The University of Delaware will host a national conference focusing on the complex topic of gender-based violence to be held on campus Sept. 28-29. 

The Equitable Approaches conference is hosted by UD’s Center for the Study and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence. The conference brings together researchers, practitioners, and policy experts from all sectors to address all forms of gender-based violence through scholarship, advocacy and activism. The event creates space to engage in conversations and share research and best practices that utilize intersectional and interdisciplinary approaches to ending gender-based violence. 

Keynote speakers include Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan, authors of the book Sexual Citizens, the landmark study of sex, power and assault on college campuses. The study presented a new way to understand sexual assault and provide a direction for how to address it.

Delaware state lawmakers are expected to participate in a panel discussion focused on policy approaches that build on the innovative approaches already in action in the state to address gender-based violence. A panel discussion organized by UD’s Biden Institute will bring together national policy makers to discuss the past and future of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), one of then Senator Joe Biden’s signature pieces of legislation. 

Early bird registration pricing ends July 15. Single and multiple day registration levels are available.

As a complement to the conference, an exhibit featuring photographs by internationally renowned photojournalist Donna Ferrato are scheduled to be on view in UD’s Mechanical Hall. Ferrato is known for her groundbreaking documentation of the hidden world of domestic violence. The works are from her latest book, Holy. Taken over a 50-year period and published as a collection in 2020, the photos document issues impacting women’s lives including sexual identity, race, reproductive rights, ageism, and violence.