VAWnet Event Calendar

Most commonly used to increase motivation toward behavioral change, motivational interviewing is an evidence-based approach designed to encourage clients to talk themselves into making beneficial changes in their lives. Motivation to change varies from person to person, from one situation to another, and over time. Some of us are unwilling, others are unable to change, and many are not fully ready. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered tool based on empathy and allows for client-guided change and growth.

The conference theme is Rooted and Reimagined. Join us as we honor our families, relationships, and communities, while we reimagine how increasing prevention initiatives, ending sexual assault, and uplifting each other can support survivors and create a stronger California. Activists and advocates throughout California will explore the linkages between eradicating oppression and ending sexual violence at VALOR’s 2026 Statewide Conference.

Our annual National Training Institute is held simultaneously with our National Crime Victim Bar Association annual conference. Improve your response to victims of crime through promising practices, current research, and effective programs and policies. Our multidisciplinary institute offers more than 80 victim-centered, practice-based, research-informed trainings to sharpen your skills, connect with peers, and reach across professions, including:

Trauma doesn't fit into one box–and neither does this Summit. With 6 tracks in person and 5 tracks for virtual attendees spanning trauma across the lifespan, you'll get a broader and deeper understanding of the issues that matter most. Follow one track from start to finish, or mix and match sessions to fit your interests–either way, you'll leave with new insights you can put into practice.

This advanced workshop delves deeper into the strategies for sustaining compassion and preventing burnout in victim services professionals. Participants will explore in-depth techniques for emotional resilience, learn about organizational practices that support compassion renewal, and engage in self-reflective exercises to identify personal strengths and areas for growth. This session aims to equip attendees with a robust toolkit for maintaining their compassion over the long term, ensuring they can continue to provide empathetic and effective support to clients.

Grief is a universal human experience, and no two people grieve in the same way. It cannot be rushed, fixed, or “talked away,” but there are meaningful, trauma-informed ways we can support those who are experiencing loss. This session explores best practices for showing up with compassion, creating emotional safety, and walking alongside clients through significant loss while honoring their pace, story, and resilience. The Grief M.E.N.T.O.R. Method is a trauma-informed, relationship-centered approach for supporting individuals through loss without trying to fix or rush their healing.