We were delighted to be invited to speak at the NOTA Northern Ireland Conference on April 1st, held in Belfast on a gloriously sunny day.
NOTA supports a range of professionals from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors who are working to prevent sexual abuse through training, professional development and research.
The theme of the day, Adults Who Sexually Abuse, is understandably difficult, but all the conversations in the room that day stressed that it is essential not to shy away from discussing and addressing these issues.
Speakers included Paul Wright, Chief Inspector & Chief Officer Delegate
Protective Disclosure Unit of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Marcella Leonard MBE of Leonard Consultancy, Gareth McGibbon of McGibbon Consultancy & Safeguarding Service, the Probation Board Northern Ireland’s Kate Tyrell, Social Worker and PBNI Area Manager alongside Kirsten McFarland, PBNI Trainee Forensic Psychologist.
After that, Sonya McMullan, Regional Services Manager for Women’s Aid Federation NI, spoke about Domestic Abuse in the Context of Intimate Partner Sexual Abuse. Sonya’s talk very much focused on the victim’s voice, setting the scene for us to talk about Abuse of Animals and Abuse of People – What’s The Link?
A huge thank you to NOTA Northern Ireland for the opportunity to speak to social workers from Northern Ireland’s Health & Social Care Trusts and the Probation Board NI, as well as police officers, representatives from Justice and others involved in the safeguarding of people. Particular thanks also to Michelle Martin of ASSIST NI, Domestic and Sexual Abuse Advocacy Service, and her team, who provided us with examples of animal abuse and domestic abuse, ensuring that the voices of victim-survivors from Northern Ireland were brought into the room, as well as her support on the day.
Protecting animals and protecting people successfully relies on the multi-agency approach, so thank you again to all who heard the message, and to Marcella Leonard and Paul Stephenson of the NSPCC for inviting us to be a part of this important day.
