Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire local domestic abuse forums have joined forces and will be holding a Hidden Crimes Conference at The Oriel Country Hotel, St Asaph, on Tuesday 17 November.
This one day event is supported by the Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership and will see delegates coming from England and across the principality of Wales.
The forums recognise that it is not only women and children who are affected by domestic abuse, but that it can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age ethnicity or religion.
The conference will bring together key people to share an understanding of a wide range of issues that are often at the edge of mainstream practice. The day will be informative and varied with both local and national keynote speakers and presentations – raising awareness of the hidden crimes emerging in our communities.
During the day there will be a range of thought-provoking presentations, including:
- DC Jason Morgan from the Metropolitan Police who is part of a unit which campaigns to protect children in London from the harmful traditional practice of female genital mutilation.
- Abigail Stepnitz the national coordinator for the Poppy Project which provides support and accommodation to women trafficked into the UK.
- The North Wales Women’s Centre which provides a wide range of services to women and has supported over 900 women to date.
There will also be presentations on issues faced for older victims and children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse.
Pupils at Rhyl High School have worked hard to produce a mural depicting their thoughts on the issue of domestic abuse in preparation for International White Ribbon Day on 25 November. Emrys AP Iwan A level drama students have produced a play on young people and sexual bullying and violence and they will be performing it on the day.
Michelle Davidson Beck Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator says “We have been overwhelmed with the response to attend this conference and hope that by raising awareness of these hidden crimes, agencies and professionals will work in partnership to tackle these issues to make our communities a safer place to live in”
