Trauma-informed therapist and agency executive director Joann Schladale to receive national honor

Harrisburg, Pa., Aug. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) are pleased to honor Joann Schladale with the 2018 Gail-Burns Smith Award. Schladale, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in sexual health, trauma, violence prevention and sexual behavior problems, will receive the award during the 2018 National Sexual Assault Conference held in Anaheim, CA on August 29-31.

Presented jointly by ATSA and NSVRC, this award is named in honor of Gail Burns-Smith, one of the first advocates who recognized and spoke publicly about how victim advocates and sex offender management professionals could collaborate to effectively prevent child sexual abuse. 

Schladale is the founder and Executive Director of Resources for Resolving Violence, a mental health agency that provides in-home, trauma-informed services. She facilitates trainings for therapists, law enforcement officers, advocates and other professionals on topics including intra-familial sex offenders and youth with sexual behavior problems.

In addition, Schladale has authored numerous book chapters, articles and publications on trauma-informed approaches for sexual health and violence prevention. She teaches courses nationwide on the prevention of violence, sexual abuse and teen pregnancy.

About Schladale, CEO of NSVRC Karen Baker, said, “She has trained thousands of professionals throughout the United States on how to work effectively with youth who have sexual behavior problems, and their families.  Her trainings are powerful - some participants even characterize them as being life-changing. She has been extremely influential.”   
 
ATSA’s Executive Director, Maia Christopher, said, “Joann originally set out to train other therapists – but, by popular demand, she is also frequently asked to train law enforcement, victim advocates, child protective workers, and others who are interested in healing trauma and preventing further child sexual abuse. She unites people with a common goal.”

ABOUT ATSA:

The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) is an international, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse. ATSA has member chapters throughout the world; and informs evidence-based public policy and prevention initiatives. Visit www.atsa.com for more information on the treatment and management of individuals who have sexually abused or are at risk to abuse.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER:

NSVRC is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC translates research and trends into best practices that help individuals, communities and service providers achieve real and lasting change. The center also works with the media to promote informed reporting. Every April, NSVRC leads Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing this widespread issue. NSVRC is also one of the three founding organizations of Raliance, a national, collaborative initiative dedicated to ending sexual violence in one generation.