People across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly are invited to attend a conference promoting healthy relationships across all age groups, with the aim of helping professionals end abuse and violence against women and girls.
The conference is being delivered in partnership with Safer Cornwall and the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults and Children’s Boards. It will take place online and in-person on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, will be the keynote speaker.
Cllr Andy Virr, cabinet member for adults and health, said:
“This one-day event is critical for raising awareness, sharing knowledge and advocating for positive change. It will bring together experts, activists, policymakers and survivors of violence and abuse to discuss various aspects and positive solutions to end violence against women and girls and promote gender equality.”
Cllr Carol Mould, Cornwall Council cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“The aim is to work together to make real, sustainable change to improve services and people’s lives, putting the voice of victims and survivors at the heart of our work. Our ambition is for Cornwall to be a place where abuse and violence are not tolerated, where everyone can expect equality and respect, and live free from fear.”
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Violence Against Women and Girls cross-party working group, said:
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to come to this event as we are passionate about bringing forth change to the way that many people currently live their lives, in fear and without a voice. Each act of violence and abuse reinforces that this is normal and is tolerated by society. This needs to change.”
Other speakers include Laura Bates, founder of Everyday Sexism, Michelle Griffiths-Robinson OLY, Ambassador for Women’s Aid and Nathaniel Hawthorne from Beyond Equality.
Presentations from regional delivery partners include Safer Futures (First Light and Barnardo’s), The Women’s Centre Cornwall, Falmouth University and Young People Cornwall, all sharing innovative practice underway in Cornwall.
This conference follows the launch earlier this year of two new five-year strategies:
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Domestic Abuse Strategy
Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy
You can find out more about the organisations involved by visiting their websites:
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Children Partnership
You can find out more about the event and book your place by visiting the event website.