Ujima for a conversation on navigating sexual violence work, as well as supporting Black survivors and advocates. During this cookout, advocates will come together in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to discuss how we as advocates can better engage in this work to center healing and safety for survivors of sexual assault. * This space provides an opportunity for advocates to exchange insights, problem-solve together, and build collective knowledge that strengthens their work and impact. Centering the needs of Black advocates nationwide—including Black/African Americans, Africans and African immigrants, Afro-Caribbeans, and Afro-Latinos/as—The Cookout is a space for professional growth, community-building, and solidarity, ensuring that advocates feel empowered and supported in their work..*
Intersect NW- This is Your Moment: Using Your Influence for Change
4/29 |12-1:30pm PST
This is Your Moment: Using your Influence for Change – April 2025, Virtual
How do gender, race, and class intersect to shape power—and what role do you play in creating change?
This timely and interactive session—featuring longtime movement strategist Lili Hoag—is designed to spark new ways of thinking about systems-level change, personal influence, and what it means to engage with justice in real time. Whether you’re community-rooted, policy-minded, or just figuring out where to begin, this offering will help you connect the dots between your lived experience and the broader movements for transformation.
You’ll leave with:
- A clearer understanding of how power and privilege show up in our lives and institutions
- Insight into the systems that shape gender, racial, and economic inequity
- Tools to identify where and how you can push for change
Come ready to reflect, learn, and explore what it means to take action—right now, from where you are.
Tahirih Justice Center- Compounding Victimizations of Forced Marriage Survivors
4/30 | 11-12:30pm PST
In many cases, individuals impacted by forced marriage go unnoticed when they seek assistance from victim service providers. Understanding the dynamics of power and control that they experience is crucial, as the tactics used by perpetrators to coerce someone into marriage or keep them in an unwanted marriage often mirror those seen in cases of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking.
This advanced webinar will expand on the foundational knowledge of forced and child marriage in the U.S., examining the heightened risks of multiple victimizations, and the added challenges individuals face when seeking assistance. Gaining a deeper understanding of how forced marriage intersects with various forms of abuse will lead to more effective strategies for prevention and support.
NAPIESV- Shifting from Crisis to Wellness: Panel
4/30 | 12-1:30pm PST
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and NAPIESV (National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence) invites you to stand with us in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and healing together.
While the immediate crisis of sexual violence often takes priority, true healing is a lifelong journey. This panel will explore the unique challenges faced by survivors in Asian and Pacific Islander communities and the need to move beyond crisis response toward sustainable healing. Join us as we redefine wellness, uplift survivor-centered support, and build a future rooted in resilience and restoration.