Event Details

“ Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities… We continue to make good progress in tackling this hateful crime and conviction rates are improving – 72 per cent of cases charged and brought to court at the end of 2008/09 resulted in a conviction compared with 60 per cent four years ago… But there is still more to be done…”
— Home Office Minister, August 2009

“ We want to see young people in safe and happy relationships and this means tackling attitudes towards abuse at an early age, before patterns of violence can occur … We hope this campaign will help teenagers to recognise the signs of abuse and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to seek help, as well as understanding the consequences of being abusive or controlling in a relationship.”
— Home Secretary, February 2010

“ Violence against women and girls has a devastating impact and we are committed to doing all we can to increase protection, raise awareness and punish offenders…. Teachers are uniquely placed to spot the early signs that a young girl could be suffering from violence. We are determined to improve the training, guidance and support they receive so that schools can lead the way in putting an end to violence against women and girls…”
— Children's Minister, March 2010

Overview

Latest statistics indicate that whilst real progress is being made in tackling domestic violence, there is still a long way to go. With repeat victimisation accounting for 66% of all incidents of domestic violence (National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan Annual Progress Report 2008-09), it is clear that much more must be done to identify violent homes and intervene earlier to preclude the escalation of domestic violence. Better protection and support for victims through improved access to financial and housing assistance, utilising IDVAs, SDVCs, restraining orders and MARACs and increasing prosecution rates, are also vital to preventing repeat victimisation.

In order to comprehensively tackle domestic violence in the long term, a renewed national drive is needed to increase public awareness and challenge social attitudes towards DV, including the tolerance of male, LGBT and BME domestic violence. In the light of troubling NSPCC figures indicating that a quarter of girls and 18% of boys have suffered physical violence in their relationships, while nearly three quarters of girls have been emotionally abused, efforts must also be increased to promote healthy non-violent relationships and gender equality amongst young people.

The 3^rd Annual Domestic Violence Symposium provides an invaluable opportunity for practitioners to assess current progress in tackling domestic violence and preventing repeat victimisation, particularly in light of the recent cross-government strategy. Delegates will discuss how to better protect victims through earlier intervention, increased prosecution rates and robust support, whilst examining how current gaps in service provision and specialist training for male, LGBT and BME victims can be addressed. The symposium will consider how capacity building within the sector and promoting more effective education and awareness amongst young people and the public alike can prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place. Delegates will have the opportunity to debate, share best practice and network with colleagues from across the local authority, health service, third sector and government landscape.

Programme

Who Should Attend?

• Domestic Violence Co-ordinators
• Housing Officers
• Police Service
• Police Authorities and Fire Services
• Probation Officers
• Families Services Officers
• Sure Start
• Children’s Trusts and Children’s Centres
• Health Service Professionals
• Victim Support Representatives
• Community Cohesion and Development Organisations
• Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships
• Community Safety Teams
• Neighbourhood Policing Teams
• Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinators
• Drug and Alcohol Action Teams
• Youth Offending Teams
• Community Support Officers
• Children and Youth Services
• Housing Associations
• Social Workers and Social Services Officers
• Local Education Welfare Authorities
• Men’s Health/Welfare Organisations
• Teachers and Head Teachers
• Criminal Justice Practitioners
• Judges and Magistrates
• Legal Professionals
• Local Authority Officers and Councillors
• Central Government Departments and Agencies
• Equality and Diversity Practitioners
• Third Sector Practitioners
• Faith Organisations
• Academics and Researchers