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50 years of ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services marked with seminar event

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ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services 50th anniversary marked with seminar event. Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe (CEO, Cuan), Zoe Lodrick (Trauma Expert), Denise Dunne (Director of Services, ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services), Leonie Kearns (Chairperson Board of Directors,  ADAPT), Claire Anderson (Assistant Director of Servies, ADAPT) and Det Sergeant Laura Sweeney.

ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services hosted a Seminar entitled ‘Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse/Coercive Control by Understanding Complex Trauma’ to mark its 50th anniversary

Speakers included Zoe Lodrick, a renowned expert on trauma; Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe (CEO, Cuan) and Det. Sergeant Laura Sweeney from the Garda National Domestic Abuse Unit.

ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services hosted the seminar in the Radisson Blu Hotel on Wednesday 27th November to mark its 50th anniversary.

Speakers included Zoe Lodrick, a renowned expert on trauma; Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe (CEO, Cuan) and Det. Sergeant Laura Sweeney from the Garda National Domestic Abuse Unit.  Approximately 200 people attended the event from agencies such as Túsla, An Garda Síochána, HSE, the Court Services and many other community and statutory groups.

Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe opened the Seminar by outlining the work of the newly established government agency, Cuan.  Cuan’s statutory function is to deliver the 3rd National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence – ‘Zero Tolerance’.  Zoe Lodrick followed and delivered a powerful piece on Interpersonal Trauma – the neuroscience behind it and the threat response in humans.  She explored front-line professionals’ work exposure to trauma and essential self-care practice.  She also covered the impact of trauma on individuals and how best professionals can work with victims of sexual and domestic abuse to really understand and support them.


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Det Sergeant Laura Sweeney delivered an insightful and interesting presentation, not only on legislation and the role of the Gardai in relation to domestic abuse and coercive control, but also on some of the challenges they face in engaging with victims and collecting evidence.  She emphasised the need for partnerships with groups such as ADAPT that support victims of domestic abuse.

ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services hosted a Seminar entitled at the Radisson Blue Hotel to mark its 50th anniversary
Det Sergeant Laura Sweeney delivered an insightful and interesting presentation

The day was interspersed with some hard-hitting drama, directed by Helena Enright and music by Coláiste na Trócaire, Rathkeale. The event finished with a presentation on the history of ADAPT.  

Director of Services, Denise Dunne described the day as “a fitting tribute to the hard work and commitment of the founders of ADAPT, 50 years ago”.  

She felt that the event showcased the work of ADAPT but also stressed the importance of working with other agencies to continue to support victims of domestic abuse in a way that recognises and responds to the trauma that they may have experienced.  

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