East Tennessee State University will host the ‘Upper East Tennessee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit’ on Oct. 27 in the James and Nellie Brinkley Center running from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be speakers as well as an art display.  

Ruth Taylor-Reed, the program manager for the Office of Professional Development, said this year the conference will focus on law enforcement.  

The event will begin with Rep. Rebecca Alexander introducing ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kimberly McCorkle. McCorkle’s speech will “emphasize the importance of educating first responders on how not to retraumatize those who have been victimized,” said Taylor-Reed.  

Along with McCorkle, the speakers include Sgt. Major Cindy Humphrey, U.S. Department sexual assault advocate, Abby Wallace, Washington County assistant district attorney and Amani Brice, sexual assault victim advocate from Frontier Health.  

Taylor-Reed shared that the assistant district attorneys from Washington County and Sullivan County will be talking about implicit bias as well as the importance of trauma-informed language. “We all know this in our head, but sometimes it’s hard to incorporate this into our lives,” said Taylor-Reed. “What did she wear? Did she drink? Did she take drugs? Was she at a party? All of those questions that our society and culture are used to asking aren’t relevant.”  

The summit will also include a powerful display of more than 20 pieces of art done by sexual assault survivors. “It’s important to recognize the stories,” said Taylor-Reed. “It’s important to recognize and listen to the voices. Some of these voices haven’t been heard prior to now.” 

Taylor-Reed said that victims and survivors are encouraged to attend, they will have the opportunity to share their stories if comfortable enough to do so.  

Taylor-Reed shared that the summit will be impacted by the recent escape of Sean Williams, a man facing numerous charges, including sexual assault. “It’s necessary for none of us to be quiet, none of us to enable the silence that enables predators like Sean Williams to do what he was allowed to do in this region for so long,” said Taylor-Reed.  

So far, the feedback for the event has been positive. “The professionals that I’ve spoken to didn’t even hesitate to participate in the conference, understanding the importance of these conversations,” said Taylor-Reed.  

Photo of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit event information. (Contributed/ETSU)

The summit will be an annual event, with hopes of continuing important conversations around domestic violence and sexual assault as means to work towards solutions.  

Registration for the conference is $30 for students and $79 for non-students. It includes breakfast, lunch and breaks. More information can be found on the Professional Development website.  

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

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