9th Annual GDS Summit on Sexual Assault & Consent

Should teenage sexuality be viewed as a crime? This session will examine the legal and social consequences of consent laws in the United States, using Lisa Ling’s investigative report, Age of Consent, as a case study. After viewing an excerpt of the episode, educator and attorney Stef Woods will lead attendees in analyzing the importance and limitations of consent laws. This interactive session will include time for discussion and Q&A, as we explore the goals, enforcement, and often-confusing differences of state consent laws.

Join survivor and advocate, and board member of I Have The Right To, Steve Peacock, as he shares his powerful journey from childhood victim of sexual abuse to outspoken survivor. In this impactful talk, Steve reflects on how a 15 year old survivor inspired him to share his story publicly and become an advocate for survivors. Steve will share how this helped him to not only reclaim his right to a full, healthy life but also propelled him into the world of advocacy to prevent sexual violence, show survivors that they are not alone and address the cultural forces that prevent healthy male development. He will discuss the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse on boys and men, highlighting how masculinity can play a crucial role in both healing and preventing sexual violence. This workshop encourages teens to recognize their voices' power and inspires them to advocate for themselves and others.

Please join the Cohort Meeting with your school group. If you are a speaker, please join our Speaker Cohort group to get to know other speakers and community partners. For those students and educators attending without a school team, please join our Mixed Group Cohort group.