CAMBRIDGE City Council is hosting a free Domestic Abuse conference on Friday 18 November which is open to members of the public who would like to better understand or help raise awareness of domestic abuse.

Attendees need to register online by 12 noon on Wednesday 16 November.

Taking place at the Guildhall on the market square, Cambridge, the conference is free to attend and runs from 10am to 2.30pm, with keynote address ‘Recognising and responding to economic abuse' given by Eleni Kazaglis, an economic abuse specialist.

Sessions on the day will also include:

• ‘125 years of Local Women’s Services’: Hear from leaders of Cambridge Women’s Aid, Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre and Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre on 125 years of support in Cambridge.
• ‘We simply don't know enough’: Dr Mirna Guha, Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University will discuss domestic abuse vulnerabilities of Asian-origin women in the East of England.
• ‘White Ribbon Campaign’: With presentations from Cambridge MP, Daniel Zeichner, and Sam Gomarsall, Cambridge United’s White Ribbon Ambassador.
• A panel discussion with representatives from local council, police, health and business organisations will answer audience questions. Questions can be emailed in advance to safety@cambridge.gov.uk.

The conference is being held during November to mark the national White Ribbon Day and the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls which take place on 25 November.

The White Ribbon campaign works to engage men in speaking out about violence against women and girls, and to challenge gender stereotypes underpinning such violence. The UN’s Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls marks the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Anyone who is experiencing abuse or concerned about someone else can visit the council’s website to find information and support.

Cllr Alice Gilderdale, Executive Councillor for Recovery, Employment and Community Safety, said: “We know that lots of people in Cambridge have either experienced domestic abuse themselves or know someone who has.

“We’re committed to tackling domestic abuse in Cambridge and we work closely with partners locally and nationally to do so. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and we want to raise awareness of what domestic abuse can look like in different contexts, and to make sure people know who to turn to if they find themselves in an abusive situation.

“The conference is a fantastic opportunity for professionals who support people experiencing abuse to come together and, crucially, for members of the public to take part and put questions and challenges to the panel.

“If this is an area you are passionate about, or you’d just like to understand more about domestic abuse or how to tackle it, please sign up today to join us on Friday.”

Anyone who is experiencing abuse or concerned about someone else can also seek support via the following routes.

There is a new Domestic Abuse Support Service 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. You 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.