SSTA Conference: Breaking the Silence

An Event Led by Lived Experience

Sibling Sexual Trauma & Abuse: Breaking the Silence was a groundbreaking event, the the first conference in the US devoted specifically and entirely to SSTA. It was also unique as an event entirely planned and carried out by volunteers with lived experience of SSTA, that welcomed survivors, parents, all family members, and those who work in responding or healing those affected by SSTA.

Video credit: Los Dos Lupes Productions

Thank you to our Event Planner, Nubia DuVall Wilson!

Nubia DuVall Wilson (she/her) is a nationally-recognized writer, activist and speaker who is using her voice to break the cycle of generational trauma and unsilence survivors of sexual abuse, especially sibling sexual abuse (SSA). She offered her services through her PR and marketing firm, Cielo Consulting. Nubia is currently writing a memoir to raise more awareness for incest and its impact on the Black community. Nubia graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a degree in English and a minor in Religion. She lives in New Jersey with her family.

Thank you to Our Volunteer Planning Team!

Special thanks to the survivor and parent volunteers who donated their time to help with programming, logistics, funding, and so much else. Truly, this event would not have happened without your support!

Back: Sandra, Katelyn, Maria, Risa, Heidi, Brinn, Diane

Front: Grace, Colleen, Jane, Darlene, Nubia

(not pictured: Brandy)

Thank You to Our Presenters!
Click here to view all speakers

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors!
click here to view all our sponsors

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Cindy Darcy, in honor of her mother, Evelyn Darcy Grender

Who attended?

Over 130 individuals registered to attend the SSTA: Breaking the Silence Conference.

This is how they identified themselves. (Source: registration form; many identified with more than one role.)

"I feel so triumphant!

Sibling Sexual Abuse may be the deepest volcano I’ve escaped from….and I did it! I went to the conference today not only as a survivor, but as a professional and I feel so dang triumphant...what resonated within was a deep strength, a deep sense of personal power - a power I had been robbed of and FINALLY reclaimed!"

This is why they attended. (Source: exit surveys; many chose more than one response.)

"Going to the conference yesterday changed me. It was a day that I’ve been waiting to align with for 47 years. I was among other survivors and I didn’t want it to end. I learned so much, which makes me want to learn and grow and evolve even more."

This is where they came from. (Source: exit survey)

"What stood out to me wasn't just the incredible knowledge that was shared. It was watching isolation begin to give way to connection.
I watched survivors find the courage to speak their truth. I watched parents realize they were no longer alone. I watched professionals leave with greater understanding and a renewed commitment to supporting families."

Conference Values

Inclusive: Those with connection to SSTA [1] will be welcomed and supported while participating in planning and attendance, including those in historically and commonly marginalized groups (such as Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other people of color, LGBTQIA+, those who are neurodiverse, and people with disabilities). This includes respecting all attendees' religious or spiritual beliefs or nonbeliefs.
Trauma-Aware: Our spaces, processes, language, and attitude will reflect a deep understanding of trauma and the many ways it may be reverberating in the lives of those who plan, lead, and attend the conference.
Lived-Experience-Centered: We value and will amplify the voices of those with lived experience of SSTA (e.g., survivors, parents, partners of survivors).
Research-Informed: We value sound research, which provides empirical evidence to inform effective prevention, intervention, and healing responses to SSTA.
Encouraging: Our messages will reflect the true reality of SSTA, while also pointing toward the possibility for restoration, healing, and hope.
Respect Individual Agency: We will provide information for individuals to make their own decisions regarding each unique experience of SSTA, including choices regarding justice, healing, and family relationships.
Expectation of Privacy and Consent: We will prioritize privacy and confidentiality of personal images and stories throughout the conference. [2]
Simple and Affordable: In order to keep costs low and respect the time required of our volunteer planning team, we will strive to identify what needs to be done to provide a conference that aligns with our values and fulfills our mission, and focus on doing those things well.