If there is one event this season that carries both urgency and impact, it is the upcoming conference hosted by SAFE Shelter.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, SAFE Shelter will hold its 4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Conference at the Georgia Tech building in Pooler, Georgia — and the entire community is invited.
This is not just another conference. It is a powerful day of education, awareness, and action focused especially on teen dating violence, held during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Why This Event Matters Right Now
Domestic violence affects every community, every profession, and every generation. But teen dating violence is often misunderstood, overlooked, or minimized.
This conference shines a national spotlight on the issue while giving our local community the tools to recognize warning signs, respond safely, and support young people who may be at risk.
SAFE Shelter, the largest domestic violence shelter serving Georgia’s coastal region, is bringing together:
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Professionals
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Students
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Educators
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Advocates
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Law enforcement
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Community members
All united with one goal: to prevent domestic violence, protect victims, and promote change.
What Attendees Will Experience
The conference is designed to be practical, empowering, and engaging.
Participants will gain real-world knowledge through sessions such as:
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Crisis Calls and Safety Planning
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Know Your Rights
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Teen Dating Violence Education
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De-escalation Techniques
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The Importance of Self-Care
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Survivor support strategies
A special panel discussion, “Protecting Our Teens: Understanding Teen Dating Violence, Prevention, and Support,” will bring experts together to address how families, schools, and communities can step in early and make a difference.
Featured Keynote Speaker
The event will feature keynote speaker Chelsea Simpson, an author, domestic violence survivor, advocate, and 4 the Jewel NU Board Member. Her story and advocacy work offer powerful insight into both the realities of abuse and the strength it takes to overcome it.
A Message from SAFE Shelter
We recently spoke with Daisy Hernandez, Director of Outreach and Community Education, who shared:
“Domestic violence impacts every community, every profession, and every generation. This conference is designed to educate, empower, and connect our community partners so that together we can prevent domestic violence, protect victims, and promote meaningful change.”
Daisy will also be featured soon on Savannah Spotlight from Live Like Locals, hosted by Renee LaSalle and co-host Michelle Horne, where viewers can learn even more about SAFE Shelter’s mission and impact.
Event Details at a Glance
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
📍 Location: Georgia Tech Building, Pooler, GA
🎟 Cost: Free with registration
🍽 Breakfast and lunch provided
🛍 Vendor space available
Why You Should Attend
Whether you are a parent, educator, student, professional, or community leader, this conference provides tools that can literally help save lives.
Awareness leads to prevention.
Education leads to action.
Community leads to change.
SAFE Shelter is creating a space where our region can come together, learn together, and stand together against domestic violence — especially among teens.
This is more than an event. It is a step toward a safer future for our youth and our community.
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