Nearly 140 professionals from across Northern Ireland attended the Pathways to Protection event on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at The Dunadry Hotel, Antrim, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in partnership with The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), the Northern Domestic & Sexual Violence Partnership (NDSVP), and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
The conference was funded by The Executive Office NI through their Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Momentum Fund.
The full-day event brought together safeguarding experts from NHSCT, Police, Probation, Social Services, and community organisations including Women’s Aid. Sessions covered child sexual abuse, adult services referral pathways, and non-fatal strangulation in adults, with interactive discussions, networking and Q&A opportunities. Key elements of the event included “Through the Eyes of a Child”, Rowan services overview, PSNI guidance on legislation and reporting, and practical referral pathways for adult survivors.
The event also launched a new booklet for The Rowan, researched and compiled by journalist Kathryn Torney, to raise awareness of Northern Ireland’s only specialist SARC and the vital services it provides. The booklet guides professionals across health, social care, justice, education, and community settings on trauma-informed referral pathways, ensuring children and adults affected by sexual abuse receive specialist care as early as possible. This booklet discusses sensitive and emotive topics related to sexual abuse and trauma. It also includes information on a range of support services that signpost victim-survivors, helping them access ongoing care and assistance.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick added: “I am pleased the Council is hosting this important event and the launch of The Rowan booklet. By improving professional awareness of The Rowan’s specialist services and referral pathways, we can ensure children and adults affected by sexual abuse receive the care they need, when they need it.”
Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP, Councillor Julie Gilmour, said: “Pathways to Protection provided an invaluable opportunity for professionals to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that survivors of abuse receive timely and sensitive support. The Rowan booklet further supports informed, trauma-sensitive decision-making, helping to ensure no one faces crisis or recovery alone.”
The Rowan offers 24/7 specialist care, support, and forensic services at Antrim Area Hospital. The booklet is available online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/the-rowan. More information about The Rowan can be found on their website: https://therowan.hscni.net/
