Thriving Survivors 2nd annual conference on 'Focusing on and responding to sibling sexual abuse and trauma' promises a profound and groundbreaking exploration into the subject of sibling sexual abuse (SSA). As Scotland's first dedicated SSA conference, it aims to amplify the voices of lived experience, academia, and professionals, while shedding light on the prevalence, challenges, and longterm impacts of this insidious form of abuse.
Thank you to SONAR our headline sponsor for our eventwe couldn’t do it without you!
Bringing together diverse perspectives
Throughout the day-long conference, attendees will engage with a remarkable roster of international speakers, participate in interactive workshops, and delve into thoughtprovoking panel discussions. The diverse backgrounds of these experts will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of SSA from multiple perspectives.
Direct access to experts
Interactive and practical sessions
Beyond our keynote seminars, the conference offers a range of interactive and practical sessions designed to equip attendees with frameworks and strategies for supporting individuals affected by SSA. Workshops will address issues such as working with adult survivors, children and young people, and families, while panel discussions will facilitate dialogue and foster collaboration among lived experience professionals in the field
One of the key benefits of this conference is the opportunity to interact directly with experts who possess extensive experience of SSA and working with survivors, those who are responsible for the harm and the parents who are also dealing with the impact of SSA Attendees will have ample time to engage with these professionals, ask questions, and gain insights into best practices for prevention, intervention, and recovery.
What to expect
Coffee and Registration 9am - 9.30am
9 30am - 9 45am
Welcome from the Conference Chair
STUART ALLARDYCE
9.45am - 10.15am
Keynote 1
ASHLEY SCOTLAND - CEO OF THRIVING SURVIVORS
10.15am - 10.45am
Keynote 2
PROF. KIERAN MCCARTEN AND AMY ADAMS
10.45am - 11.15am
Keynote 3
DAVID RUSSELL OF THRIVING SURVIVORS
BREAK 11.15am - 11.45am
LUNCH 12.45pm - 1.45pm
Workshop 1 11.45am - 12.45pm Workshop 2 1.45pm - 2.45pm
3.00pm - 3.30pm
Keynote 4
JANE EPSTEIN OF 5WAVES
Panel Discussion 3.15pm - 4.45pm
WAVES AND THRIVING SURVIVORS PANEL DISCUSSION
CONFERENCE CLOSE 4 45pm - 5 00pm
Ashley Scotland will present on the topic of sibling sexual abuse (SSA), highlighting the urgent need to address this often hidden issue. She will discuss the profound and lasting impact of SSA on survivors, their families, and society, emphasising the importance of specialised, traumainformed support.
Ashley will introduce Thriving Survivors, a Scotland-wide organisation she founded, and its unique four-stage recovery pathway designed to empower adult survivors of sexual abuse. She will share the organisation's commitment to placing lived experience and survivor voices at the heart of the service design.
The presentation will also delve into the devastating consequences of SSA, drawing upon survivor stories to underscore the urgent need for action.
Ashley will outline the role that professionals, academics, and every individual can play in breaking the silence, challenging stigma, and creating a world where all survivors of SSA are supported, believed, and empowered to thrive.
Keynote speakers
Presentation topic: Sibling sexual abuse and behaviour
Prof. Kieran McCarten and Amy Adams
Prof. Kieran McCarten and Amy Adams will deliver a crucial presentation on sibling sexual abuse, a common yet often overlooked form of intrafamilial abuse that is as harmful as parental sexual abuse. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research from the past five years, focusing on the impact on families and prevention strategies.
They will also introduce the bespoke Sibling Sexual Abuse and Behaviour Outcome and Evaluation Matrix, a collaborative effort between the University of the West of England, the University of Birmingham, and Thriving Survivors This matrix, grounded in restorative approaches and the Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool, aims to support children who have been harmed, those responsible for harm, adult survivors, and their families
Sibling sexual abuse and behaviour
The day will conclude with a panel hosted by Stuart Allardyce with Ashley Scotland, David Russell and 5 Waves, who will discuss their impactful work and share some exciting announcements.
