Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence and Abuse: A National Conference for Healthcare Professionals
Join us for a groundbreaking national conference dedicated to enhancing healthcare responses to survivors of sexual violence and abuse. This full-day event brings together survivors, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates to share knowledge, build skills, and foster collaboration in supporting survivors.
Aims:
- Enhance Awareness and Understanding
- Deepen healthcare professionals' understanding of the dynamics, prevalence, and impact of sexual violence and abuse across diverse populations.
- Strengthen Clinical Skills
- Develop confidence and competence in identifying, responding to, and supporting survivors in clinical settings.
- Trauma-Informed Approaches
- Promote trauma-informed care principles to ensure healthcare responses do not retraumatise survivors.
- Address Systemic Barriers
- Examine institutional, cultural, and systemic factors that hinder disclosure, access to care, and justice, particularly for marginalised communities.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, safeguarding leads, social workers, police, and advocacy services.
- Present current research, case studies, and service innovations that inform best practice in healthcare responses.
- Create space for attendees to consider their own assumptions, biases, and areas for professional growth
Programme Schedule:
9:30 AM: Registration & Refreshments
Welcome and networking opportunity
10:00 AM: Opening Keynote
11:00 AM: Oral Presentations
12:15 PM Lunch:
Networking and refreshments provided
1:15 PM: Facilitated Workshops (Session 1)
2:10 PM: Facilitated Workshops (Session 2)
2:55 PM: Afternoon Refreshments
Break and networking
3:15 PM: Day Overview & Discussion
3:45 PM: Closing Keynote
Final keynote presentation
4:15 PM: Conference Close
Cost: £75pp / £25 student
Call for Abstracts
We invite healthcare professionals, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts for oral presentations and poster presentations at this national conference.
This conference aims to enhance healthcare responses to survivors of sexual violence and abuse through knowledge sharing, skill development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We welcome contributions that advance understanding, practice, and innovation in supporting survivors across diverse populations.
Submission Categories
Oral Presentations
Format: 15-minute presentations in concurrent breakout sessions
Poster Presentations
Format: Visual poster displays with opportunities for discussion
Display: Throughout the conference day
Engagement: Dedicated viewing time during breaks and lunch
Topics of Interest
We welcome submissions on (but not limited to):
Survivor Perspectives: Co-produced research and practice initiatives
Clinical Practice & Care Pathways: Innovative approaches to identification, disclosure, and support in healthcare settings
Trauma-Informed Care: Implementation of trauma-informed principles and practices
Diverse Populations: Addressing the needs of marginalised communities and specific population groups
Communication & Skills: Effective communication strategies and clinical skills development
Service Innovation: New models of care, service delivery, and support pathways
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partnerships between health, social care, police, and advocacy services
Research & Evidence: Current research findings, evaluations, and evidence-based practice
Systemic Barriers: Addressing institutional, cultural, and structural barriers to care and justice
Education & Training: Professional development and training initiatives
Submission Guidelines
Word Limit: Maximum 300 words (excluding title and author details)
Structure: Should include background, aims/objectives, methods (where applicable), key findings/outcomes, and conclusions/implications for practice
Authors: Include all author names, affiliations, and contact details for the presenting author
- Presentation Requirements
Presenting authors must register for the conference
At least one author must be present to deliver oral presentations or discuss posters
Presenters will receive confirmation of acceptance by 10th February 2026
How to Submit
Please submit your abstract using our online submission form by 1 February 2026.
You will need to provide:
Abstract title
Presenting author details and co-authors
Preferred presentation format (oral or poster)
Abstract text (max 300 words)
Date Milestone
1 February 2026 Abstract submission deadline
10th February 2026 Notification of acceptance
4 March 2026 Conference date
Questions?
For queries about abstract submissions, please contact: Claire.dosdale@northumbria.ac.uk
We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you to this important national conference.
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SHORTLY
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