Change is Constant. So Is Our Work.

By Amber Schroeder

Many of us are feeling the weight of this moment. From economic instability and shifting policies to public attacks on higher education, research, and professional practice, the landscape is changing in ways that affect how we work—and how we support those we serve. For many of your clients and ourselves, this moment is changing how we live and look at our lives.

At ATSA, we’ve been hearing from members who are navigating real uncertainty: institutional pressures, loss of research funding, new legislative restrictions, growing concern about international collaboration, job loss, and fatigue from trying to keep up with it all. These challenges are not theoretical—they directly affect our ability to provide effective, accessible, evidence-based treatment, conduct high-quality research, and train the next generation of professionals in this field.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the circumstances were isolating, but there was a strong sense of “we’re in this together.” That collective mindset helped sustain us as individuals, as an organization, and as a field. While the pressures we’re facing now are more fragmented and often harder to name—whether it’s the chilling effect of legislative scrutiny, U.S. executive orders that complicate nonprofit operations, economic uncertainty, or a travel advisory warning international colleagues against attending U.S. conferences—we need to return and lean into that same spirit of shared purpose.

Our work is about preventing sexual harm and supporting treatment for those who have caused or are at risk to cause it and holding those who cause harm accountable for their harmful behaviors. That requires space for rigorous research, clinical flexibility, and professional development that reflects real-world diversity and nuance. It’s becoming harder to do that work when DEI initiatives and trans-inclusive practices—essential components of ethical, effective care—are increasingly politicized or restricted. It’s also harder when economic uncertainty, including trade tensions and U.S. federal policy shifts, place added strain on institutions, providers, clients, and programs.

As we prepare for our 2025 Annual Research & Treatment Conference this September, we’re focused on ensuring the event supports you—wherever you are, however you’re showing up. Whether in person or online, we’re committed to making space for continued learning, connection, and collaboration. We recognize that for some, travel is no longer straightforward, and safety is a consideration that can’t be overlooked. We hear you, and we’re adapting. Please stay tuned!

As clinicians and researchers, we know that group work can create meaningful, lasting change. It’s not always easy, but when people show up and work together with honesty, structure, and shared goals, transformation is possible. The ATSA community is no different. This group—our group—has the power to shift narratives and policies, ensuring the treatment of those who cause harm remains rooted in evidence, ethics, and effectiveness. And when we come together, even in uncertain times, we move that shift forward. 

These aren’t easy times. But the work you do matters—and ATSA is here to support it.
Creating a world where ending sexual harm is a shared responsibility and an achievable goal means staying grounded in what we know works, even when everything around us is shifting. It means being clear-eyed, flexible, and committed to showing up for each other—and for the people who rely on our expertise.

These are complex times—but this community has never shied away from complexity. And we won’t start now.