For the ninth consecutive year, the Centro Salud Justicia de Puerto Rico will hold its annual 'Empieza por Creer' (Start by Believing) symposium for professionals who work with victims of sexual violence. This year’s edition, titled 'Violencia sexual y los medios digitales: De la evidencia a la práctica,' will be held September 24-25, 2026 at the Terra Campestre Convention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
The event will focus on using data and research to develop action plans against sexual violence in digital media, gathering professionals from Puerto Rico and the United States to discuss ethical and legal issues, investigations, challenges, strategies, and recommendations. Speakers include Dr. Linda Pérez, principal investigator of the All of Us study and research coordinator at Centro Salud Justicia, presenting on research as a driver of change regarding data and sexual violence; and Will Rivera, speaking from New York on advocating for a future without sexualized, tech-facilitated violence.
Dr. Linda Laras, forensic gynecologist and director of Centro Salud Justicia de Puerto Rico, said the theme responds to rising cases of sexual violence in digital media and the need for strategies, noting the event will bring together the Department of the Family, Police, Department of Justice, courts, federal officials, and community organizations.