Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse in Ireland, North and South

The first conference of its kind for social work, Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse in Ireland, North and South, is a unique opportunity to explore and understand the complexities of domestic abuse from an all-island viewpoint.

By connecting policy, practice, and experience, the conference will examine how abuse affects lives and profile insights and learning for all areas of social work.

Social work has a unique line of sight, often pressing to address matters others overlook. The agenda will explore issues which frequently go undiscussed, highlighting the many ways domestic abuse manifests in family relationships. Focus will be given to considering the impacts of intimate partner violence, child to parent violence and working with families, with consideration given to the appropriate social work responses. 

Keynote presentations will be delivered by Professor Stephanie Holt, Head of School & Course Director, PG Dip in Child Protection & Welfare at Trinity College Dublin, Marcella Leonard, Director of Leonard Consultancy and expert in the areas of psychosexual therapy, child and public protection, and Frank Mullane, MBE, from the organisation Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse. Confirmed speakers also include Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Justice, and Naomi Long MLA, Minister for Justice.

The conference is generously sponsored by the Departments of Health and Justice in Northern Ireland and the Department of Justice in Ireland and will underline the various ways social workers collaborate with other professionals, championing approaches which deliver for the individuals we support and identifying where improvements can be made. 

There will be opportunities to learn from one another concerning what works in each jurisdiction, what can be shared and what should be replicated. Attention will also be given to exploring how best to ensure a unified approach between health and justice legislation, policy and practice in tackling domestic abuse. 

What is not understood cannot be addressed. Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse in Ireland, North and South will equip attendees with essential knowledge to deliver meaningful improvements in practice and policy, with important learning both for colleagues at the frontline and those working at the strategic level.  

Places to attend for Northern Ireland Social Workers are fully funded and will be allocated via employers. 

 See the full event programme below.