Domnestic violence conference to be held at Nottingham

Criminal justice partners from across the county will come together for the Domestic Violence Conference on Tuesday 13th May at Nottingham Race Course which aims to reflect on what is and is not currently working in terms of support provision.

Deputy Commissioner Cutland said: “This conference will pull together a range of domestic violence experts and survivors to help us all learn from each other on what works and how we can continue to deliver service excellence against the current financial challenges. It’s vital that we hear what survivors have to say about their experiences before we make any decisions about commissioning services.

“Vulnerable people who find themselves trapped within an abusive relationship deserve greater protection but they also require the right support to help them recover from their experiences. And we need to hold those who commit any form of domestic abuse or violence to account. Similarly, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that young people are given every opportunity to form healthy, respectful relationships in the future regardless of their past negative experiences.”

The event has been organised in partnership with Nottingham-based domestic abuse specialists Equation.

Guests will hear presentations from a range of keynote speakers including Polly Neate, Chief Executive of National Women’s Aid, Nick Romilly, Public Health Manager at Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City Council, Superintendent Helen Chamberlain, head of public protection at Nottinghamshire Police and Deputy Commissioner Cutland, who has been leading on the county-wide domestic violence review.

During the event, stakeholders will be presented with the findings of recent domestic violence reviews that have taken place within the county and will consider any gaps and challenges that can be solved together.

The conference will also explore national and local best practice, identify any lessons to be learnt, consider the findings of the recent HMIC inspection of domestic violence provision and discuss how effective restorative justice is in responding to this serious issue.

A range of workshops will also take place during the day looking at specific issues in more depth including working with medium risk repeat survivors, the success of early intervention and prevention strategies, perpetrator programmes and safeguarding children living with domestic abuse.

The conference, which is not a public event, will be held in the Centenary Suite at Nottingham Race Course and will run from 10am until 4pm.