RDA Causeway Coast & Glens and The Links Group are set to host a major multi-agency symposium in Northern Ireland examining the links between coercive control, animal cruelty, domestic violence, child abuse and wider community safeguarding.

Entitled The Link: Connecting Cruelty - Coercive Control - Catastrophic Consequences - Collective Courage, the event will take place at RDA Causeway Coast and Glens in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, on Wednesday, September 30th from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are priced at £20 per person, with refreshments and a light lunch included.

Cross-sector collaboration

The symposium will bring together representatives from across the equestrian, veterinary, animal welfare and safeguarding sectors from Ireland and the UK to encourage greater cross-sector collaboration and awareness around recognising abuse and supporting victims. Eligible attendees will also be able to claim BHS CPD points and RDA CPD hours.

Katie Simpson Review

Organisers said recent events, alongside the findings of The Katie Simpson Review, have highlighted the need for professionals working within equestrian and animal-related environments to better understand the warning signs of coercive and controlling behaviour and the role animals can play within abusive situations.

The programme will include contributions from Dr Jan Melia, author of the Katie Simpson Review, Women’s Aid, the PSNI Operation Gallop team, The Links Group subject experts, NSPCC Sport representatives and the Executive Office.

Further information on the symposium and booking details are available via The Links Group: www.thelinksgroup.org.uk.