Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence and Abuse Conference 2026

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.
• Showcase Innovation
• Present current research, case studies, and service innovations that inform best practice in healthcare responses.
• Reflective Practice
• 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 - Register using the form below. 

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

Abstract Requirements

• 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 11th May 2026

How to Submit

Please submit your abstract using our online submission form by 27th April 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

Abstract submission deadline: 27th April 2026

Notification of acceptance: Date TBC

Conference date: 16th June 2026

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.

REGISTER USING THE FORM BELOW: