Virtual Symposium
Domestic violence affects more than 10 million Americans each year. Yet often it is treated as a criminal or private matter rather than a public health epidemic. Journalism can play a role in bringing about change and greater awareness. The Center for Health Journalism’s annual Domestic Violence Symposium and Impact Reporting Fund provide reporters with a roadmap for covering this public health epidemic with nuance and sensitivity.
September 23, 2026 Symposium Panels:
Struggling to Help: Contending with Shifting Federal Policy and Funding Shortfalls
Krista Colón
Executive Director, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Jasmine Mithani
Reporter, The 19th and Center for Health Journalism Senior Fellow
Kelli Robinson
Executive Director, Our Sisters’ House
How Technology Can Be Used to Stalk and Control
Adam Dodge
Founder of EndTAB
Eva Galperin
Director of Cybersecurity, Electronic Frontier Foundation
Trauma-Informed Reporting: Making Sure to Do No Harm for Your Sources
Shannon Heffernan
Staff Writer, The Marshall Project
Cristina del Mar Quiles
Investigative Reporter, Centro de Periodismo Investigativo and
Center for Health Journalism 2021 Domestic Violence Impact Reporting Fund Grantee
Claire Stremple
Editor-in-chief, Alaska Beacon and
Center for Health Journalism 2023 Domestic Violence Impact Reporting Fund Grantee and 2020 National Fellow
Restraining Orders are Meant to Halt Domestic Violence. Is the System Keeping Survivors Safe?
Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee
Data and Graphics Journalist, Los Angeles Times
Connor Sheets
Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times
Q&A on Impact Reporting Fund on Domestic Violence
Michelle Levander
Founding Director and Executive Editor, Center for Health Journalism
Jacqueline Stenson
Manager of Projects, Center for Health Journalism
Impact Reporting Fund
Professional reporters with a California-focused idea who attend the symposium are eligible to apply for a reporting grant from our Domestic Violence Impact Reporting Fund. Grantees receive:
- Reporting grants of $2,000-$10,000.
- Five months of professional mentorship from a veteran journalist beginning in December 2026.
- Eligible to compete for a $1,000-$2,000 engagement grant. We are especially interested in projects that partner with community-based organizations and their clients for first-person storytelling.
Deadline to apply: October 21, 2026
Interested in applying? We encourage you to discuss your proposal with a member of our team. Please fill out the contact form below and someone from our Center will reach out to you.
Sign-up for our newsletter as well for updates and deadlines for future opportunities to apply.
Don’t see your question answered there? Reach out to us at chj@usc.edu.