National Sexual Assault Conference

Updates

Available Sessions

Every registrant had the opportunity to sign up for workshops during registration. If you did not sign up for sessions during registration, or if you would like to attend a different session than the one you had registered for, you may attend any workshop that has not reached capacity. To view open sessions, click below.

New Session

...But You're Fat: Diet Culture, Fatphobia, and Sexual Violence

Friday, August 23rd
9:15 am - 10:45 am
Room 408/409

How does being fat impact a person’s experience of sexual violence? How do spaces that are colonized perpetuate fatphobia and enforce diet culture, creating oppressive spaces for fat folks? This workshop will explore the connection between size discrimination, fatphobia, and diet culture to sexual violence and prevention.

Presented By: Sarah Bear, Community Engagement Specialist, New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Conference Information

Conference Manual
Coming soon

Conference Map




Language Access

We are committed to creating a conference space where every voice can be heard and learning can be enriched by dialogue across languages and cultures. Language interpretation is available throughout the conference based on the needs identified during registration. In consideration of those for whom spoken English is not their first language, speak at a moderate volume and pace. When engaging with someone using and interpreter, address the person you are speaking with, and not the interpreter. We ask that you support access for all participants by making sure that only one person speaks at one time and that all attendees have equal opportunity to ask questions during workshop sessions.

For those registrants who have requested or require interpretation: the interpreter table will be located near the registration desk.

Accessibility

We strive to make NSAC accessible for all attendees. Please keep in mind that some disabilities are less visible. Do not pet, offer food to, or interact with service dogs. These dogs are supporting independence and autonomy. They are working and thus it is important not to distract them. Move chairs to make room for people using wheelchairs, wherever they wish to sit. Keep the aisles clear to ensure people can move around freely. When navigating public spaces, including but not limited to elevators, leave plenty of room for people to pass and enter safely.

Code of Conduct

We strive to make NSAC accessible for all attendees. We are committed to creating a safe place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. We know that people have different boundaries, different levels of comfort, different senses of humor, etc. We also realize that there are many survivors of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse in every group. In an effort to ensure a safe environment for all participants, please pay special attention to your words and actions and follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities.

Unacceptable behaviors may include

  • Foul or obscene language or gestures, including slurs or jokes
  • Derogatory written or electronic statements, pictures, or drawings; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides);
  • Sustained disruption of sessions, talks, or other events;
  • Unwanted leering or staring;
  • Violating personal space by impeding or blocking another person’s movement or otherwise physically interfering with them;
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following;
  • Harassing photography or recording;
  • Unwanted or inappropriate touching;
  • Unwanted sexual attention;
  • Physical and/or sexual assault;
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
  • Prejudicial actions or comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, differing physical or mental abilities, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, or religion.

If you witness or experience unacceptable behavior

If you witness potential harm to a conference participant, be proactive in helping to mitigate or avoid that harm. Remind peers of these guidelines, and take responsibility for interrupting potentially problematic situations, e.g. asking people if they are ok or need help. This is usually easier (and safer) if you don’t act alone — e.g. “Let’s say something to them so they stop.”

If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify a conference staff person as soon as possible. You may request that your report remain completely confidential.

Remember:

'No' means no.

'Stop' means stop.

'Go away' means go away.

Silence does not mean consent.

Consequences of Code of Conduct Violation:

In the case of non-compliance, an offender will be removed with no refund.

Restrooms

One of PCAR’s core values is to “foster an environment that promotes and supports the valuing of all people.” At our conferences, we offer all-gender restrooms and wheelchair accessible restrooms. Here is where you can find restrooms:

Floor 3: gender-specific restrooms, both have wheelchair accessible stalls.

Floor 4: all-gender restrooms, all have wheelchair accessible stalls.

Floor 5: all-gender restrooms and gender-specific restrooms, all have wheelchair-accessible stalls.

All restrooms are clearly marked and have wheelchair accessible stalls. Please use the restroom you feel most comfortable using and do not "police" or comment on which restroom others use.

Fragrances/Chemicals

In consideration of those with chronic illnesses and/ or multiple chemical sensitivities, think about all of the products you use daily. Please be mindful and limit the use of scented products such as shampoo, soap, hair products, perfume, essential oils, skin lotion, shaving cream, makeup, etc. or use fragrance-free alternatives.

Nursing/Pumping

We are committed to supporting parents as they nourish the next generation of activists during NSAC. Parents who need a private place to use their breast pump or feed their baby can use the lactation rooms located on the 3rd and 4th floors. Stop by the information table on the 5th floor for access to the lactation rooms..

Self Care/Wellness

Safe Room

The content of a conference workshop could trigger unexpected or overwhelming emotional responses for participants. If you want to talk with someone, there are volunteers available to meet with you privately and confidentially. The volunteers are trained sexual assault crisis workers and are available on-site throughout the day. Please see a PCAR/NSVRC staff person (those wearing green badges) to assist you. The safe room will be located in Meeting Room 410 on the fourth floor.

Wellness Room

Our wellness room will offer a place for quiet thought, meditation, reflection, spiritual practices, and a place to unwind from conference events. Resources and materials for self-care, simple art projects, and tactile materials will also be available in the space. The wellness room will be located in meeting room 403 on the fourth floor.