Following a successful training event last February with Professor Jane Monckton Smith OBE, more than 200 professionals from across policing, local government, health, housing, education, community and voluntary sectors gathered at the Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey on 9 June for specialist Homicide Timeline training aimed at strengthening understanding of domestic abuse, coercive control and violence against women and girls.
Hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as part of its Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) programme and delivered in partnership with the Department of Justice and PSNI, the event equipped participants with practical knowledge and insights to support earlier intervention, stronger safeguarding and more effective partnership working to protect those at risk of harm. The conference was supported by The Executive Office NI through their Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Momentum Fund.
The Homicide Timeline training was led by renowned Barrister-at-Law Sarah Ellis and domestic abuse specialist Bridie Anderson, who shared their extensive expertise in coercive control, stalking, domestic abuse and intimate partner homicide. Through a series of interactive sessions, delegates explored patterns of abusive behaviour, risk factors, opportunities for intervention and the importance of multi-agency responses in protecting those at risk.
The event also featured contributions from Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher, who has played a leading role in supporting and developing this programme in partnership with the Council and the Department of Justice. Her contribution highlighted the importance of collaborative working between agencies in identifying risk, improving outcomes for victims and strengthening preventative approaches.
Sarah Ellis brought a unique perspective drawn from more than 25 years of legal experience, her work alongside Professor Jane Monckton Smith on the internationally recognised Homicide Timeline and her extensive involvement in analysing coercive control and domestic homicide cases.
Bridie Anderson shared frontline insights gained through nearly 15 years working within the domestic abuse sector, including her experience as a former police
officer, Independent Domestic Abuse Related Death Review Chair and specialist trainer supporting organisations across the UK.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan said: “We were delighted to welcome more than 200 professionals to this important training event. Tackling violence against women and girls requires a collective commitment, and by working together with our partners we can strengthen understanding, improve practice and help create safer communities across our Borough.”
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alison Bennington added, “Today’s training provided valuable insights into the warning signs and patterns associated with domestic abuse, coercive control and homicide. It reinforced the importance of strong partnerships, information sharing and continued learning to help prevent harm and protect those at risk.”
The training forms part of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s wider Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme, which seeks to raise awareness, promote education, strengthen partnerships and support practical action to create safer communities for women and girls across the Borough. For more details visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/END
