Lunch and Learn Series
Lunch and Learn webinars are free, online sessions designed to educate and engage the community on topics related to sexual violence, prevention, and survivor support—all during your lunch break. Each month features a different topic and guest speaker, offering fresh insights into trauma-informed care, prevention, and community support.
More Than Just a Job: Career Wellbeing for Survivor-Professionals
Wednesday, November 18 | 12:00 PM
Join us for our final Lunch & Learn of 2026 featuring Becky Perkins, Director of Survivor Resiliency at Zero Abuse Project.
This practical conversation will explore the unique challenges faced by professionals with lived experiences of sexual violence working in survivor-serving fields. Participants will learn strategies to support wellbeing, professional satisfaction, and long-term career retention, as well as practical ways individuals and organizations can create more supportive and inclusive workplaces.
This session is intended for survivor-professionals, colleagues, supervisors, and organizational leaders. CEU credits are free for those who attend live. A $10 processing fee applies to CEU requests for recorded sessions.
Previous Recordings
How Sexual Assault Kits Are Advancing Our Understanding of Rapists
Wednesday, October 28 | 12:00 PM
October’s Lunch and Learn with Dr. Rachel E. Lovell, Associate Professor of Criminology and Director of the Criminology Research Center at Cleveland State University. Dr. Lovell will explore how the testing of sexual assault kits has expanded our understanding of sexual offending patterns, serial offending, and the importance of collecting and testing kits across all types of sexual assault cases.
CEU credits are free for those who attend live. A $10 processing fee applies to CEU requests for recorded sessions.
Bias in the System: How Language Shapes Survivor Outcomes and How AI Can Help Us Do Better
Dr. Tamara Polajnar, CEO of herEthical AI, joins us for September’s Lunch & Learn exploring how victim-blaming and coercive language can shape survivor outcomes and influence how cases are understood and documented.
CEU credits are free for those who attend live. A $10 processing fee applies to CEU requests for recorded sessions.
Understanding Sexual Assault Survivor & Offender Behavior
For our August Lunch & Learn, Dr. Sheri Vanino, a licensed forensic and clinical psychologist specializing in trauma.
This session will examine current research on survivor and offender behavior, explore how trauma influences memory, emotions, and reporting, and discuss how a trauma-informed approach can improve understanding and decision-making in sexual assault cases.
Boofed & Bruised: Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults in Queer Communities
This is an important Lunch & Learn with Dr. Patrick Brady, criminologist and professor at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Participants will explore offender tactics used in DFSA cases, trauma-informed approaches to documenting survivor experiences, and investigative strategies that can strengthen responses involving queer survivors.
Sexual Violence Prevention Within the LGBTQ+ Community
This session will explore how members of the LGBQ community communicate consent, including the different verbal and nonverbal cues used, and highlight the positive outcomes associated with clear, affirming consent communication. Tiffany’s research focuses on sexual violence prevention, including how people communicate about the sex they do and do not want, and what influences someone’s decision to step in when they witness concerning or harmful behavior.
The Cost of Fear and The Benefit of Resistance: Practical Safety Skills for Healing and Prevention
This Lunch & Learn with Meg Stone, MPH—author and Executive Director of IMPACT Boston—in an important conversation on safety, prevention, and resilience. This session will explore the real impact of fear-based safety messaging, how to fact-check common advice, and what trauma-informed, effective personal safety strategies actually look like. Learn how individual skills can play a role in broader sexual assault prevention efforts.
Did you know you can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at DARCC Lunch & Learns?
CEU certificates are free when you attend a Lunch & Learn live. If you watch a recorded session and request CEU credit, a $10 processing fee applies.
Looking for more recordings?
Browse the recordings below or contact us at trainings@dallasrapecrisis.org for tailored support, training requests, or questions.
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This Lunch & Learn with Meg Stone, MPH—author and Executive Director of IMPACT Boston—in an important conversation on safety, prevention, and resilience. This session will explore the real impact of fear-based safety messaging, how to fact-check common advice, and what trauma-informed, effective personal safety strategies actually look like. Learn how individual skills can play a role in broader sexual assault prevention efforts.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/Sswp-mWhyq4
PRESENTER INFORMATION:
https://darccorg-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/administrator_dallasrapecrisis_org/IQAhDmiOH0VZTbFxiq6ywOeRAWYaWX3gG-_EMYD1mWgN_TU?e=NVJVnA -
November’s session features Elisabeth Swim, M.A., Helpline Client Advocate at Daya Inc., and certified Motivational Interviewing Trainer from AdvocacyAcademy.org.
Elisabeth will present “Healing-Centered Safety Planning: Building Trust with Survivors who are Newer to the U.S.”—a discussion on overcoming language and accessibility barriers, sharing resources effectively, and building trust with clients in crisis.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/2GDTMGv7iyA -
Ruby Jo will present “The Neurobiology of Fawning and Appeasement”—exploring how physiology, power, and trauma responses shape behavior. Participants will learn to identify indicators of fawning and appeasement, differentiate between them, and understand the neurobiological underpinnings of trauma states.
