Trauma Conference Partners with Local Survivors
International Conference Draws Over 1,700

HOLYOKE - The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium played an
integral role in shaping the 11th International Conference on Violence,
Abuse, and Trauma, which was held September 14 - 19, 2006 in San Diego,
California. Alliant University and the Children's Institute, Inc.
co-hosted the conference, which drew over 1,700 people from around the
world.

Arun Ghandi, the fifth grandson of Mahatma Ghandi, set the tone
with his opening keynote, calling for an end to violence worldwide. The
interdisciplinary conference's purpose is to bring people together to
make a significant positive impact on creating violence and abuse-free
homes, communities, and societies.

The 2006 conference marked the first time a specific research
track partnered with trauma survivors themselves. Rene Andersen, the
Associate Executive Director of the Western Massachusetts Training
Consortium was instrumental in the development and implementation of
this new "consumer/survivor" track.

"It is so important at these gatherings to hear from trauma
survivors ourselves. Without our voices it is impossible to develop
truly trauma-informed communities," said Rene.

Oryx Cohen, another senior manager at the Western Massachusetts
Training Consortium, presented a workshop on Men and Trauma at the
conference.

"A lot of people don't realize that men are often victims of
abuse as well. Men often don't experience abuse in the same way or even
recognize physical/emotional/sexual assaults as abusive. However, many
men are trauma victims. These experiences can have devastating
consequences in terms of future interpersonal problems, substance abuse,
mental health issues, and physical health problems," said Oryx.

The 12th International Conference on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma
will be held September 13 - 18, 2007 in San Diego, California. More
information about the conference can be found at
http://www.ivatcenters.org