Attendees need to register online by 12 noon on Friday 1 December: cambridge.gov.uk/dac2023
Taking place at the Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Road, Cambridge, CB4 2JL, from 10am to 2.30pm, the conference is free to attend.
Sessions on the day will include:
- Interactive workshops from local services Cambridge Women’s Aid and Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre, with Dr Mirna Guha from Anglia Ruskin University
- An update on what we know about violence against women and girls locally by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership
- Support from the Kite Trust for LGBTQ+ people affected by domestic abuse
- A panel discussion on domestic abuse vulnerabilities of Asian-origin women in the East of England
- An update from Cambridgeshire Constabulary on what they’re doing to transform their response to rape and serious sexual offences
- Discussion about the White Ribbon Campaign theme for 2023 ’Change The Story’, with Leader of Cambridge City Council and White Ribbon Ambassador, Cllr Mike Davey.
The conference follows soon after the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, and White Ribbon Day, both on 25 November.
The White Ribbon campaign – with which the council is accredited – works to engage men in speaking out about violence against women and girls, and to challenge gender stereotypes underpinning such violence.
Cllr Alice Gilderdale, Executive Councillor for Community Wealth Building and Community Safety, said: “We have recently been re-accredited by the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, in recognition of our ongoing work to support and protect some of the most vulnerable people in our community; and we’ve been accredited with White Ribbon status since 2015. We also work closely with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership, and are a member of the Cambridge Community Safety Partnership.
“But we know people are still being abused in our region, and this conference is one of the most important elements of our work each year. Now in its seventh year, the conference gives us an opportunity to hear from professionals who support people experiencing abuse, as well as members of the public who share insights and ask questions to the panel.
“These insights are invaluable to partners working across the region to tackle domestic abuse – so if this is an area you are passionate about please sign up today to join us on 4 December.”
Anyone who is experiencing abuse or concerned about someone else can visit the council’s website to find information and support.
There is a Domestic Abuse Support Service (DASS) in Cambridge. Cambridgeshire County Council is working with IMPAKT Housing and Support to provide a countywide mobile advocacy and outreach service offering a range of support to victims and survivors. Find out more on IMPAKT's website. The service works to understand the needs and wishes of individuals and develop appropriate support and safety plans. They offer help with issues around home security where appropriate, accessing benefits and sign-posting, or referral to specialist services. People can telephone DASS on freephone 0300 373 1073 or email DASSreferrals@impakt.org.uk
Cambridge Women’s Aid continues to provide dedicated and specialist services to women and children affected by domestic abuse. More details are available on Cambridge Women's Aid website.
Image: doidam10, Canva
