The conference, under the direction of Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson – Centre Director and Mrs. Donna Nicolls, volunteer and Event Chairperson, will officially open on Tuesday, September 25^th at the Crystal Ballroom at the Wyndham Nassau Resort. Conference sessions will be held from September 26^th through September 29^th, culminating with an Anniversary Banquet.   All sessions are open to the general public.

Speakers presenting at the conference will cover topics ranging from “Enlisting Corporate Support” to “The Undetected Rapist”, some of them having traveled from abroad to share and inform the Bahamian and Caribbean delegates about the various issues pertaining to sexual violence.

On Wednesday, September 26^th, keynote speaker Zarin Hainsworth will speak on   “Emerging Issues and the importance of Information sharing”.   Ms. Hainsworth is the Director of “Serene Communications”, an inter-personal communications company that specializes in diversity and issues relating to women and is also the President of UNIFEM UK and Chair of the National Alliance of Women’s Organizations.

Dr. David Lisak , Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston conducts and supervises research on the causes and consequences of interpersonal violence.   His topic for Thursday is entitled, “The Neurobiology of Trauma”.   Then later that evening there will be a special session for youth and youth leaders.   The session will be led by Stephanie Duenas, Sexual Assault Prevention Educator and Trainer.   All youth groups and their leaders are invited and urged to attend.   Other persons in attendance include, Mrs. Hazel Thompson-Ahye, Roslyn Parker, Dr, Sonia Lunn, Lynette Deveaux, Alan Berkowitz, Shane Neely-Smith, Dr. Michael Neville, Dr. Catherine Cuellar and Dr. Desiree Cox.