Breaking Silence, Building Support: Sexual Violence & Neurodivergence

Welcome to Breaking Silence, Building Support: Sexual Violence & Neurodivergent Advocacy! Join us on Tue Feb 04 2025 at 09:00 AM at Canolfan Fusnes Conwy Business Centre for a day of education, empowerment, and community building. This event aims to raise awareness about sexual violence within the neurodivergent community and provide resources for advocacy and support. Come and be a part of this important conversation as we work towards breaking the silence and building a more supportive and inclusive world for all. See you there!

1. Understanding Neurodivergence

Gain a foundational understanding of neurodivergence , exploring the range of neurodevelopmental conditions and how they impact individuals’ experiences. This session will focus on building awareness and creating more inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent people in various contexts.

2. Breaking Silence Early: Supporting Child Survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence

This workshop focuses on supporting neurodivergent children who have experienced sexual violence. Learn how to create safe spaces for disclosure, provide age-appropriate support, and help children navigate the healing process.

3. Police Investigations into Rape and Sexual Violence

This workshop will provide insight into how police investigate cases of rape and sexual violence, with a focus on neurodivergent survivors. It will cover the investigative process, challenges faced by officers, and how the justice system can be more accessible and responsive to neurodivergent individuals.

4. Hearing Survivor Experiences: Insights and Understanding from Neurodivergent Survivors of Sexual Violence

This session offers a unique and powerful opportunity to hear directly from neurodivergent survivors of rape and sexual violence. Through their personal stories, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, including the impact of trauma, barriers to disclosure, and the journey toward healing. These survivor experiences provide valuable insights into how professionals, advocates, and communities can better support neurodivergent survivors and create more inclusive, trauma-informed responses

5. Understanding Trauma in Neurodivergent Survivors

Explore how trauma manifests differently in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who have experienced sexual violence. This session will highlight strategies for recognizing trauma symptoms, understanding sensory and cognitive responses, and offering trauma-informed care tailored to neurodivergent survivors.

6. Beyond Trauma: Building Support for Adult Survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence

This session will focus on building long-term support networks for neurodivergent adults who have survived rape or sexual violence. Participants will explore trauma recovery strategies and how to create safe spaces where survivors feel empowered to heal and regain control over their lives.

1pm - 2.30pm

Networking, Meet the RASASC and AUK Teams, Lunch, and 15-Minute Plenary

An opportunity to meet and network with the teams from RASASC and AUK, discuss the day’s topics, and share insights with fellow participants. Lunch will be provided, followed by a short plenary session to reflect on the morning workshops

7. How to Manage Disclosures of Rape and Sexual Violence for Professionals and DSMF

Designed for professionals, this session will cover best practices for managing disclosures of rape and sexual violence. Participants will learn about trauma-informed approaches, safeguarding protocols, and how to provide compassionate, effective support.

8. Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence in Neurodivergent Communities

This session will provide participants with tools to recognize the signs of sexual violence in neurodivergent individuals and how to respond appropriately. It will cover how sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and trauma responses affect the experience and disclosure of violence.

9 TBC - will be a repeat of the most sought after workshop so all participants can attend

Host or Publisher Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre North Wales