Why Puzzles?

From Federal Policy to Campus Practice: Protecting Victim Services, Empowering Advocates

In recent months, a wave of executive orders and lawsuits has reshaped the landscape for victim service providers nationwide. Federal agencies including DOJ, HHS, and HUD have introduced new funding conditions and restrictions — in some cases withholding grants that were already appropriated by Congress. These measures have raised significant concerns for providers, particularly around requirements that could impact diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, limit services for immigrant and transgender survivors, and restrict how gender identity can be addressed in programming. Collectively, these developments may narrow who is recognized as a survivor and challenge the inclusive, trauma-informed approaches that define the field.

In response, survivor-serving coalitions and state attorneys general have mobilized through coordinated litigation, securing important early victories that have blocked certain restrictions and restored threatened funds. Still, many cases remain ongoing, and new policy shifts continue to emerge. What’s at stake is the ability of survivors to access comprehensive, safe, and equitable care — and the future of whether federal grant programs remain a reliable lifeline for the field.

This session will provide an overview of the major lawsuits filed by survivor coalitions, the ABA, and state attorneys general — highlighting the key issues in each case, the arguments being raised, what these legal battles mean for the future of VOCA, VAWA, and other critical grant programs; and how this landscape impacts campus advocacy. 

Shannon Collins, LCSW is a survivor advocate dedicated to advancing collective leadership, survivor empowerment, and community access to safety and justice. With more than 25 years of experience, she has worked to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS) through advocacy, response, prevention, and education – primarily within higher education settings.

Shannon currently serves as the Senior Director of Training & Technical Assistance at the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA), where she leads a portfolio of federally funded initiatives that strengthen the capacity of victim service professionals to support college campuses, engage youth, and serve military-connected survivors. A recognized leader in the field, Shannon specializes in building trauma-informed victim advocacy programs and fostering Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Teams that bring together diverse partners to address DVSAS. Shannon has also served as adjunct faculty at multiple universities, teaching courses on the ethics of campus advocacy, evidence-based practice, trauma-informed leadership, and interpersonal violence over the lifespan.

Shannon is grateful to serve her community as co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA). Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, a Master of Social Work degree, and a Women’s Studies Certificate of Graduate Study from the University of South Carolina, as well as an Executive Certificate of Nonprofit Management from the Georgetown University Public Policy Institute. When Shannon is not working to promote justice and healing for survivors and communities, she can be found immersed in a crochet project or exploring natural landscapes.

Cari S. Simon is one of the nation’s leading Title IX attorneys representing survivors of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and sexual harassment in university and K–12 settings nationwide. Ms. Simon is a graduate of Harvard Law School, cum laude, and clerked for the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ms. Simon is credited with the inclusion of stalking and dating violence in the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX, and her impact litigation ensured universities are responsible under Title IX for sexual violence at fraternity houses.

Ms. Simon represents scores of survivors on college campuses and in K-12. She effectively represents survivors in campus disciplinary proceedings, and in obtaining remedies and accommodations to ensure survivors can safely and fully access the benefits of their education.

To hold schools accountable for failing to uphold survivors’ rights, Ms. Simon represents survivors in Title IX litigation against universities, and her efforts have launched multiple federal investigations into colleges and schools.

Widely regarded as a Gender Violence Policy Expert, Ms. Simon directed the United States Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus, advised gender-based violence legislative efforts in numerous states, and was appointed to the Sexual Misconduct Advisory Committee by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and is a lecturer at Harvard Law School.

Redefining Victim-Centered & Trauma-Informed Care to Include Intimacy, Bodies, & Pleasure

Too often, trauma-informed care stops at safety & survival – without ever inviting survivors to reclaim joy, embodiment, & connection with their bodies. In this powerful keynote, Dr. Jessica Sanchez invites us to expand the way we think about healing. Attendees will explore how to integrate conversations around intimacy, body autonomy, & pleasure into victim-centric care that promotes a more holistic, liberating, & empowering path forward for survivors. This session challenges outdated norms & calls in a new paradigm that centers intimacy & pleasure. Prepare to be moved, inspired, & ready to reimagine what healing can look, feel, & sound like.

Dr. Jessica Sanchez, a proud & passionate Chingona, embodies her intersectional identities as a sex & trauma therapist, educator, & sound healing practitioner, with over 10 years of experience working in the fields of human sexuality, higher education, sexual violence prevention, & advocacy.

Dr. Sánchez is a practicing licensed sex therapist where she advocates, empowers, & assists with restoring women’s sexual autonomy & agency. Her specializations include sexual trauma, perinatal mental health, sexual exploration, overcoming sexual pain, body image, eldest & only born daughters, & imposter syndrome, while decolonizing mental health through holistic & ancestral healing practices.

As a sound healing practitioner, Dr. Sanchez bridges the worlds of sound healing & sex therapy as a way for women to reconnect with their body, mind, spirit, & soul.

As an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas Arlington, she is committed to rewriting the pleasure narrative of women of color within the field of academia & is dedicated to serving historically oppressed & underserved communities. Dr. Sanchez is an advocate for women’s rights by holding multiple board of director positions within the Dallas community & serves as Chair of the NASW Texas Women’s Rights Committee.

Harmonizing the Mind, Body & Spirit: A Guided Virtual Sound Bath Experience

Join T’Keyah Moore for a restorative virtual sound bath that brings balance to the mind, body, and Spirit. Through the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls and guided meditation to begin with, participants will be guided into deep relaxation and inner calm. This immersive experience offers space to release tension, reset the nervous system, and reconnect with one’s natural rhythm of peace.

T’Keyah Moore is a Licensed Holistic Practitioner and Founder of Soul Vibrations Holistic Wellness. She specializes in intuitive bodywork, sound therapy, and 1:1 assisted stretch coaching to help individuals cultivate harmony, and self-awareness. Blending ancient practices with modern mindfulness, T’Keyah creates transformative experiences that encourage healing, clarity, and connection to one’s higher self.

Optional Vibes

• Candles, plants, or music to set the atmosphere
• Snacks or tea to make it communal
• A notebook or journal for reflection and writing prompts

Ready Made Vision Board Kit – $32.99

If purchasing this kit, please still consider having a few items on hand such as images that are personally inspiring to you. Sticky notes/index cards to write your own messages, scraps of paper/material that speaks to you.