Orkney VAWG Development Day – 27 October 2025


October 27, 2025


10:00 AM – 3:30 PM


St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall

Spider in the Glass – The Spiderlings – Children and the Abusive Relationships training with Myra Ross.

Experience training like no other.

We’re excited to welcome Myra Ross to deliver Spider in the Glass – The Spiderlings – Children and the Abusive Relationships, a powerful training session that uses storytelling to bring the realities of abusive relationships to life.

This is not your typical training with slides and bullet points. Instead, you’ll follow the story of Caitlin, a 15-year-old girl whose search for a better life takes a devastating turn. Told through narrative, this session captures hearts and minds — attendees often say you could hear a pin drop in the room.

Described as “reinventing the wheel,” Myra’s training has transformed how people learn about abuse, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who takes part.

In the past year, Myra has delivered Spider in the Glass to over 7,000 professionals across the country — and the feedback is always the same: unforgettable.

Don’t miss this chance to experience a session you will never forget.

We are also delighted to welcome Davy Thomson, National Campaign Lead for White Ribbon Scotland, who will join the event to share insights from Scotland’s national campaign encouraging men to take a stand against gender-based violence.

In addition, presentations will include important contributions from Michelle Ward, Head of Service at Women’s Aid Orkney, and Kara Leslie, Prevention Worker at the Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) exploring:

The hidden reality of VAWG in Orkney, including the prevalence and impact of different forms of abuse being experienced;

Emerging issues being identified by services, such as technology-facilitated abuse;

The economic and social costs of VAWG; and

The importance of recognising that tackling VAWG is everyone’s business, as victims and survivors engage with a wide range of local systems and services.

There will also be dedicated time for questions, discussion and reflection, allowing attendees to share insight and strengthen local partnership working.

This free event is open to all who wish to learn more or contribute to the prevention of violence against women and girls.

To book a place, please contact Jayne Smith-Saville at Jayne.Smith-Saville@womensaidorkney.org.uk

Together, the event aims to inspire reflection, strengthen collaboration, and reinforce Orkney’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that women and girls live free from violence and abuse.

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