ADAPT Limerick is celebrating 50 years of service in the community by hosting a Seminar aimed at professionals who support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse/coercive control.

On the day, we are delighted to have renowned experts share their valuable insights with the audience. The seminar will be educational and interactive and provide opportunities for discussion on important topics that will inform best practice.

Expert Speakers

Zoe Lodrick 

has over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy to women and men who have experienced rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, childhood sexual abuse or exploitation. She is recognised as having specialist knowledge with regard to human behaviour and responses when faced with a perceived threat (especially interpersonal and sexual threat). Zoe has provided training to the Police Forces in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. She has also provided training to the Crown Prosecution Service, Social Services, Judicial College, Crown Prosecution and Forensic and Medical Services, plus many more statutory and non-statutory organisations.

Laura Sweeney

is a Detective Sergeant in An Garda Síochána’s National Domestic Abuse Unit with over 25 years’ experience in the organisation. She spent 18 years in uniform before moving into the specialised area of domestic abuse in 2017. Laura has seen the impact of domestic abuse and the fear that victims and families live with every day. However, she also sees the incredible courage and bravery of these adults and children. She believes that An Garda Síochána have a unique and important role in helping victims and survivors whilst also focusing on the offenders. Laura believes that with each interaction An Garda Síochána have with a family or partner or child, they have an opportunity to add another layer of strength, confidence and support so that victims know they are not alone, that the Gardaí are here to listen and to help.