Event Details

“...every case of someone suffering domestic violence is one too many. We are determined not to let violent offenders get away with wrecking lives by stopping them committing crimes in the first place.” “We will double the number of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, to ensure that sensitive domestic violence cases can be heard in a safe and protected court environment; and roll out Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences nationally to ensure that local agencies work positively and proactively together to reduce repeat victimisation among domestic violence victims. ”
— Rt. Hon Jacqui Smith MP, Home Secretary, 18 February 2008

Overview

The Government’s own figures on domestic violence provide sobering reading:

• Accounts for 17-25 percent of all violent crime
• Claims the lives of two women each week and 30 men per year
• Has more repeat victims than any other crime (on average there will have been 35 assaults before a victim calls the police)
• Almost a third of domestic violence starts during pregnancy, and existing violence often escalates during it
• One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute
• costs in excess of £23bn a year
• 64 percent of all murdered women are killed by their partner, ex partner or lover

(Source: Ministry of Justice / Home Office)

Five years on since the Government unveiled the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill, statistics released during the past twelve months indicate that, although there is still a long way to go, real progress is being made in tackling domestic violence. With much of the success attributed to the roll-out of MARAC arrangements in many areas, the Second Annual Symposium on Tackling Domestic Violence offers a timely opportunity for local practitioners, police/probation service, health and other stakeholders to examine the progress to date and consider how multi agency frameworks can be implemented successfully in all areas.

In light of the recent policy debate around the violence against women and girls consultation, the Symposium will also offer a chance to tackle some of the more ‘hidden’ aspects of domestic violence – particularly issues around men as victims of DV. Furthermore, with so much good work being carried out in supporting victims and managing perpetrators, delegates will consider what more can be done to prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place through more effective education and early intervention strategies.

Throughout the day, participants will assess what works locally and explore how examples of good practice can be implemented in all areas to ensure that those at risk receive the protection and support they need. Delegates will have the opportunities to debate, share ideas and network with colleagues from across the local authority, health service, third sector and government landscape.

Programme

Who Should Attend?

• Domestic Violence Co-ordinators
• Housing Officers
• Police Service, Police Authorities and Fire Services
• Probation Officers
• Families Services Officers
• Sure Start, Children’s Trusts and Children’s Centres
• Health Service Professionals
• Victim Support Representatives
• Community Cohesion and Development Organisations
• Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships
• Community Safety Teams
• Neighbourhood Policing Teams
• Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinators
• Drug & Alcohol Action Teams
• Youth Offending Teams
• Community Support Officers
• Children and Youth Services
• Housing Associations
• Social Workers and Social Services Officers
• Local Education Welfare Authorities
• Men’s Health/Welfare Organisations
• Teachers and Head Teachers
• Criminal Justice Practitioners
• Judges and Magistrates
• Legal Professionals
• Local Authority Officers & Councillors
• Central Government Departments and Agencies
• Equality and Diversity Practitioners
• Third Sector Practitioners
• Faith Organisations
• Academics and Researchers