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Michelle Duffy
Social worker, children and young people’s trauma therapist
Michelle Duffy is an award-winning social worker and trauma therapist, and co-founder of the Northern Ireland Survivor Council. She is a survivor of multiple forms of childhood abuse, including sexual abuse from a young age. Her lived experience, alongside the failure of systems to protect and deliver justice, has shaped her unwavering commitment to ensuring every child is heard, believed, and given the support they need and deserve.
Michelle’s work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience. Alongside her clinical practice, she is a committed advocate for survivor leadership, challenging systems that exclude survivor voices and pushing for survivors to be recognised, resourced, and positioned as leaders in shaping the services and decisions that affect their lives.
Through her advocacy, public speaking, and work across communities and services, Michelle challenges stigma, confronts silence, and calls for accountability. She is dedicated to creating spaces where survivors are respected, supported, and empowered, and to driving meaningful, lasting change.
"My goal is to create a world where every child can grow up free from violence and fear, and where survivors are not only supported in their healing, but recognised as powerful agents of change."
