It has taken me a week to process the incredible energy and emotion of our recent conference on sibling sexual abuse. The messages of support I have received have been truly heartwarming, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who reached out.
Standing in the magnificent Trades Halls of Glasgow, I felt a wave of vulnerability wash over me, the nerves almost unmanageable, as I prepared to address the crowd. This was not just any conference; it was a deeply personal journey for me, and for so many others in the room. As the world's first international event dedicated solely to sibling sexual abuse, it marked a significant step forward in breaking the silence surrounding this often hidden trauma.
Looking out at the sea of faces, I saw professionals, academics, and fellow survivors, all united by a shared purpose: to break the silence that has shrouded sibling sexual abuse for far too long. It was incredibly humbling to witness such a powerful collective commitment to understanding, preventing, and healing from this form of abuse.
Stepping onto that stage and sharing my truth felt incredibly vulnerable, but also incredibly freeing. Speaking openly about the shame and secrecy I carried for so long was like finally releasing a breath I had been holding for years. More than anything, though, it was a chance to connect with others in the audience, to look them in the eye and say, "You are not alone."
Throughout the day, I was moved by the incredible expertise and passion displayed by our speakers and workshop facilitators. From the insightful presentation by Professor Kieran McCarten and Amy Adams on their work developing a bespoke sibling sexual abuse outcome and evaluation matrix, to the powerful testimonies shared in the "Getting It Right" workshop, the day was a testament to the growing understanding and awareness of this complex issue.
The panel discussion with 5 WAVES was a particular highlight. It was an honest and raw conversation about the challenges faced by families impacted by sibling sexual abuse, and the urgent need for systemic change to better support them.
But beyond the presentations and workshops, what truly resonated with me was the sense of community that permeated the entire day. The breaks and sessions buzzed with energy and connection. I had countless conversations with survivors, professionals, and academics, all eager to share their experiences, insights, and hopes for the future. It was a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this fight.
As the conference ended, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope. Yes, there is still much work to be done. But the conversations started here, the connections forged, and the knowledge shared will undoubtedly ripple outwards, creating positive change in the lives of countless individuals and families.
This conference was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change. It was a powerful declaration that the silence surrounding sibling sexual abuse is being broken, and that survivors, families, and professionals are coming together to create a world where healing and thriving are possible.
I also want to take a moment to express my immense pride and deepest gratitude to the Thriving Survivors staff team. From organising this incredible event and for providing unwavering support to survivors every single day, their contributions are invaluable. They worked tirelessly to ensure that this conference was a success, and I am so grateful for their hard work, their creativity, and their unwavering belief in our mission.
I am immensely proud to be a part of this movement, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this conference such a resounding success. Together, we will continue to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and empower survivors and families to reclaim their lives.
A huge thanks to SONAR CMS! Without your support this momentous event would not have happened.
"As I was walking back to my train I noticed the street name "Hope Street" & as I rounded the corner a beautiful lady busker was singing "I will Survive". I felt about 10 foot tall striding down that street, I am a survivor & I am full to the brim with hope!!"
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