SOCCS 2025

Kelly Wallace is a frequent podcast guest and social media influencer who talks about her experience testifying against her perpetrator at age eight in open court in eastern Oregon in 1985. As a victim of incest and a legal cover up by her own dad who happened to be an assistant district attorney in the same county where her grandpa was charged, Kelly has spent decades recovering and is currently at work on a memoir.
My name is Rashan Legard. As a Credentialed Survivor Advocate, Social Worker, and Male Sexual Assault Survivor, I bring a unique perspective and lived experience to my work. During my decade-long service as an enlisted officer in the Army, I faced significant challenges, including reprisal and retaliation after reporting my assault. These experiences shaped my mission: to disrupt toxic cultures and foster positive, transformational leadership. I am the Founder of Rashan Legard Speaks LLC, where I partner with organizations to provide diverse training support tailored to the SAAPM initiative. My approach integrates practical tools with creative mediums like spoken word poetry to deliver engaging, effective training programs.
Dr. Risa Shaw is a survivor of sibling sexual abuse/incest, a teacher, artist, author, and activist. Risa is committed to truth-telling to address the abuse, shame, self-blame, self-hatred, and damage done not only to her, but to every survivor of sibling incest. Her doctoral work examined family disclosure stories of deaf and hearing survivors of sibling sexual abuse. Dr. Shaw is the editor of Not Child’s Play: An Anthology on Brother-Sister Incest (in its 2nd Edition.) She is a highly experienced educator and activist, passionate about fostering intentional ways to center and amplify the voices of those silenced by oppression and violence. Living her life out loud for over 40 years in the Washington, D.C. area, Risa shares her life with her wife of 38 years, their dog Jojo, and a large beloved community. She dedicates her panel participation to individuals of all ages finding their voice and sharing their story of sexual abuse and assault. Courage is Contagious! Risa is a proud member of the Incest AWARE Alliance.
Mary Knight, LICSW, Clinical Social Worker, is a survivor of child sex trafficking, some of which took place in Seattle. She was used in child pornography and is a survivor of ritualistic abuse. Her parents were KKK members and pedophiles. Knight now has a wonderful life. She is a psychotherapist with an active private practice in Bellingham, Washington. She is an author and filmmaker. Knight wrote a memoir entitled "My Life Now: Essays by a Child Sex Trafficking Survivor." Her films can be viewed free of charge on her YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@maryknight4450 and on her website, http://www.MaryKnightProductions.com.

We meet in affinity groups to feel the  solidarity, soft space and rejuvenation that come from these groups. Affinity groups are open to individuals who identify as members of the group and can speak to the experience of being a member of the group from the "I" perspective. We acknowledge that we all  hold multiple and intersecting identities, and that you may need to make a choice to focus on one of your identities during this session. We invite you to bring your wholeness into whichever space you choose for this conversation.

Please note we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of this space.

We meet in affinity groups to feel the  solidarity, soft space and rejuvenation that come from these groups. Affinity groups are open to individuals who identify as members of the group and can speak to the experience of being a member of the group from the "I" perspective. We acknowledge that we all  hold multiple and intersecting identities, and that you may need to make a choice to focus on one of your identities during this session. We invite you to bring your wholeness into whichever space you choose for this conversation.

This group is for students who would prefer not to meet affinity groups.

This is a space for trans and cis men.

We meet in affinity groups to feel the  solidarity, soft space and rejuvenation that come from these groups. Affinity groups are open to individuals who identify as members of the group and can speak to the experience of being a member of the group from the "I" perspective. We acknowledge that we all  hold multiple and intersecting identities, and that you may need to make a choice to focus on one of your identities during this session. We invite you to bring your wholeness into whichever space you choose for this conversation.

This is a space for trans and cis women.

We meet in affinity groups to feel the  solidarity, soft space and rejuvenation that come from these groups. Affinity groups are open to individuals who identify as members of the group and can speak to the experience of being a member of the group from the "I" perspective. We acknowledge that we all  hold multiple and intersecting identities, and that you may need to make a choice to focus on one of your identities during this session. We invite you to bring your wholeness into whichever space you choose for this conversation.

"You’re an abolitionist? But what about…?” This workshop grapples with the sticky questions of addressing sexual assault through an abolitionist perspective and liberation and healing beyond police and prisons. Taking an abolitionist approach to transforming sexual violence into justice, we will explore the tenets of abolition and reflect on the challenges posed by carceral justice and by its alternatives. How do we break cycles of violence? What does transformative justice look like? We may not leave with answers, but we will sit in the questions.

Join recent college graduate and survivor, Patricia Adams, for an interactive workshop on preparing for a safe college experience. As the Program Coordinator for I Have The Right To, Patricia designed this session for high school juniors and seniors, and will focus on understanding the "Red Zone," developing personal safety strategies, and using your voice to build a supportive campus community. Empower yourself and your peers with essential tools to navigate challenges and create a safer college environment as you embark on this new chapter!

In this compelling and thought-provoking workshop, Rashan Legard shares his personal journey of survival, resilience, and healing in the face of adversity during his time in military service. Rashan's experience sheds light on the critical issues of organizational culture, toxic behaviors, and the imperative need for prevention within our ranks.As attendees engage with Rashan's powerful narrative, they will embark on a profound journey into the depths of his emotional turmoil. Through his story, they will gain valuable insight into the profound impact of love, despair, victories, and self-reflection. Rashan's vivid storytelling serves as a catalyst for attendees to reflect upon the broader ethical decision-making processes and cultural norms that can either contribute to or prevent such experiences.
This workshop is an invaluable resource for both current and future leaders. It equips them with essential lessons on fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability within their organizations. Rashan's story inspires individuals to take proactive measures to prevent abuse, promote healing, and create a safer, more inclusive environment for all members of the community.

This talk will be helpful not only to those who have experienced trauma, but also to those who want to help trauma survivors. Presenter Mary Knight, LICSW, tells about her own healing journey. Knight suffered from trauma induced chronic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression, Emphasis will be placed on the fact that the severity of traumatic events can never be categorized as either extreme or mild because each person experiences trauma differently. Although workshop will include some experiential exercises, participation in them is voluntary.

Bring yourself and your willingness to create and be playful. Participants will be invited to create Action Figures that embody power, strength and safety. Making art, especially in community with others, is a powerful means of imagining possibilities, telling our stories, and connecting in supportive ways. You don’t have to be an artist or a survivor to participate in this workshop; all are welcome. Materials will be provided for you to make Survivor Action Figures who protect and inspire! See the original Incest Survivor Action Figures to learn about them, read about their powers and stories, and be inspired to create your own.
Added: feel free to bring your own materials IF you want to, but don't feel like you have to because I've got lots for us to play with!

Join the West Seattle High School Sexual Violence Resource Group in talking about how to tailor effective sexual violence prevention to the needs of your school community. Reflect on the problems that distinguish as well as unite student bodies across schools, ways to take advocacy beyond consent education, and how to connect teachers and larger systems with student campaigns against sexual violence. Hear what has worked (or failed) for a student group focused on sexual violence prevention, and leave feeling inspired, motivated, and connected to make effective community change!

Have you ever wondered why feel the way you feel? Or why you act a certain way? Have you ever wondered, "what's wrong with me? I'm a broken, or just crazy?!" If you have, then I get it. That's how I felt for most of my life before I learned that everything you do, think and feel makes absolute perfect sense!

In this workshop, you'll be introduced to three important parts of yourself – the Inner Critic, the Inner Child and the Adult-Self. Together we’ll explore how to recognize these different internal voices – or parts of yourself – that subconsciously run your life. Additionally, you’ll gain understanding about how your nervous system controls so much of how we feel and what we do. Overall, you’ll leave with more understanding, acceptance and compassion toward yourself and everyone else around you.