The Domestic Abuse Conference 2026 - Liverpool

The Liverpool Domestic Abuse Conference 2026

📅 Date: Thursday, 9th July 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: The Hilton Hotel, Liverpool, 3 Thomas Steers Way, L1 8LW

The Liverpool Domestic Abuse Conference 2026 is a powerful, full-day event aimed at professionals dedicated to tackling the devastating impact of domestic abuse. Presented by Morecrofts Solicitors and supported by Torus Housing, this conference is designed to educate, inspire, and empower attendees with fresh perspectives, strategies, and best practices in addressing domestic abuse.

Why attend?
Whether you're a police officer, social worker, NHS professional, lawyer, educator, or part of a housing organisation, this conference offers critical insights into how domestic abuse intersects with various sectors. You’ll hear from thought leaders, gain practical knowledge, and be motivated by real-world stories and research from experts in the field.

What you’ll gain:

• Cutting-edge insights from leading experts in domestic abuse
• Tools and strategies to improve your practice and support vulnerable individuals
• Networking opportunities with professionals across a range of disciplines
  

Confirmed speakers:

Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment/National Domestic Abuse Helpline at Refuge.

Emma will focus on AI and how it’s being used in DA, and the development of her findings and response for the sector.
Emma’s expertise in technology-facilitated abuse is reshaping how we approach this growing issue.

Sharon Livermore MBE, Founder of Domestic Abuse Education
As a survivor of domestic abuse, Sharon Livermore MBE founded Domestic Abuse Education to turn personal experience into meaningful change.

Recognising her workplace as the only safe space during her ordeal, she now works with organisations across the UK to increase understanding of domestic abuse and how to support affected employees.

Sarah Taylor Founder and Director of PEEPSA

PEEPSA (Prevent, Educate, Eradicate Post Separation Abuse) is a specialised service which supports survivors of post-separation abuse, particularly those navigating the family court system.

​Sarah is a leading advocate for systemic Family Court reform, fighting tirelessly for the repeal of the presumption of contact in cases involving domestic abuse. Her work is centred on the critical need for multi-agency partners and the judiciary to view family law through the lens of coercive control. She highlights the profound harms caused when institutional failings allow abuse to continue beyond the point of separation.

Jennie Grayson, Safe2Speak Domestic Abuse Team Leader, Torus Housing
Jennie has worked in the domestic abuse sector since 2012, progressing from refuge services to frontline IDVA practice and now Service Manager for Safe2Speak IDVA & Outreach Services, leading specialist domestic abuse support for survivors living in the St Helens Borough.

Her session, “The reality behind the risk,” draws on frontline practice, survivor voice, and their lived experience to explore the systemic barriers survivors face when fleeing abuse, and how processes can limit autonomy, delay safety and shape outcomes. Jennie will highlight ways we can respond and create more consistent, survivor‑centred pathways to safety and support.

Dr.(h.c.) Gill Smallwood MBE, Chief Executive Fortalice
Dr Gill Smallwood is Chief Executive of Fortalice in Bolton. Fortalice provides frontline community services including refuge accommodation for victims of domestic abuse. After 28 years in Further Education, where she gained QTLS status specialising in teacher education, psychology and quality assurance, she moved into the Charity sector in 2011. Gill has strengthened specialist support for Children and Young People affected by domestic abuse, while promoting collaborative approaches across services, developing education packages, partnership work, governance roles and counselling practice.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, Head of Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, Merseyside Police
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb is the Head of Vulnerability at Merseyside Police, drawing on over 25 years of experience in policing. Throughout his career spanning CID, Intelligence, the Merseyside Police Academy and specialist vulnerability functions, Paul has held a wide range of investigative and leadership roles, with extensive experience in tackling Serious & Organised crime and Public Protection.

Across these roles, Paul has focused on strengthening strategic insight, developing investigative leadership and building strong collaborative partnerships, all underpinned by a clear commitment to safeguarding communities. In his current position, Paul oversees critical areas of policing that support some of the most vulnerable individuals across Merseyside. He is recognised for his passion for public service, his drive to improve outcomes for victims, and his unwavering commitment to serving the communities of Merseyside.

John Williams, SWACA CEO

John is the CEO of SWACA, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer at the Anthony Walker Foundation. He retired from Merseyside Police in 2021 and has since supported various charities as a trustee before being appointed CEO of SWACA in November 2025. Having led major investigations, including M**der inquiries, he is deeply committed to preventative approaches and is therefore proactive in tackling the scourge of domestic abuse.

Saskia Lightburn-Ritchie, CEO of MyCWA, Domestic Abuse charity.

Saskia’s practice and policy leadership has helped shape perpetrator intervention in the UK over several decades. She has been at the forefront of developing and delivering pioneer perpetrator accountability and behaviour change interventions, and was among the first practitioners nationally to implement structured programmes focused on reducing harm, challenging abusive behaviour, and improving safety for women and children.

Saskia’s work has consistently bridged frontline delivery and national policy, ensuring evidence-led practice translates into system change. She works extensively with the Home Office, CAFCASS, and the Ministry of Justice, contributing to the development, evaluation and improvement of safeguarding, risk assessment and domestic abuse responses across criminal justice, family courts and safeguarding systems

Don’t miss out on this crucial event. Be part of a transformative day where professionals from across sectors come together to drive change.

Important Information:

• This conference is in-person only; there will be no online streaming.
• Tickets include all sessions, networking opportunities, lunch and additional catering throughout the day.
• Spaces are limited.

For more information please email Millie Greenop at [email protected]

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