Safe Homes, Secure Relationships Conference

Bexley Women's Aid in partnership with BVSC invite you to: 

For managers and practitioners working in social care, education, the police, health and the voluntary sector

Domestic Abuse has a devastating impact on the lives of those experiencing it.  Statistically, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse and one in seven children and young people under the age of 18 will have lived with domestic abuse at some point in their childhood.

Locally, it is recognised there is an urgent need to prioritise and improve our multiagency approach in supporting victims of domestic abuse. Domestic violence and abuse is a key causal factor for children needing to be taken into care in Bexley. From a policing perspective domestic abuse can also be the cause of high repeat victimisation rates. It is therefore an important strategic priority for both Children’s Social Care and for the Bexley Community Safety Partnership.

This conference acknowledges the importance of working together to tackle Domestic Abuse in Bexley.

Polly Neate, the Chief Executive of National Women’s Aid will be presenting on the national context. Jacky Tiotto, Director of Children’s Services in Bexley, will be speaking about why Domestic Abuse is an important priority for Bexley and the work underway locally to address Domestic Abuse. We will also hear directly from a service user about her experiences of living with domestic abuse and why it is vital that we listen to what helps and what doesn’t in supporting victims of domestic abuse.

There will be workshops throughout the day on:

• Domestic Abuse and Education in Schools
• Community Support Groups
• Good Practice and Challenges in Developing Perpetrator Programmes, and
• Funding Domestic Violence Support through Social Impact Bonds

The event will also offer opportunities for networking and sharing learning. Bexley Women’s Aid will host a marketplace and exhibition to showcase their work with women and children experiencing domestic abuse over the last 40 years.