‘World first’ conference aims to break silence surrounding sibling sexual abuse

Speakers and experts are due to travel from around the world to attend the first conference of its kind which will feature a series of talks and workshops throughout the day.

Thriving Survivors was launched nine years ago by Ashley Scotland from Glasgow after she worked on her own healing journey following childhood trauma, and felt compelled to help others do the same. 

Since then, the charity has supported thousands of men, women and children to move past traumatic childhood experiences and go on to make the most of their lives through its four-step framework which helps people deal with and heal from the experiences they’ve had earlier in life.

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Ashley Scotland, Founder and CEO of Thriving Survivors, said: “As one of the world’s first dedicated conferences around sibling sexual abuse, we are aiming break the silence surrounding this type of abuse.

“Through the conference we plan to amplify the voices of lived experience, academia, and professionals, while shedding light on the prevalence, challenges, and long-term impacts of this insidious form of abuse.

“The level of interest we have had in the conference from around the world is astounding, which I think demonstrates the need for more exploration of these little spoken about forms of abuse that can have a profound impact on people’s lives.

“The conference will be an invaluable resource for anyone working with or interested in supporting individuals affected by SSA. Professionals from various disciplines, including social workers, counsellors, psychologists, law enforcement officials, educators, and healthcare providers, will find the conference particularly relevant.

“We’re so thankful to everyone who is helping us put this event together from our own wonderful team, to the guests and speakers we have attending, the many professionals from different industries who will be there and to the survivors who are coming to learn and to show their support to others.”

Thriving Survivors’ vision is to provide people who are affected by trauma with access to services that are inclusive and restorative that will promote healing, no matter where they are in the world. The charity offers services including mentoring, counselling and peer to peer support. 

More information about Thriving Survivors, and the annual conference, can be found at https://www.thrivingsurvivors.co.uk/