Ottawa Victim Services (OVS), in partnership with Counselling Family Services Ottawa (CFSO) and #SiblingsToo, is pleased to announce a three-part international bilingual webinar series on the often-overlooked issue of sibling sexual abuse (SSA). With funding from the Department of Justice Canada, this series will bring together experts, practitioners, those with lived experience, and the public, to:
- Raise public awareness about sibling sexual abuse
- Reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue
- Provide professionals, caregivers, survivors, and community members with tools to support survivors and families
The three sessions will be held in September, October, and November 2025, with each webinar focusing on a unique perspective and audience:
- Session 1 (September): Engaging Professionals Working with Children & Families
- Session 2 (October): Engaging Adult Survivors and Professionals Working with Adults, including those who have caused harm
- Session 3 (November): Engaging Parents, Communities, and Society
First Session: September 18, 2025:
Session 1: Understanding and Responding to Sibling Sexual Abuse while Engaging Professionals Working With Children & Families
Date & Time: Thursday, September 18th, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:30 PM EST
Format: Online (Zoom)
This first session will be open to professionals working with children, youth, and families, including social workers, therapists, educators, child protection workers, victim service workers, and CYAC staff. Participants will gain insight into:
- What makes sibling sexual abuse distinct from other forms of child sexual abuse
- How to apply a cultural lens to professional responses
- The impacts on the child harmed, the child harming, and the family unit
- Practical application of the Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSB-MT) with expert Sophie King-Hill
Speakers will include:
- Moderator: Michel Poirier, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Clinical Team Lead, Outpatient Mental Health Services
- Nancy Morris, Founder of #SiblingsToo Research Project and Podcast
- Tatou Parisien, Executive Director, Centre d’intervention en abus sexuels pour la famille
- Dr. Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor, Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham (UK), Co-developer of the SSB-MT
- Dr. Keiran McCartan, Professor of Criminology, University of the West of England (UK)
- Dr. Shaune-Ru Wang, PhD in Clinical Psychology, Peace and Human Rights Lab, Palo Alto University; Human Rights in Trauma Mental Health Program, Stanford University
We encourage you to join us for this important learning and discussion opportunity. Your participation will help build a stronger and more informed network of professionals supporting survivors and families in navigating the aftermath of sibling sexual abuse.
