White Ribbon conference returns to raise awareness of domestic abuse

The White Ribbon Domestic Abuse Conference aims to help ‘shape the future’ and recognise the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people and how it can affect older people in later life.

Following the success of the last event the White Ribbon Conference is set to return this year on Friday 26 November 2021.

This event features professionals and personal accounts of the impact of domestic abuse with the aim of helping others identify best practice, support and advice.

This free, virtual event is themed ‘Shaping the future – Challenges and Opportunities’.

There are over 200 places available and professionals from health and social care, police and criminal justice groups are invited to attend.

The conference will be looking at issues and local trends connected to domestic abuse. Speakers will provide training and advice on how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and how to then go on and make successful referrals.

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing said: “Worcestershire County Council remains committed to tackling domestic abuse and we strive to continue to improve the support that is available for those in our communities who are affected.

“Events such as this partnership working conference will help to give us the tools, best practice and learning which is required to provide the best response we can.”

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Whitworth (West Mercia Police) Chair of the Herefordshire Domestic Abuse Forum said: “Those attending the conference will hear the voice of the victims who have experienced domestic abuse, and they will also hear from family members who have lost loved ones due to domestic violence.

“The message will be clear; look out for victims of domestic violence, take time to ask if everything is ok and support those at risk. Delegates will be given advice and guidance on how to support victims and how to refer to specialist services who can provide professional help.”

The event includes presentations from:

• Kerrie Best, Head of Operations and Hannah Cooper, Service Manager at West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre.
• Frank Mullane MBE, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse.
• Susie Hay, Head of Research and Evaluation at SafeLives, a National Charity.
• Jason Hadden MBE, an award-winning barrister, specializing in Family Law.
• Martin Lakeman of Martin Lakeman Consultancy.
• Georgia, a remarkable 18-year-old woman who will talk about her own experience of losing her mother to domestic abuse and how this has influenced her life.

For full details and to book your place today visit the dedicated White Ribbon event pages of the Herefordshire CPD website.

This event is supported and delivered by Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council.

To find out more about domestic abuse and the support available in Worcestershire please go to the dedicated pages on the County Council website. You can find out more about the national White Ribbon campaign visit their website.