#NOTA2025 Conference in Belfast was truly a boot camp for the brain – so much expertise and experience in the room and a pleasure to be in such company. I’m still processing and macerating all the information in my head but on the basis that immediate impressions are sometimes the best, here goes…

One key takeaway was the critical importance of breaking down silos. We heard powerful calls to move beyond isolated efforts and foster genuine collaboration between safeguarding professionals, educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations. Only by working together, sharing information, and aligning our strategies can we create a truly protective environment for children.

The discussions also highlighted the need for embracing complexity. Child sexual abuse is not a simple issue; it’s deeply intertwined with societal factors, trauma, and individual vulnerabilities. We must move beyond simplistic solutions and acknowledge the intricate web of influences at play to develop effective prevention strategies. The concept of engaging with the places and spaces (online and offline) where abuse takes place is critical. 

A recurring theme was the necessity of tailoring prevention frameworks. What works in one community might not be effective in another. Prevention efforts must be culturally sensitive, age-appropriate, and responsive to the specific needs and contexts of the children and families we serve. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t cut it.

James Mercy’s powerful words echoed throughout the conference: “Imagine a childhood disease that affects 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys worldwide. Its effects can stay throughout a lifetime and include increased risk of suicide, substance misuse, STI’s and vulnerability to further bouts. That can replicate itself and cause some victims to expose future generations to its debilitating effects. Imagine what we would do if such a disease existed.”

This isn’t a hypothetical disease; it’s the devastating reality of child sexual abuse. The NOTA 2025 conference has reignited our collective commitment to treating it with the urgency and comprehensive action it demands. Let’s carry this momentum forward, working together to build a future where every child can thrive, safe from harm. Here’s to giving shelter from the storm. hashtag#NOTA2025 hashtag#ChildProtection hashtag#PreventionMatters hashtag#Belfast hashtag#Safeguarding Stuart Allardyce Marcella Leonard MBE Deborah Denis Ethel Quayle Kieran McCartan Pat Branigan Jon Brown Dr Dulcie Faure-Walker WeProtect Global Alliance Bethany Jennings