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Counselors and mental health professionals, watch this Lunch and Learn for an empowering session on Supporting Survivors in Your Counseling Practice on August 28 at noon! Gain practical strategies for handling sexual violence disclosures, deepen your understanding of survivor reactions, and boost your confidence as a mental health provider. Engage in collaborative discussions on making trauma-informed referrals and strengthen your skills to support survivors. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your practice!
https://youtu.be/cn8B4J0_NRI -
In this compelling presentation, Demetrice M. Lopez draws on her extensive legal experience to explore how trauma uniquely affects survivors of sexual assault, and how those effects can be misunderstood or misinterpreted within the legal system. Attendees will gain insight into the nature of trauma, how common trauma responses like delayed reporting or inconsistent testimony are often mistaken for a lack of credibility, and how legal professionals can shift practices to better support survivors navigating the justice system.
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Lunch & Learn: Shattered Silence
This powerful session explored how sexual violence impacts men’s mental health, highlighting the intersections of stigma, trauma, and healing.
We were honored to welcome Emiliano Diaz de Leon, Men’s Engagement Specialist at TAASA and founder of Texas Men S.P.E.A.K., who shared valuable insight and personal reflections on supporting male survivors and creating space for honest, healing-centered conversations.
Video:
https://youtu.be/weYX6OLrK2g
Slideshow:
https://darccorg-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/administrator_dallasrapecrisis_org/EbK5Kesg-CpHrEc4g6B8r8cBmeNJ8GZwBNu1DaySkKx2wg?e=vTGZSp
Trauma & Survivor Support
Trainings focused on trauma, healing, advocacy, counseling, and survivor experiences.
Technology, Culture & Emerging Issues
Trainings exploring technology-facilitated abuse, cultural responsiveness, and evolving issues impacting survivors.
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This engaging and timely presentation explores how technology intersects with sexual violence and youth safety. Led by Q. Olivia Rivers, CEO of The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Let’s Talk About Sext examines the social media platforms, language, and emojis most commonly used by youth, while identifying practical strategies to prevent online sexual violence. Participants will leave with tools, resources, and insights to help protect young people and foster digitally empowered, informed communities.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/04zm6hrCsXY
PRESENTATION:
https://darccorg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/administrator_dallasrapecrisis_org/IQCjaQdXmvSmQrGwLp0-4cpDARMAUsR-r8vqgzLNmpRoQFU?e=J6pTuI -
Her presentation, “The Dark Side of the Swipe: Sexual Exploitation Facilitated by Dating Apps,” explores the realities of sexual assault and exploitation facilitated by dating apps. Viewers will gain insight into the prevalence, impact, and unique characteristics of these crimes, while also examining legislative, industry, and technological strategies aimed at improving safety on digital platforms. The session further highlights survivor-centered services and approaches that support healing, recovery, and well-being.
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This session will explore the importance of culturally responsive engagement and meaningful support for Latine survivors of sexual violence.
“Beyond Translating Brochures” examines how community outreach, cultural understanding, and language justice work together to create effective and compassionate support for Latine survivors. Participants will gain practical guidance on working with diverse communities and ensuring equitable access to services.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/bsZlPBku63c
PRESENTATION:
https://darccorg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/administrator_dallasrapecrisis_org/IQCxdaHW4fwIS57pjlB3ZXg-AUJrS259PvjtjmQQASNmTmU?e=VSfdGP -
In this impactful session, Shirley Luo from the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence explores how to better support AANHPI survivors through culturally responsive practices. Learn about key cultural dynamics, systemic barriers, and strategies to strengthen outreach and services.
Video:
https://youtu.be/cLY36noa96Q
SlideShow:
https://darccorg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/administrator_dallasrapecrisis_org/EXxMWprVebpNh-V6_xi91S4BEL2whDpizcVNZSP9syKOJA?e=kWAaFg -
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This Lunch & Learn explores innovative, research-informed approaches to teaching sexual consent during adolescence. Dr. Hannah Javidi will introduce the fundamentals of affirmative consent and explain why consent education is especially critical during this developmental stage. Participants will also learn how digital health interventions can expand access to effective, engaging sexual health education and support healthy communication skills among teens.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/ia3B3kA_v2M
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
https://darccorg-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/administrator_dallasrapecrisis_org/IQDw6dwQiXkETJX4Y9S-icsyAdWU2mI9aD4AXmdjjhL0g9U?e=ssAVOb -
This presentation examines how alcohol influences sexual violence, consent, and prevention efforts among young adults. Dr. Tiffany Marcantonio shares research on alcohol-facilitated sexual violence, the role of social settings, and how alcohol impacts consent communication and bystander intervention.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/_sSgMuvK1CA -
Our next Lunch and Learn event is happening Wednesday, Jan 29. "Empowering Survivors: Consent, Boundaries, and Safe Practices in BDSM" will be facilitated by the talented AJ Greer.
Utilizing a survivor-centered approach, she will gently guide participants through safe practices in BDSM that maintain boundaries and consent in the pursuit of pleasure. She will also carefully distinguish consensual activities from harmful behaviors that can lead to assault.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/Hit-QOoVR_c -
In this powerful presentation, Tracy Matheson shares the story of her daughter Molly Jane and how systemic failures led to a preventable tragedy. Her advocacy through Project Beloved now drives legislative reform and promotes trauma-informed care to better support survivors and their families.
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/Tu7exw2Kb-Q -
In her talk, "Title IX in Higher Education: Understanding Sexual Violence in the Collegiate Setting," Brikitta will break down the history of Title IX, risk factors for sexual violence on campus, and how to build strong internal and external partnerships that support prevention and response.