Conference to tackle domestic abuse launched

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Expert counsellors today urged everyone from medical professionals to mental health therapists and businesses – especially those offering personal services –  to register for a thought-provoking conference aimed at tackling the scourge of domestic abuse. 

Lincoln’s Naomi Watkins Counselling Hub (NWCH CIC) has partnered with Pepperells Solicitors and Boston Women’s Aid (SoLDAS) to create an unmissable online event featuring high-profile speakers and four in-depth workshops. 

Supporting Domestic Abuse Awareness takes place on Saturday, November 27, from 10am to 2.30pm. It will explore various forms of abuse, highlight ways of recognising these and discuss what can be done to prevent injury and save lives. 

NWCH CIC Chief Executive Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska said this this topic has never been more important. During the first seven weeks of Coronavirus lockdown domestic abuse cases rose  by 100 per cent. Every week women and men still die at the hands of abusive partners.

“Awareness of domestic abuse is growing, which is good news. However, this issue now needs an urgent response. It has reached crisis proportions and domestic violence has the power to destroy whole families,” said Naomi. 

Domestic abuse advocates and international keynote speakers, brothers Luke and Ryan Hart’s father devastatingly shot dead their mother and sister (Claire and Charlotte) in Spalding. Luke is the conference’s headline speaker. 

Abuse survivor, and now phenomenally successful businesswoman, Dani Wallace is living proof there is hope for better times in the wake of abuse. Lori Busch from the charity ManKind will share how men are the forgotten victims of domestic abuse. Make a Change, which works with perpetrators of abuse at an early stage, will be talking about how to support people who are concerned about using abusive behaviour in their relationships.  

Workshops are being hosted by NWCH CIC, SoLDAS and Pepperells solicitors. 

Workshop 1: Signs and symptoms of DA in the therapy room: Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska will talk about the impact of domestic abuse on individual who have experienced or are still experiencing this and how to work with them. 

Workshop 2: Pepperells: Family & Criminal Law – Navigating the Family Court and Criminal Justice System as a victim or witness, support with funding and cutting through the jargon, what it all means and why.

Workshop 3: SoLDAS: Let’s Talk About Domestic Abuse! This workshop aims to help people to be more confident in holding that tricky conversation when someone discloses or hints that their relationship may not be a healthy one. What to say, what not to say, what if we don’t say anything?

Workshop 4: Employers/Employees and HR Hear from corporate law and hr experts on topics for business owners, directors and employees who are experiencing or navigating challenging conversations in the workplace     

Lincoln Business Development Manager Clare Williams said: “We are delighted to be involved and supporting NWCH and SoLDAS in raising awareness of this particularly important topic. 

“The team at Pepperells is aware of how domestic abuse can affect so many people and how important it is to be able to access information, support and legal help. This conference will provide tools for so many people in Lincolnshire and further afield.”

Conference access costs £50 (businesses/professionals). Discounted places are available on request (low-income delegates). Bookings can be made on Eventbrite:  

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/domestic-abuse-awareness-conference-tickets-189643919067