This seminar explored findings from AVA’s ‘Breaking Down the Barriers’ report based upon the findings of the National Commission on domestic and sexual violence and multiple disadvantage, and its sister peer-led research project ‘Hand in Hand’.  The content identified local and national good practice examples to explore how authorities, services and workers can enhance responses with regards to survivors experiencing multiple disadvantage. 

Key speakers included: 

• Jo Sharpen –  AVA will share findings from the National Commission and the peer-research project ‘Hand in Hand’. 
• Dr Lyndsey Harris – Response to Complexity 
• Dr Kathryn Hodges – Seeking help and support:  Complex experience care model. 

This Equation seminar explored the use of technology as part of domestic abuse, with some overlaps for sexual abuse and on-line abuse.  The key speaker at this seminar was Dr Leonie Maria Tanczer ; Lecturer in Security and Emerging Technologies at UCL’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP). The GIoT research team analyses how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies (i.e., smart, Internet-connected devices such as fridges, TVs, or wearables) will impact gender-based domestic violence and abuse and what socio-technical measures will need to be implemented in order to mitigate against those risks.

The workshop run by Dr Leonie Tanczer outlined findings from the “Gender and IoT” (GIoT) research project and provided an opportunity for frontline workers and support organisation to discuss current concerns in relation to technology-facilitated abuse. In the course of the event, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled privacy and security IoT risks were examined, and the GIoT guide and resource list explained. The workshop also highlighted remaining gaps and uncertainties in the support of victims of tech-abuse and allowed attendees to feed into ongoing research as well as policy developments taking place across the UK.

The seminar was lead by Laura Richards, an internationally recognised expert and award-winning victim advocate in the fields of domestic violence, stalking, sexual violence, risk assessment and homicide and is one of the founders of Paladin – the national stalking advocacy service. 

Laura developed the first university accredited training for Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers in the UK currently rolled out by Paladin, the Police accredited Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Training and the Home Office and award winning College of Policing accredited training on Stalking and Harassment.   

 Laura was responsible for developing the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-based Violence (DASH 2009) Risk Identification, Assessment and Management Model on behalf of NPCC. Laura was also responsible for instigating the Multi-agency Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) working with the Solicitor General and the Home Office, influencing legislative change in the UK. She developed the DHR training and is DHRs reader on behalf of the Home Office. 

Other speakers included Clare Dean, DI from Nottinghamshire Police, Juno women’s aid and Equation’s Men’s Service, all providing information on local referral pathways and support provision.  

Led by Dr Noreen Tehrani, a leading researcher and practitioner in the area of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma, this  3-hour seminar featured research and best practice guidance for understanding and managing the psychological and emotional impact of working with those affected by domestic and sexual abuse.

Dr Tehrani is a qualified psychologist in Occupational, Counselling, Health and Coaching Psychology. The diversity of her training and experience has helped her to deal with a wide range of psychological problems which reduced employee well-being and organisational effectiveness. Dr Tehrani has worked extensively with individuals affected by domestic and sexual abuse, as well as those affected by large scale disasters including the Omagh Bomb, Paddington and Potters Bar rail crashes, World Trade Centre and the 7th July terrorist attacks in London.

Long-term sickness absence is expensive and often unnecessary. Over the past fifteen years, Dr Tehrani has developed and used a series of assessment and rehabilitation interventions which have reduced sickness absence and achieved significant financial benefits for the organisations. Organisations have an important role in creating environments where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Intervening early is important if there is to be a successful resolution