As the coordinator of FiLiA Hague Mothers - an international advocacy and support group - I have benefitted hugely from Sally's input as our 'critical friend'. The group operates on a voluntary basis, working with professionals and survivors with the aim of safeguarding protective mothers and their children. Many of our volunteers have had to deal with traumatic experiences, many are still fighting to gain access to justice.

Sally's extensive expertise, her compassion, and her profound understanding of the impact of trauma, have been invaluable in helping us learn how to truly work alongside survivors and to shift from a 'task and finish' approach to a more flexible appreciation of workloads and deadlines. Her listening skills are simply without equal; her ability to interject with exactly the right question at exactly the right moment has been worth the world. She is a superb communicator and a thoughtful guide, always open to new possibilities and focused on finding genuine solutions to complex problems.

A conversation with Sally invariably leaves one feeling energised, more competent, and more hopeful of change. I recommend her wholeheartedly.

Ruth Dineen

International Coordinator, FiLiA Hague Mothers

Working under Sally’s leadership during my first Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) following the Standing Together and Asian Women’s Resource Centre mentoring scheme was a transformative experience. Sally brought warmth, rigour, and clarity to an emotionally complex and professionally demanding process, setting a powerful example of how DHRs can be both trauma-informed and justice-focused.

What stood out immediately was her depth of knowledge in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector — a field she has helped shape for over three decades. Sally not only holds space for professionals and victims with compassion and integrity but also brings a sharp analytical lens and a deep understanding of policy, safeguarding, and intersectionality.

As a newly qualified DHR Chair from a minoritised background, I learned a great deal from Sally about balancing cultural competence with professional accountability. Her guidance gave me the confidence to ask the right questions, challenge respectfully, and write with purpose and impact.

Sally is a rare leader — generous with her time, grounded in values, and unafraid to have the difficult conversations. I continue to carry the principles and practices I learned from her into every case I lead or contribute to.

Sukhvinder Kaur, Chair of Trustees, Sikh Women’s Aid | DHR Chair | Faith and Exploitation Lead

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Sally, and her passion for ending violence against women is unmatched. With extensive experience in policy development, strategic implementation,  and partnership building, Sally brings a combination of specialist expertise and a survivor-led approach to all her work. She is committed to meaningful change and has a strong track-record in leading transformative practice.

Shabana Kausar | Consultant and Trainer

I have worked with Sally on a number of projects combatting male violence. 

She is incredibly ethical, and brings a great insight into the issues. Sally has a truly collaborative approach - she is able to create a safe working environment where everyone is able to contribute - I have seen her do this particularly well when working with women with lived and living experience. I cannot recommend her highly enough. 

Hannah Shead

Consultant