The Saheli Conference brings together nonprofits, advocates, legal professionals, and community allies working in the domestic violence space. Centered on “Beyond Survival: Safety, Systems, and Dignity,” the conference fosters dialogue, collaboration, and survivor-centered approaches to strengthen support systems and build more inclusive, effective responses to domestic violence.

Conference Schedule Overview

8:30 – 9:30 AM
Registration & Community Breakfast

9:30 – 9:50 AM
Welcome & Community Grounding

9:50 – 10:10 AM
Opening Keynote: Natalie Higgins, Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives 4th Worcester district. Rep Higgins is a leader in public service and advocacy, with extensive experience in domestic violence prevention, legal support, and human rights, having worked with Pathways for Change, government agencies, and international initiatives.

10:20 – 11:30 AM
Systems Panel: The Gap Between Safe and Stable — a panel discussion with leaders in domestic violence work exploring the gap between immediate safety and long-term stability for survivors.
We are honored to be joined by wonderful speakers like Mick Hirsch, Executive Director of DOVE, Inc., and the panel will be moderated by Jessica Teperow, ensuring a thoughtful, trauma-informed conversation grounded in both practice and lived systems expertise.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch & Facilitated Table Talk

12:30 – 12:50 PM
Reflection

12:50 – 1:30 PM
Expanding the Frame – Domestic Violence Through a Cultural Lens : A conversation exploring domestic violence in immigrant and culturally diverse communities, including challenges around arranged marriages, parenting expectations, and family pressures.

1:30 – 2:00 PM
Threads of Heritage

2:10 – 3:00 PM
Cyber & Digital Security in Domestic Violence: Exploring strategies to protect survivors and their data in digital spaces

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3:05 – 4:00 PM
Recognition & Community Commitments

4:00 – 4:30 PM
Coffee and Networking Hour

4:30
Event Conclusion
Stay Tuned for more details!