Help us plan the first ever Domestic Violence Security and Safety Conference in Washington DC

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This October, we're hosting the first ever domestic violence conference that focuses solely on safety and security of everyone involved. We need your help to make it happen.

Specifically, we'll be focusing on topics relevant to two audiences:

1. Victims of domestic violence and their support systems
2. Employees and volunteers of shelters and safe houses

This two-day event will help train domestic violence shelter and safe house employees, as well as those in similar roles, on some of the most important safety and security concepts that they need to know. This approach was based on multiple training requests, as there's no formal program for those individuals. As a result, the risk is increased for them and for the residents they're trying to protect.

Topics will include physical security, operations security, detecting and countering surveillance, social networking, computer security, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and other important topics. In order to accommodate those that can't attend in person, we will be recording the entire event. We'll also be giving away important tools and software, and orienting the attendees on their use.

So, here's the ask. We need your help to prepare and plan for it. We already have some speakers interested, but we need some help to manage that, invite guests, prepare printed material, design graphics, things like that.

Please note that we do not discriminate, but will help all victims of domestic violence regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other factor.

About Operation: Safe Escape

Operation Safe Escape is an initiative of OSPA, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. And we have one simple goal: to make sure that every victim of domestic violence has the resources, information, and confidence that they need to leave their abusive partner.

We fight against domestic violence in two ways. First is by empowering the individuals impacted by domestic violence, helping them (and their children) turn from victims to survivors. We first help to develop secure communication channels with their support system and local shelters, and then build on that to provide security and safety guidance relevant to their current step in the process. This takes a team of up to 30 security professionals in different disciplines, as well as software and application developers and other specialists.

Next, we make sure that the survivor has a safe place to go. To do this, we work with shelters, safe houses, and advocacy groups in developing security solutions and training staff on counter-surveillance and other security concepts.

Thanks!