October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—and this year marks a meaningful milestone for Project R.E.S.T.’s professional outreach. In collaboration with our community partners, we will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Inter-Personal Violence (IPV) Conference, a cornerstone of our work to prevent violence and promote healing in our community.

Each year, the IPV Conference brings together a wide range of professionals—Victim Advocates, Judges, Attorneys, Law Enforcement Officers, Social Workers, Mental Health Clinicians, Forensic Nurses, Clergy, and Educators—for a full day of continuing education. Sessions address critical issues such as domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, trauma, mental health, victims’ rights, and the legal and investigative process from start to finish.

These trainings are not only informative—they are essential. As frontline responders and service providers, these professionals must have the most up-to-date, ethical and trauma-informed knowledge to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault with care, dignity, and effectiveness. Understanding the impacts of trauma, how to minimize re-traumatization, and how to navigate sensitive, high-stakes situations can make all the difference in a survivor’s journey toward justice and healing.

This year’s conference will open with remarks from 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette, followed by keynote speakers Natalie Ivey and Jonathan Kurland presenting “Prosecuting Image Exploitation & An Exploration of Gavin’s Law.” We hope you’ll join us for this important event!