April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is marking the occasion with a series of free, virtual community trainings designed to deepen understanding of sexual violence and strengthen the response it receives across Nebraska.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate, a service provider, an educator, or simply a community member who wants to show up better for the people around you, this lineup has something for you. All sessions are held online via webinar. Register for one or join them all.
The Trainings at a Glance
Sexual Violence 101
Wednesday, April 8 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT | Virtual
The series kicks off with a foundational overview of sexual violence: what it is, how it affects individuals and communities, and how all of us can respond more effectively. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive look at the scope of sexual violence, insight into what it means to respond with genuine awareness and care, and practical, everyday strategies for both prevention and survivor support.
This is the right starting point if you want to strengthen your ability to recognize harm and provide more informed, compassionate support to survivors.
Learn more and register for Sexual Violence 101.
Sexual Violence and Men with Disabilities
Tuesday, April 14 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. CT | Virtual
Men with disabilities experience sexual violence at rates higher than their counterparts without disabilities, and yet this population of survivors remains critically underserved. This session, presented by Sandra Harrell of Activating Change, focuses on the unique risk factors and dynamics of sexual violence affecting men with disabilities, the barriers they face when seeking help, and practical solutions for serving this community more effectively.
If you work with or alongside male survivors or people with disabilities, this training is essential.
Learn more and register for Sexual Violence and Men with Disabilities
Sexual & Intimate Partner Violence and People with Disabilities
Wednesday, April 22 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT | Virtual
People with disabilities experience sexual violence and intimate partner violence at alarming rates, yet this community continues to be underserved by existing systems. Presented in partnership with Disability Rights Nebraska, this session offers a comprehensive look at the scope and impact of violence against people with disabilities, insight into disability culture and community to help advocates engage more effectively, and a curated collection of organizations and resources for immediate use.
Come ready to deepen your understanding of this intersection, and leave ready to take action.
Learn more and register for Sexual & Intimate Partner Violence and People with Disabilities.
Sex Ed is Sexual Violence Prevention — Supporting Persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Tuesday, April 28 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT | Virtual
The series closes with a powerful conversation about the connection between sex education and safety. Every person deserves access to honest, inclusive sexual health information, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While the average young person already receives inadequate sex education, young people with IDD often receive even less, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Presented by Lisa Schulze of the Women’s Fund of Omaha and Dr. Heidi Rueda of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, this session provides a clear rationale for inclusive sex education, practical guidance on age-appropriate, developmentally responsive delivery, and tools and resources for immediate implementation.
Learn more and register for Sex Ed is Sexual Violence Prevention.
Why These Trainings Matter
Sexual violence happens in every community. Meaningful prevention and effective response depend on people across all sectors, advocates, educators, healthcare workers, and neighbors having the knowledge and tools to recognize harm, support survivors, and take action. These trainings are designed exactly for that purpose.
Registration for all sessions is free, and each webinar is designed to be immediately applicable to your work and your community.
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