87 sessions. 800 attendees. 1 shared mission.
In September, advocates, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, researchers, legislators, and survivors from across the country joined us in Chicago for our National Training Institute to move victim services forward.
Topics included financial crimes, ethical true crime, domestic and sexual violence, AI in victim services, elder abuse, and so much more. What makes NTI so special is the opportunity to learn across disciplines – and to learn directly from survivors of all types of crime, who not only share their experience but also help train others in best practices.
Beyond the sessions, NTI created space for advocates to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, exchange ideas, and find community with others doing this work across the country.
The feedback says it all:
“NTI has been the most impactful conference I have attended within the field of victim advocacy. I am grateful to have been in attendance.”
Another participant said:
“I was very happy with the conference. It was one of the best that I have attended. The breakouts were helpful to our advocacy part of what we do.”
[SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM NTI CHICAGO]
Three days. Dozens of conversations. Countless opportunities to learn.
Our keynote sessions tackled some of the most pressing issues facing victims and survivors today, including:
- What it is like to be a victim in the media spotlight – with Kim Goldman, Jena-Lisa Jones, John Clune, John Manly, and Tyler Bailey
- Roblox and the dangers of online child predators – with Schlep, Karen Buck, Martin Gould, and Chris Hansen
- How victims can use their stories to change legislation – with Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, Yvonne Ambrose, Illinois state Rep. Curtis Tarver II, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, and Antonio Romanucci
- How Meta built a platform that allowed child abuse – with New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez and Michael Haggard
“When I realized that Meta built the largest sexual abuse marketplace in existence, it ignited a fury within me that was difficult to contain or control.”
Raúl Torrez, New Mexico attorney general
This is a fury we felt in other panels.
“Data shows that 10% of public school children will face sexual abuse in K-12 education by a staff member.”
John Manly, victim attorney
Schlep and Chris Hansen continued the conversation on child sexual abuse on Roblox; Jenna-Lisa Jones shared about protecting children from traffickers; Elizabeth Carlock Phillips discussed the NDAs that are keeping children from being able to talk about their abuse; and Yvonne Ambrose shared about her daughter’s trafficking and murder on Backpage.com.
One thing was clear: There needs to be significantly more protection for children – online, in school, and in the legal system.
And the learning didn’t stop there. We heard from:
- Survivors who shared their powerful stories and lived experiences
- U.S. Rep. Jim Costa on updates on the congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus
- U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on the impacts of 9/11
- NCVC team members Renee Williams on civil justice for crime victims, Daniel Torrez on self-compassion and avoiding burnout, and Kim Camacho on financial crimes
Starting the week off with survivor leadership
Before NTI kicked off, we also hosted the Sunny Von Bulow Advocate Academy, bringing survivors together to learn how to advocate for themselves, advance policy change, and start nonprofits.
“Being selected was truly an honor. We heard from survivors who have experienced horrific events in their lives and are now advocating for prevention and policy change, working to prevent others from experiencing the same loss and trauma. We heard from experts in the advocacy field who have made incredible impacts on the issues they’re passionate about. The level of support, validation, and encouragement among participants was so meaningful. I left refreshed, and even more motivated and determined.“
Advocate Academy participant
Keeping the momentum going
At the heart of everything we do, we advocate for victims and survivors of all crimes. We were honored to provide a space where advocates, attorneys, survivors, legislators, researchers, and law enforcement could come together to connect, network, learn, and grow.
If there was one theme woven throughout NTI, it was the power of bringing people together — to share what they know, listen to lived experiences, challenge one another, and return to their communities with new ideas and tools.
Thank you to everyone who made NTI Chicago such a meaningful and energizing experience.
We’ll see you in Seattle for NTI 2027! 🎉
Stay tuned to NCVC’s newsletter and social media (we’re @CrimeVictimsOrg on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) for announcements about proposals and registration for next year.
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