June 22-23, 2027 | Save the Date!
About Our Conference
In 2026, our Annual Conference will serve as a cornerstone of Hope, Build, Thrive—a yearlong campaign focused on nurturing resilience, strengthening networks, and driving bold, collective action to end sexual violence.
Hope, Build, Thrive speaks to more than a single moment; it reflects an ongoing movement. Hope is the spark that keeps us grounded in possibility. Build represents the shared labor of creating systems rooted in justice, care, and community. Thrive is our vision for a future where survivors and communities not only heal, but flourish.
This year’s theme calls on advocates, service providers, survivors, and community partners to reimagine what is possible when we move forward together. We’re not just responding to harm—we’re creating a foundation for lasting change.
This year’s Annual Conference is a space to bring hope into action, build powerful connections, and envision thriving futures for survivors and communities. Rooted in our 2026 theme Hope, Build, Thrive, the conference centers the lived experiences and leadership of survivors, advocates, preventionists, nurses, law enforcement, medical professionals, mental health providers, legal advocates, educators, and other allied partners who are part of the collective work to end sexual violence. We recognize that meaningful change requires the commitment and collaboration of many, from those who provide direct support to those who shape systems and policy.
Across two inspiring days, participants will engage in dynamic workshops, thought-provoking keynote sessions, and intentional spaces for care and connection. It’s an opportunity to share what’s working, imagine what’s next, and strengthen the collective energy of this movement.
The Annual Conference is a space to celebrate progress, challenge systems, and shape what thriving truly looks like for survivors and communities.
Open to all who want to make a difference in preventing and responding to sexual violence and creating safer, more supportive communities. This includes those who work directly with survivors of sexual and domestic violence or in prevention—such as victim advocates, educators, mental health professionals, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and legal professionals—as well as individuals in related or nontraditional roles.
We welcome participation from community leaders, educators, students, HR and workplace professionals, faith leaders, policymakers, artists, and anyone seeking to learn, connect, and take action to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
The after-hours mixer this year will be on the first night of conference, Tuesday June 23rd, 2026, at Smashpark located at 495 Polaris Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43082 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Drink tickets and light appetizers will be provided. Space for 65 people.
A big thank you to our sponsors:
Reach out to conference@oaesv.org for info on how to
make a meaningful impact and sponsor our conference.
This work is funded either in whole or in part by a grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Health, Violence and Injury Prevention Section,
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Prevention Program and as a sub-award of a grant issued by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
under the Ohio Sexual Violence Prevention and Education grant, grant award number 1NUF2CE002469-05-00, and CFDA number 93.136. This publication
was supported by Rape Crisis Funding awarded by the Ohio Governor’s office, administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The opinions, findings,
conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Governor or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.