Summary - 31st San Diego Hybrid International Summit on Violence, Abuse and Trauma Across the Lifespan

The 31st San Diego Summit will be presented in a hybrid format, welcoming both in-person and virtual participants. The San Diego Summit is a unique forum for professionals across all disciplines and philosophies to gather for in-depth exchange of current information on all facets of violence, abuse and trauma prevention, intervention and research. We are one of the very few events that include researchers, practitioners, advocates, survivors, and front-line workers from all disciplines to share information, discuss controversial issues, and engage in difficult dialogues. Evident in our uniquely comprehensive programming, the Summit focuses on linking research, practice, policy and advocacy to promote violence-free living for all. Opportunities for networking, continuing education, specialty certifications, and more make this an event you don’t want to miss.

Now, more than ever, IVAT emphasizes the importance of creating space for professionals in person and virtually, to gather and discuss vital prevention, assessment, intervention, and treatment techniques, allowing them the tools to create change in their communities. Partner with us to help end the cycles of violence, abuse, and trauma.

Summit Tracks

Early Childhood – Foundations of trauma and prevention across early life stages, including child maltreatment, ACEs, early intervention, family dynamics, attachment, child welfare, and education.
Adolescent and Emerging Adult – Trauma impacting adolescents and emerging adults, including campus assault, youth violence, sexual victimization, and peer or dating violence.
Adults and Elders – Long-term impacts of trauma and pathways to healing for adults, including adult survivors of abuse, IPV survivors and offenders, complex trauma, and chronic stress.
Systemic, Historical, and Collective Trauma – Historical and systemic trauma affecting marginalized communities, institutional betrayal, community resilience, cultural and Indigenous healing practices, structural inequities, and justice reform.
Justice, Accountability, and Rehabilitation – Trauma within legal and justice systems, offender rehabilitation, restorative justice, trauma-informed courts, and institutional responses.
Advanced Clinical – In-person only.

The Summit Objectives are:

Identify current state-of-the-science research, innovative assessment methods, and practice concerning child, adolescent, adult/elder abuse, trauma, and maltreatment.
Explain the underlying dynamics and overlap of different types of traumas, abuse, and maltreatment.
Identify long-term effects of early trauma on functioning of children, adolescents, and adults/elders.
Improve skills and techniques for helping children, adolescents, adults/elders, and families recover from various types of traumas, abuse, and maltreatment.
Identify issues and effective prevention strategies for those impacted by abuse and neglect.
Enhance understanding of trauma-informed care approaches and cultural perspective practices.

SEPT 24th - 26th, 2026 at the Hyatt La Jolla

Countdown to the Event