Breaking the Chains Conference 2025
Empowering survivors and equipping the church to break the silence of domestic abuse
When:
21st November, 2025 - 10AM to 3PM
Location:
About
Breaking the Chains Conference 2025 is a call to the Church across the island of Ireland to confront one of the most urgent and often hidden injustices of our time, domestic abuse.
For generations, the Church has stood as a refuge for the hurting and a voice for the voiceless. Yet research reveals that one in four church attendees experiences domestic abuse, reminding us that this pain is not distant, it exists within our own congregations and communities.
This year we seek to shine a light on the reality of domestic abuse, equip church leaders to respond with courage, compassion, and wisdom, and to help restore hope and safety to those affected. Grounded in the biblical call of Isaiah 1:17, the event urges believers to seek justice, defend the oppressed and champion the cause of those unable to speak for themselves.
Our Funders
Breaking the Chains 2025 is funded by:
Our Keynote Speakers
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Emalyn Turkington
CEO, NORTH DOWN & ARDS WOMEN’S AID
Emalyn has been the Chief Executive Officer with North Down & Ards Women's Aid for over 3 years; however, they have worked in this field for over 25 years. Passionate about creating a society free from domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, they strive to empower women by helping them develop the confidence to take control of their own narratives, always ensuring their voices are heard.
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Jayne Stewart
CHILDHOOD DOMESTIC & SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVOR
Jayne is a survivor of childhood domestic and sexual abuse whose life was forever changed by the loss of her mother to domestic homicide. Sustained by an unwavering faith in God, she has transformed her pain into purpose, dedicating her voice and her life to advocacy, ministry, and change.
For over a decade, she has shared her story in churches throughout Northern Ireland, ministering to victim-survivors and offering a message of courage, healing and hope. Passionate about standing with women who face the same challenges she endured thirty-four years ago, she is committed to supporting survivors and fighting for a future were safety, dignity, and justice are a reality for all.
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Leigh McFarlane
FOUNDER, KAIZEN SAFEGUARDING
Leigh is the founder and director of Kaizen Safeguarding, bringing over 25 years of frontline experience across the faith, education and charity sectors. A passionate advocate for survivors of abuse and at-risk individuals, she is widely recognised for her work in safeguarding training, consultancy, public policy and survivor advocacy.
Leigh has co-authored research on safeguarding in faith-based contexts and contributed to national and parliamentary groups shaping safeguarding policy across the UK. She has a clear vision of enabling safer, braver environments for all.
Exhibitors
Onus (NI) Ltd are a social enterprise offering Specialist training and consultancy services on domestic violence or abuse. Click here for more info.
White Ribbon NI is part of a global movement. They seek to end violence against women and girls in all its forms. Together they are empowering business leaders, employers and workforces, community organisations, schools and churches to take a stand. Click here for more info.
Restored UK is a Christian charity with a vision of a world where women live free from the fear of violence. In 2022 they launched ‘Restored Beacons’: a network of churches that shine a light in the darkness of domestic abuse, providing support to survivors in their congregations and communities. Click here for more info.
Own My Life is a hope-filled, joyful way of enabling women to take ownership of their lives after they’ve been subjected to abuse. They offer training and resources; including their 12-week session Own My Life course. Click here for more info.
Christian Aid is a global movement of people, churches and local organisations. They are change makers, the peacemakers, the mighty heart. Gender justice workshop resources will be available. Click here for more info.
Kaizen Safeguarding is a trusted, independent organisation offering expert training, consultancy and survivor advocacy services across the faith, education and charity sectors. Click here for more info.
Nexus NI is the leading organisation within Northern Ireland (NI) supporting individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships. To enable positive change for those impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships through supporting, informing, and influencing society. Click here for more Info.
Women’s Aid is the lead voluntary organisation in Northern Ireland. Women’s Aid offers a range of specialist services to women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. They exist to challenge attitudes, structures and systems which perpetuate domestic abuse and seek through their work to enable women, children and young people to live free from violence and abuse. Click here for more info.
Ards & North Down Police and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is made up of Councillors and independent individuals from each council area who work to make our communities safer. They do this by focussing on the policing and community safety issues that matter most in your area. Click here for more info.
Flourish NI aims to provide long term tailored survivor centred support to individuals who are victims of human trafficking. Click here for more info.
MAP (Men’s Advisory Project) exists to provide counselling services for men experiencing domestic abuse. They can provide support and facilitation to help men understand options and assist with them with making their own choices and decisions. Click here for more info.
FAQs
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Breaking the Chains Conference 2025 is being held in City Church Bangor, Main Street, Bangor, BT20 4AG. Get directions
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Unfortunately, there is no parking available on site. However, there are several public car parks within walking distance of the venue. We encourage attendees to use public transport where possible.
You can find full information of all nearby public car parks here.
You can plan your journey and check bus or train times via Translink Northern Ireland.
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Yes, lunch and light refreshments throughout the day are included in your conference registration. If you have specific dietary requirements, please let us know when registering so we can accommodate your needs.
Our Organisers
This conference is hosted and organised by Be Real, City Church Bangor’s Presbyterian Womens’ group. You can find out more about them here.
