Utah Valley University announced Wednesday that it will host its annual conference on domestic violence on April 19 for anyone interested to attend.

This conference will be hosted by UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It will take place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Sorenson Student Center on UVU’s main campus. An online attendance option will also be available.

The goal of this single-day conference is to address the profound impact that domestic violence has on all people — specifically, though, on children, families and the community as a whole.

“Our role as a community educational resource puts us (UVU) in a unique position to provide extensive, relevant information and resources on domestic violence to a diverse audience,” Toni Harris, assistant dean of UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Science, said in a press release.

The conference will consist of speakers, educational sessions, student-led poster presentations and an exhibitor fair where attendees are invited to meet local domestic violence prevention professionals.

“The intent is to provide education, build awareness, and offer insight for those touched by this violence and for those who provide services, support, and treatment,” reads a press release distributed by UVU.

The opening keynote speech will be given by Mildred D. Muhammad, who will speak on her “life of terror, abuse, and heartache” as well as domestic violence awareness and prevention. Muhammad is a domestic abuse survivor and award-winning keynote speaker. She has served as an international speaker for the U.S. Department of State and as a CNN contributor.

Cassidy DuHadway will serve as the plenary speaker, addressing the ways that trauma can guide belief systems as well as thoughts, emotions and daily behaviors, along with ways to create a safe environment for victims and survivors of domestic violence. DuHudaway is the owner and CEO of Purple Sky Counseling in Heber and specializes in trauma, women’s issues, anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Tickets for this event are $75 each for the general public and free for current UVU students. Paid registration includes access to the conference as well as virtual access to the conference portal and materials for two weeks, parking, and lunch. Continuing education credits for licensure or re-licensure may be earned at the conference. More information about the conference can be found on the university’s website.

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