On September 17th, IRISi welcomed the IRISi Network Day 2024 attendees to Birmingham. This annual gathering, designed to bolster connections among our #GoldStandardCommunity, showcased insightful speakers, shared impactful stories, and explored ways to elevate the healthcare response to gender-based violence across the UK. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the discussions that are central to the progress we make together.
The day was highlighted by inspiring talks from leaders in research and advocacy, including Dr Pam Lowe, Professor Marianne Hester, The Vavengers, and a moving personal testimony from an expert by experience, Emma. IRISi also took the opportunity to share firsthand the main achievements of the past fiscal year. Below, we share some powerful moments from the event.
Dr Pam Lowe: Addressing reproductive coercion and abuse in healthcare settings
We welcomed Dr Pam Lowe as the first speaker of the day. Dr Lowe, a sociology and policy expert, specialises in women’s reproductive and sexual health, with a particular focus on pregnancy and abortion. Her current research includes an ethnographic study on anti-abortion activism in the UK and a British Academy-funded project examining how reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) is identified and supported in healthcare settings.
Dr Lowe’s talk was highly relevant to our network, as RCA intersects closely with the work we do to address domestic and sexual abuse in General Practices, sexual health clinics, and other healthcare settings. She shared valuable insights from her research, which involved healthcare professionals working in abortion care, contraception services, maternity services, and specialist organisations.
She began by unpacking the definition of RCA and how it manifests across institutional and interpersonal contexts. Using real-world examples, she highlighted how interpersonal RCA unfolds in practice and the ways in which societal values shape perceptions of this abuse. Her research also shed light on the challenges healthcare professionals face in screening for RCA, such as navigating complex boundaries and the sensitivities involved in addressing this issue.
Dr Lowe concluded her presentation with actionable recommendations for healthcare professionals. These included the need for comprehensive training on RCA, the importance of clear pathways for support and the integration of RCA screening into routine healthcare practice.
Professor Marianne Hester: Unpacking intersectional inequalities in domestic abuse
We were honoured to hear from Professor Marianne Hester, a distinguished researcher with decades of experience in the field of domestic and sexual violence. Marianne’s presentation took attendees on a journey through the complex landscape of intersectionality, particularly how intersecting inequalities shape both the experience of abuse and the paths to support.
Drawing on data from her extensive research, she delved into the way social factors – such as age, socio-economic status, ethnicity and community perceptions – can act as barriers for survivors. Marianne shared insights from her study with Catherine Donovan, highlighting how LGBTQ+ survivors face unique challenges in recognising and responding to abuse, including the impact of “sexual age” and cultural identity.
In another powerful segment, she discussed domestic abuse and dementia (click here to find out more), illustrating how vulnerability in later life intersects with the risks associated with past physical abuse, regardless of whether it is the survivor or perpetrator who has the dementia diagnosis. Marianne underscored the need for healthcare practitioners to recognise these dynamics as part of their response to domestic abuse, especially for older patients who may otherwise go unnoticed.
Finally, she touched on sexual violence within the criminal justice system, analysing how conviction rates are impacted by factors such as ethnicity, gender, and the type of sexual violence. Her research underscored the need for specialised support referrals, which statistically improve outcomes for survivors. “The takeaway,” she emphasised, “is to consider the context of intersecting inequalities as we shape our responses.” Her talk left our network energised with new perspectives and actionable strategies.
The Vavengers: One question, changing lives
This year, IRISi updated our clinical training materials to better address Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), incorporating a powerful film by The Vavengers. We were thrilled to welcome Warda Mohamed and Salma Jafar from this organisation, who led an insightful presentation on the ‘One Question’ campaign, encouraging healthcare professionals to ask a single, transformative question that could change a life.
Their presentation revealed the physical, psychological, and social impacts of FGM/C and the importance of sensitive inquiry by healthcare providers. Warda and Salma shared how The Vavengers’ work in schools and communities is reshaping conversations about FGM/C, fostering awareness among young people, parents and professionals. They encouraged healthcare workers to recognise FGM/C as a critical health issue and highlighted the importance of offering both physical and mental health support following disclosure.
They also shared a powerful personal, survivor experience of FGM/C and its impact, which captivated the attention of the audience. The story was deeply moving and reinforced the urgency of addressing FGM/C with empathy, awareness and action. The Vavengers’ message resonated deeply, prompting reflections on how the right questions can bridge gaps and open doors to essential support. We’re grateful for their participation and look forward to further collaborations that will bring this important campaign to even more healthcare settings.
Emma’s story: A survivor’s voice
Emma, a survivor supported by an IRIS service in Wales, offered a profoundly moving personal account of her journey to safety and recovery. In a conversation with IRISi’s CEO, Medina Johnson, Emma reflected on the life-changing moment when her GP asked her a simple but pivotal question that led her to IRIS.
Her story underscored the critical role healthcare professionals play in identifying and supporting survivors of domestic abuse. She recounted how, before finding IRIS, health professionals had overlooked signs of abuse, attributing her struggles to other factors. When her GP finally inquired about her life circumstances, she felt heard and validated – a stark contrast to previous dismissals. “She believed me,” Emma said of her GP. “I grasped that referral with both hands.”
Emma credited her Advocate Educator with helping her rebuild her confidence and her life. Her support extended beyond healthcare: through IRIS, Emma connected with other survivors and found a renewed sense of hope. She reminded us all of the far-reaching impact of compassionate, informed healthcare responses, saying, “Don’t be afraid to ask that question; it gives people like me the opportunity to speak up.” Emma’s powerful reflections and resilience left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
IRISi’s year in review: Expanding support and leading change
“During the event, Medina Johnson highlighted IRISi’s achievements over the past year, sharing the organisation’s efforts in pioneering new possibilities across various healthcare settings, our impact and reach for the year ending March 2024, and the challenges we anticipate for the year ahead.
“As IRISi grows, so does our reach and impact. Through strong partnerships, we are scaling both IRIS and ADViSE programs across the UK, creating pathways for healthcare providers to lead change and better support survivors of gender-based violence. Together, we continue to transform healthcare responses to gender-based violence.'”
Words from our attendees
Our network members were deeply moved and inspired by the day’s speakers:
- “Absolutely brilliant speakers—wish we could bring them to all our IRIS sessions. Most informative talk on the subject [FGM] I have ever had.” – Clinical Lead
- “Warda was awesome and had simple but important messages.” – Clinical Lead
- “Really powerful and best presentation I have ever heard on FGM, so grateful for this session.” – Advocate Educator
- “It was so powerful to hear Emma speak & really inspiring. Medina also led the discussion really well.” – Advocate Educator
Each of these voices represents the heart of our community and our shared dedication to a future where healthcare plays a pivotal role in ending gender-based violence. Thank you to everyone who attended the IRISi Network Day 2024 – together, we are building a stronger, more informed, and more compassionate healthcare response across the UK.
