Community Legal Aid is hosting Break the Silence, a full day of training focused on student survivors of violence, on March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, 215 S. Depeyster St. in Kent.
The multi-disciplinary training is suitable for attorneys, advocates, the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors, social workers and those who work directly with K-12 and college student survivors of violence.
Managing Attorney Jeanne Charles, who organized the training, said the topic was selected because attorneys at the nonprofit have been involved in cases in which children and young adults were victimized in the school setting.
“We realized there was a gap in knowledge in the community as to how to best assist these students as they navigate the different systems they encounter,” Charles said. "Our goal is to help those who work directly with students to feel empowered and more prepared to serve this vulnerable population."
The keynote speaker will be Mark Black, Chief Organizational Impact Officer and Senior Title IX Administrator, University of Mount Union, who will share the story of his journey from survivor to advocate. He will also present “What Title Is Mine: Promoting a Survivor-Centered Approach that Fosters Empathy and Understanding of the Challenges Faced by Survivors-turned-Advocates.”
Other sessions include:
- Sonia Ferencik, LISW-S, RA, 200-CYT, Youth & Trauma Services Manager, Ohio Domestic Violence Network: “Exploring Activities that Promote Regulation in Youth Exposed to Violence and Toxic Stress”
- Stephanie B. Scalise, Managing Attorney, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence: “Restoring Control for Sexual Assault Survivors in Legal Settings and Why It Matters”
- Emily Durrell, Staff Attorney, Disability Rights Ohio: “Trauma is a Disability: Utilizing IEPs and 504 Plans to Ensure Access to Education for K-12 Student Survivors.”
6.0 CLE credits have been requested from the Supreme Court of Ohio and 6.0 CEU credit hours have been requested from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
Break the Silence is $35 and includes lunch and refreshments. To register for the event, go to https://info.communitylegalaid.org/BreaktheSilence2025. For more information, email info@communitylegalaid.org.