Boxing Legend and Domestic Violence Survivor Christy Martin to Keynote 2026 Domestic Violence Summit
- Posted by Sarah Swiston
- On November 3, 2026
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2026
Boxing Legend and Domestic Violence Survivor Christy Martin to Keynote 2026 Domestic Violence Summit
Co-Sponsored by The Chicago Bar Association and WINGS, Program, Inc.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | In Person and Virtual
Chicago, IL – (November 3, 2026) – Boxing legend and domestic violence survivor Christy Martin will keynote the 2026 Domestic Violence Summit on Tuesday, November 17, from 11am – 5pm. Co-sponsored by The Chicago Bar Association and WINGS Program, Inc., the Summit will be held in person at the Chicago Bar Association (321 S. Plymouth Ct, Chicago) and virtually via a webinar link.
Christy Martin at WINGS 2025 Purple Tie Ball.
The event will bring together leading voices and advocates to address the urgent issue of domestic violence. A special focus will be on the integral role the legal community plays in shaping the systems that impact survivors.
Christy Martin is a Hall of Fame, world champion boxer, current boxing analyst, motivational speaker, and Founder and President of Christy’s Champs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence and providing support, resources, and hope to survivors and their children. In May 2026, Christy received the national Purple Ribbon Award for Survivor of the Year in recognition of her journey and advocacy. The 2025 feature film “Christy” chronicles her groundbreaking career in boxing, personal struggles, and survival of an attempted murder by her then-husband and trainer.
Through her keynote presentation, Christy shares her firsthand experience navigating the legal system following her brutal assault, offering a powerful perspective on the challenges survivors face, the importance of advocacy and accountability, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life after violence. As both a survivor and an advocate, Christy brings a unique and compelling voice to conversations about domestic violence, justice, resilience, and empowering survivors.
Tickets and Sponsorships
This May, Christy Martin was awarded a national Purple Ribbon Award for Survivor of the Year.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.wingsprogram.com. In-person attendees will receive lunch and can join a networking reception following the program at 5pm. Virtual attendees can participate via the webinar link.
“Christy Martin’s firsthand experience shows that domestic violence does not discriminate,” shares Rebecca Darr, WINGS President and CEO. “It can happen to anyone, regardless of their background. It happened to the first woman boxer to be promoted by Don King, and it is occurring every day in our communities. We are thrilled that the inspiring Christy Martin will be joining us for this year’s Domestic Violence Summit. This event will bring the legal community and advocates together to discuss pressing issues. Topics include criminalized survivors, vicarious trauma, Karina’s law removing firearms from those who cause harm, and more.”
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About WINGS Program, Inc.
The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. With more than 40 years of experience, WINGS Program, Inc. is a premier provider of domestic violence solutions.
As the largest domestic violence agency in Illinois, WINGS creates high-quality, customized, domestic violence programs for survivors of all ages, ethnicities, and gender identities. WINGS programs have provided over one million nights of safe housing, life-changing community-based counseling, and award-winning mentoring programs.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can receive help by calling the 24-hour hotline at 847.221.5680. For more information, visit www.wingsprogram.com.
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