The Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol 2024

The Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol 2024 is a comprehensive, multi-agency event dedicated to providing valuable information, practical advice, and inspiration to professionals who regularly encounter and address domestic abuse in their work. This full-day conference features a stellar lineup of speakers who will share their expertise and insights on a wide array of topics related to domestic abuse, ensuring that delegates leave with a deeper understanding and enhanced skills.

Attendees will include solicitors, barristers, social workers, NHS staff, police officers, charity workers, local authorities, educators, and housing association representatives. This diverse audience creates a unique opportunity for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across sectors.

Lunch and afternoon refreshments are included in the ticket price, making it a comfortable and productive day for all attendees. As a not-for-profit event, all revenue from ticket sales is used to cover the costs of organizing the conference, allowing us to offer reduced ticket prices for charity personnel and those working in domestic abuse support services.

This conference is an invaluable opportunity to deepen your understanding of domestic abuse, learn from leading experts, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve support and outcomes for survivors.

Speakers for this year’s conference include:

Ellie Wilson is a distinguished campaigner, advocate, and speaker, recognised for her unwavering dedication to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. With a personal journey shaped by her experiences within the criminal justice system, Ellie has become a leading voice in the movement to improve access to essential legal resources for survivors, particularly in her efforts to obtain court transcripts that can be pivotal in their quest for justice.

Ellie’s work goes beyond advocacy; she has been instrumental in highlighting the gaps and challenges within the legal framework that often leave survivors vulnerable. Her persistent campaigning has brought critical issues to the forefront, influencing policy discussions and raising awareness about the systemic barriers faced by those seeking justice. Ellie’s story of resilience and determination has inspired many, and her efforts have led to tangible changes, including greater access to court documentation for survivors.

In addition to her advocacy, Ellie is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events across the UK, where she shares her insights on the intersection of domestic abuse and the legal system. Her talks often center on her personal experiences, providing a powerful narrative that underscores the need for continued reform and support for survivors.

Ellie’s contributions have not only brought attention to the injustices within the criminal justice system but have also empowered other survivors to speak out and demand change. Her work is a testament to the impact that one determined individual can have on a system, and she continues to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the fight against domestic abuse.

Hibo Wardere is an internationally recognised campaigner, educator, and speaker who has dedicated her life to combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). A survivor of FGM herself, Hibo has transformed her personal trauma into a powerful platform for change, advocating tirelessly for the protection of girls and women worldwide. She is the author of the acclaimed book "Cut: One Woman's Fight Against FGM in Britain Today," which shares her harrowing experience and highlights the ongoing struggle to end this harmful practice.

Hibo's work spans multiple continents, where she collaborates with governments, NGOs, and educational institutions to raise awareness and develop strategies to combat FGM. Her efforts have not only influenced policy changes but have also empowered countless survivors and at-risk individuals to speak out and seek help. Hibo's commitment to education is evident in her work with schools, where she provides training and resources to help teachers recognize and prevent FGM.

Her advocacy has earned her numerous awards and recognition, making her one of the leading voices in the global fight against FGM. Hibo's story and her unwavering dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals continue to inspire change and challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate FGM.

Luke Martin is a leading expert in the domestic and sexual abuse sector, with over eighteen years of dedicated experience. He has developed a strong reputation for his work with male and LGBTQIA+ victim-survivors, combining both academic insight and practical frontline experience.

Luke began his career at the Dyn Project in Cardiff, where he worked directly with male victims of domestic abuse. His commitment to improving support systems for marginalized groups has led him to collaborate with various organizations, including the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit in North Wales, where he delivered training to enhance their response to LGBTQIA+ referrals involving complex cases of counter-allegations.

In addition to his frontline work, Luke has made significant contributions to the field through his writing. He authored the updated Working with Male Victims Toolkit for Respect (2019) and played a key role in developing the Home Office-funded national standards for services supporting male victims of abuse (2020). His scholarly work includes the publication of ‘Debates of Difference: Male Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse’ in the book Domestic Violence: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Protection, Prevention and Intervention, published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2016.

Luke’s recent projects include working with Nottinghamshire Council to explore the safe accommodation needs of male victims and with Kirklees Council to assess the support needs of LGBTQIA+ victims across the county. He has also been instrumental in the rollout of the ‘train the facilitator’ program for the Polari Programme, a 12-week recovery course designed for LGBTQIA+ survivors of domestic abuse.

Francesca Ferrier is the Economic Empowerment Partnership Manager within the Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team at Refuge, the UK’s largest provider of support services for women and children affected by domestic abuse. In her current role, Francesca leads efforts to combat both tech-facilitated and economic abuse, focusing on empowering survivors to reclaim control over their lives and use technology safely and positively.

With extensive experience in addressing emerging forms of abuse, Francesca has been at the forefront of tackling the misuse of technology by perpetrators to track, harass, and control victims. Her work includes raising awareness of tech abuse as part of a broader pattern of coercive and controlling behavior. She and her team provide crucial support to women affected by such abuse, helping them navigate the challenges posed by modern technology in the context of domestic violence.

Francesca's contributions to the field are particularly vital in an era where technology is increasingly used as a tool of oppression. Under her leadership, Refuge's tech and economic empowerment team not only supports survivors but also works to educate the public and influence policy to better protect vulnerable individuals. As of early 2019, more than 2,500 of Refuge's clients had reported experiencing technology-facilitated abuse, highlighting the critical need for the services and advocacy that Francesca and her team provide.

Daisy Douglas is the Programme Manager (West) at Tender, a leading charity dedicated to preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence through education. With a strong focus on prevention and early intervention, Daisy oversees a range of educational programs designed to raise awareness and equip young people with the tools they need to recognize and challenge abusive behavior.

At Tender, Daisy and her team work tirelessly to bring prevention education to the forefront of domestic abuse initiatives, addressing the critical need for early education in this area. Despite the challenges of securing funding for prevention work, Daisy is committed to ensuring that young people receive the education they need to foster healthy, respectful relationships.

Daisy's role at Tender involves managing and delivering workshops and training sessions across the West of England, engaging with schools, communities, and professionals to promote the importance of domestic abuse prevention. Her work is crucial in creating a future where abuse is not only recognized early but is also actively prevented through informed, proactive education.

Host or Publisher Watkins Solicitors