Top 10 Speakers for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2023)

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in three women and one in six men will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. These statistics are staggering and highlight the urgent need to raise awareness and take action to prevent sexual assault. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is intended to create a space for us to come together to raise awareness and promote the prevention of sexual violence.

One way to promote awareness and prevention is through education and inspiration from experts in the field and people with lived experiences. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 keynote speakers who are making a significant impact in sexual assault prevention and awareness. These speakers have lived through their own experiences with sexual violence or have worked closely with survivors, and use their platforms to educate and advocate for change.

Their stories and insights provide valuable lessons for individuals, communities, and organizations looking to make a positive impact and support survivors. From advocates to survivors, these speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and a powerful message of hope and healing. In this article, we'll introduce you to each speaker and their story. We hope that you’ll find their stories compelling enough to share with your company, school, or organization in order to expand their impact. Together, we can work towards a world free from sexual violence.

TOP 10 Sexual Assault Prevention Speakers

1) Aly Raisman

Aly Raisman is a former Olympic gymnast and one of the most outspoken advocates for sexual assault survivors. As a two-time Olympian and captain of the US women's gymnastics team, Raisman has won six Olympic medals and numerous world championship medals, making her one of the most accomplished gymnasts in US history. She has spoken openly about her own experience with sexual abuse, sharing her story as a part of the trial against Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics national team doctor convicted of sexually assaulting multiple gymnasts. Through her advocacy work, Raisman has become a leading voice for change, using her platform to raise awareness about sexual assault and promote prevention measures. Raisman is using her platform to empower and inspire others to speak out against abuse and to create a safer environment for all. Her powerful and inspiring message has resonated with audiences worldwide and made a significant impact on the fight against sexual violence.

2) Dina McMillan

Dr. Dina McMillan is a renowned social psychologist, author, and keynote speaker who specializes in interpersonal relationships, social stratification, and influence mechanisms. Her expertise and research allow her to educate and provide essential tools to people on topics such as domestic abuse prevention, anti-bias and anti-racism training, and influence and manipulation. Through her groundbreaking program, "Unmasking the Abuser," Dr. McMillan dissects specific tactics used by abusers to ensnare their partners, making it an excellent resource for survivors and organizations that support them. Her speeches on sexual assault prevention and response offer a nuanced understanding of the issue and provide audiences with the insights and tools they need to make a difference.

3) Rosie Rivera

Rosie Rivera is notable not only for her appearances on reality TV and her business acumen but also for her courage in sharing her experiences with sexual assault. Rosie's own journey to healing has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and traumas faced by survivors of sexual violence, and she is dedicated to using her platform to raise awareness and help others heal. Through her public speaking engagements, including appearances at women's prisons and high schools, Rosie offers practical tools for healing and promotes a message of hope and resilience. Her book, "My Broken Pieces: Mending the Wounds From Sexual Abuse Through Faith, Family, and Love," is a testament to her courage and compassion and a source of inspiration for those seeking to heal from sexual trauma.

4) Mike Domirtz

Mike Domitrz has dedicated his career to educating audiences on topics such as consent, bystander intervention, and societal influences that impact today's sexual culture. In 2003, Mike founded The Center for Respect, which conducts keynotes and workshops for tens of thousands each year. Domitrz's work has been recognized by numerous organizations, and he has been brought in to speak on these important topics by leading educational institutions, associations, organizations, and the U.S. military. His speeches and workshops are known for their unique, honest conversations that promote positive behavioral change for individuals and organizations. Attendees of his speeches have described them as "life-changing" and "empowering," and his impact on the fight against sexual assault is undeniable.

5) Erika Gilchrest

Erika Gilchrist's personal experiences have shaped her into a powerful speaker and advocate for women's empowerment. As a survivor of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and attempted suicide, she has dedicated her life to helping other women thrive fearlessly. With 23 years of speaking experience and 13 published books, Erika is an expert in personal development, leadership training, and conflict management for women. Her Women Thriving Fearlessly brand is the largest expo for women in business in Chicagoland. Erika has been recognized for her achievements, including being featured as one of the "15 Most Powerful Women on the South Side of Chicago," as well as in Chicago Woman Magazine, CLTV, and Rolling Out Magazine. She uses her platform to speak openly about her own experiences with sexual assault and abuse and to inspire others to break the cycle of violence and live boldly.

6) Chong Kim

Chong Kim's personal story of surviving human trafficking has made her an acclaimed speaker and expert on the topic. Ms. Kim's passion for social justice and civil rights for children globally began during her difficult childhood, which included time in the foster care system after being forced to immigrate to the United States. After returning to her parents, Ms. Kim was sold into human trafficking by someone she fell in love with, and was subjected to torture, abuse, and forced drug addiction while being forced to see multiple clients a day. She eventually escaped and battled mental health disorders like CPTSD and BPD, before sharing her story to a wider audience through her memoir Broken Silence, and the film Eden. Ms. Kim now speaks on topics such as human trafficking, child sex exploitation, and predator awareness to various organizations and brands.

7) Matthew Bocchi

Despite the traumatic events that Matthew Bocchi has experienced, he is now a powerful advocate for sexual assault survivors. Through his book and public speaking engagements, he shares his personal journey of healing and encourages others to speak out and seek help. In particular, Bocchi is committed to spreading awareness about male survivors of sexual assault, an often-overlooked group. He uses his own story to break down stigmas and stereotypes and to empower other men to come forward and share their experiences. Bocchi’s bravery in speaking out has inspired many and helped to shine a light on this important issue.

8) Germayne Tizzano

In her speaking engagements, Dr. Tizzano is known for her compassionate and powerful approach. Her message of hope draws from her personal story of 20 years of childhood sexual abuse and familial-based violence. Using her findings as an avid researcher on the impact of sexual violence on the mind and body, she presents state-of-the-art approaches to resiliency and health. Her compassion and courage emit an emotional, psychological “safe space” necessary for participants to examine trauma and abuse thoroughly. Participants come away with an in-depth understanding of the underpinnings of violence and its ties to challenges such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and other addictions. She presents with clarity, vision, and conviction concrete measures that her audience can use to begin healing from the treacherous impact of abuse. She is the author and publisher of a 32-hour curriculum, Sanctuary for Change, aimed at healthy sexual recovery and intimacy for female survivors of sexual trauma.?

9) Becky Fein

Becky Fein is an avid advocate, passionate public speaker, and trainer, and Founding Director of the Powerful Voices Project, a documentary film series that explores recovery and resilience after experiencing sexual assault. Becky has spent the last decade speaking to audiences around the country and working to create innovative programs that promote mental health and peer empowerment among young adults. Her work has been featured in many news outlets, including national coverage with NBC News and NowThis.Becky's speaking style is engaging and deeply personal, with a specific focus on sexual assault, mental health, bystander intervention, the power of storytelling in service to community-building and healing, and survivor empowerment. She believes fervently in the power of story-sharing in service to her own and others’ healing.

10) Greg Holtmeyer

Greg Holtmeyer is a survivor of child sexual abuse and a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the devastating impact of sexual assault on males. As a speaker, trainer, and educator, he has worked with various organizations and professionals from diverse fields, including law enforcement, education, counseling, and medical, to provide better support and care for male survivors of sexual abuse. Greg's efforts have helped break down the barriers of masculinity stereotypes and empower men to embrace healthy emotions. Through his powerful healing testimony and professional training, he continues to inspire hope and healing for male survivors of sexual assault.

You can visit https://www.letsengage.com/ to learn more about each of these speakers and to book them for your upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention event.