We are thrilled to welcome our international guest, 5WAVES, as the finale panel event at our conference!
With exciting developments and global insights, 5WAVES is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Worldwide Awareness, Voice, Education, and Support around Sibling Sexual Trauma (SST) a form of child sexual abuse caused by a sibling.
Founded by five courageous women in five different time zones, 5WAVES works to break through the dark shadows of this silent epidemic As survivors and parents, they each endured years, sometimes decades, of isolation while grappling with the effects of SST on their lives and families
Sibling sexual trauma is a real and pervasive issue, affecting all types of families It is, in fact, one of n the
A panel discussion dedicated to understanding and responding to the complex issue of sibling sexual abuse (SSA) This is a critical conversation, as SSA is a more prevalent issue than many realise, affecting countless families and individuals Today, we aim to shed light on this complex topic with the help of our esteemed panellists who bring a wealth of experience and expertise.
This discussion will be divided into three key themes: Disclosure, Prevention and Intervention, and Recovery Each theme will feature insightful dialogue from professionals and those with lived experience, offering diverse perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of SSA.
Theme 1: Disclosure will delve into the challenges survivors face when disclosing abuse, exploring the barriers they encounter and how professionals can improve their responses We'll examine the impact of disclosure on both the child who was harmed and the child who caused harm, and discuss how parents can be supported in navigating this difficult terrain.
Theme 2: Prevention and Intervention will shift our focus to proactive measures By learning from the experiences of those affected by SSA, we'll identify contributing factors and discuss strategies for prevention We'll also explore the essential tools and resources parents need to recognise and address SSA within their families.
Theme 3: Recovery will centre on the healing journey for all involved Our panellists will discuss the interventions and support systems that are most effective in facilitating recovery from the trauma of SSA We'll examine how to best support the child who caused harm to ensure desistance and promote their own healing process. Finally, we'll consider how parents can heal whilst trying to support both children to recover and thrive.
Who and what caused the harm?
The complexities of working with harmful sexual behaviour between siblings
Where next?
Findings from a scoping review of four decades of research on sibling sexual abuse
OLIVER EASTMAN AND DR JAYDA IBRAHIM
PETER YATES AND AMY ADAMS
d used the harm?
Join us for an exploration of the national picture on sibling sexual abuse. Learn about the systemic barriers preventing survivors from accessing specialist support and the inconsistencies in police recognition and recording of SSA. This workshop will highlight survivor experiences, the impact of the criminal justice process, and the role of media in changing the narrative around SSA. Discover how collaboration can drive systemic change and support for survivors.
Getting it right
This in-depth workshop explores a case study of a family from a minoritised background where harmful sexual behaviour occurred between siblings. Topics include cultural and language barriers, gender roles, safety plans, professional responses, and the impacts of technology and pornography Attendees will gain insights into developing restorative narratives and supporting f these comp
Who and caused th
Oliver Eastman and Dr Jayda Ibrahim
Tanith McCulloch, SARSAS
Christian
University of Applied Sciences, Ede, the Netherlands & Tilburg University
W O R K S H O P
We can
be a
family again - but different than before
This workshop presents findings from an extensive review of sibling sexual abuse research conducted since 1980. Topics include definitions, prevalence, family characteristics, disclosure, and professional responses. Attendees will discuss surprises that challenge common assumptions and consider the next steps in supporting professionals, families, and adult survivors.
Where. next? findings from a scoping review of four decades of research on sibling sexual abuse
This longitudinal study delves into the therapeutic process of a family after the disclosure of sibling sexual abuse. Attendees will learn about relational traumas, therapeutic goals, and effective interventions that supported the family's recovery. This workshop provides valuable insights into rebuilding family dynamics post-trauma.
We can be a family againbut different than before
W O R K S H O P
Where Next?
Findings from a Scoping Review of Four Decades of Research on Sibling Sexual Abuse
Peter Yates and Amy Adams
We are thrilled to have you with us at this year's conference! To make the most of our time together and keep the conversation going, we invite you to share your experiences and insights on your socials using the hashtag.
#TS2024
