Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma

Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma Our vision is a world free from violence, abuse and trauma. IVAT's Vision is a world free from violence, abuse, and trauma.

The Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) strives to be a comprehensive resource, training and research center dealing with all aspects of violence, abuse and trauma. Through a focus on collaborations with various partnering organizations, IVAT desires to bridge gaps and help improve current systems of care on a local, national, and global level. IVAT'S Mission is to improve the quality o

f life for individuals on local, national and international levels by sharing and disseminating vital information, improving collaborations and networking, conducting research and trainings, assisting with direct professional services, program evaluation, and consulting to promote violence-free living. To support and help raise donations, you can start a Facebook Fundraiser and find us as Family Violence and Sexual Assault Institute!

Long-term or repeated trauma — especially in childhood — doesn’t just affect emotions.It can increase risk for heart dis...
04/20/2026

Long-term or repeated trauma — especially in childhood — doesn’t just affect emotions.

It can increase risk for heart disease, chronic pain, immune issues, and metabolic conditions through something called allostatic load — the wear and tear on the body when stress systems stay activated too long.

If your body feels older or more exhausted than your age, it may be a trauma response — not a personal failure.

This Crime Victims' Rights Week, we honor the strength of survivors and the communities that support them. IVAT continue...
04/20/2026

This Crime Victims' Rights Week, we honor the strength of survivors and the communities that support them. IVAT continues to link research, practice, policy and advocate to promote violence-free living for all. We stand with survivors this week and always.

Join Ami C. Carpenter, founding member of the San Diego Human Trafficking and CSEC Advisory Council, for this Lunch & Le...
04/17/2026

Join Ami C. Carpenter, founding member of the San Diego Human Trafficking and CSEC Advisory Council, for this Lunch & Learn webinar!

With a focus on domestic minor s*x trafficking (DMST), this webinar will describe how young people enter the world of human trafficking, and how to use trauma-informed care to help them exit. This training centers narratives from traffickers and survivors, and debunks common myths.

🗓️ April 22, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Pacific Time
📍 Zoom

💡 This webinar is approved for 1 continuing education credit: APA, ASWB, NBCC

Register today–link in comments!

Each year, the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) seeks to honor and recognize individuals who have made sig...
04/16/2026

Each year, the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) seeks to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in their field by addressing violence, abuse, and trauma.

We welcome you to submit your nominations of individuals you believe deserve to be recognized for their work.

⏳ Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 4, 2026
🏆 Awards Presentation: September 24–26, 2026, throughout the Summit

Learn more about our awards and submit your nominations–link in the comments.

As we look back at the roots of the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we honor the milestones of the movement t...
04/15/2026

As we look back at the roots of the history of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we honor the milestones of the movement to end s*xual assault, abuse, and harassment. Survivors’ voices have always been and remain the foundation of this movement. Past, present, and future, listening to survivors and respecting their diverse experiences is essential.

Submit your poster presentation today!The San Diego Hybrid Summit Poster Flash Talks provide attendees with an opportuni...
04/14/2026

Submit your poster presentation today!

The San Diego Hybrid Summit Poster Flash Talks provide attendees with an opportunity to discuss new research, programs, and other current issues with presenters who have created visual poster displays.

⏳ Poster Submission Deadline: Thursday, May 7, 2026

🎤 Poster Flash Talks: Friday, September 25, 2026 | 4:30pm–5:30pm

🗣️ Networking Reception: Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5:45pm–6:45pm

📍 Location: Hyatt Regency La Jolla, San Diego, CA *presenters required on-site

Learn more and submit your poster–link in comments!

Today is Digital Action Day 💙­ Contact your members of Congress and advocate for policies that support families and prev...
04/14/2026

Today is Digital Action Day 💙­ Contact your members of Congress and advocate for policies that support families and prevent child abuse.

Prevent Child Abuse America's Federal policy Priorities include:
💲 Investments in Primary Prevention
🏠 Comprehensive Family Supports
📈 Economic Stability and Mobility

Learn more about making prevention the priority and easily contact your representatives through PCA's action alert–link in comments!

With families at the center, the possibilities are endless.

Trauma isn’t “just in your head.”It changes how your nervous system and stress hormones function. When the body stays on...
04/13/2026

Trauma isn’t “just in your head.”

It changes how your nervous system and stress hormones function. When the body stays on alert, symptoms like muscle tension, stomach issues, headaches, fatigue, or feeling jumpy can appear — even without an obvious reason.

These are real physiological responses, not weakness. Your body is trying to protect you.
Healing often begins with understanding that.

Join our team!Apply your passion and skills to promote violence-free living for all. Click the link in the comments to v...
04/13/2026

Join our team!

Apply your passion and skills to promote violence-free living for all. Click the link in the comments to view our careers page for full details.

Join IVAT's newest project to promote violence-free living for all!IVAT’s Bridging Research-to-Practice project (R2P) ai...
04/09/2026

Join IVAT's newest project to promote violence-free living for all!

IVAT’s Bridging Research-to-Practice project (R2P) aims to accelerate the translation of interpersonal violence research into practice through a coordinated network that builds sustained connections between researchers and practitioners, ultimately improving treatment and prevention efforts, as well as victim/survivor and offender services. This collaborative project will translate research into actionable, practical guidance through a collaborative program and network through dissemination of information in accessible formats.

🗣📢 We are currently seeking interested individuals to participate in our ad hoc committee, which will primarily contribute to the Evidence Exchange.

👉 Learn more about R2P–link in comments!

🗓️ SAVE THE DATERegistration opens soon for IVAT's first HYBRID offering of the San Diego Summit! Join us September 24-2...
04/09/2026

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE

Registration opens soon for IVAT's first HYBRID offering of the San Diego Summit! Join us September 24-26, 2026 in sunny San Diego, or from the comfort of your home or office. See you soon!

📢 Spring into CEs with IVAT's upcoming webinars!🗓️ April 22, 12:00pm–1:00pm PT💡 How Does Trafficking Happen and How to R...
04/08/2026

📢 Spring into CEs with IVAT's upcoming webinars!

🗓️ April 22, 12:00pm–1:00pm PT
💡 How Does Trafficking Happen and How to Respond? Grooming, Trauma Bonding, and Trauma-Informed Care
🎤 Ami C. Carpenter, PhD
💲 40, not including CEs (student and military discounts available!)

With a focus on domestic minor s*x trafficking (DMST), this webinar will describe how young people enter the world of human trafficking, and how to use trauma informed care to help them exit. This training centers narratives from traffickers and survivors, and debunks common myths.

🗓️ May 12, 12:00pm–1:30pm PT
💡 Working with Trauma in High-Conflict or Forensic Contexts
🎤 Shannon McHugh, PsyD
💲 45, not including CEs (student and military discounts available!)

Learn to assess and treat trauma in high-conflict and forensic settings. This presentation covers trauma-informed evaluation, distinguishing genuine symptoms from bias, and navigating legal complexities while maintaining objectivity, ethics, and clear, defensible conclusions.

🔗 Registration link in comments!

Address

11526 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite A-2
San Diego, CA
92121

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 6pm
Tuesday 7am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 6pm
Friday 7am - 6pm

Telephone

+18585271860

Website

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