Shedding Light on Digital Domestic Abuse: A Regional Conference Hosted by Kilcooley Women’s Centre
Kilcooley Women’s Centre (KWC) played host to a pivotal regional conference focused on raising awareness of digital domestic abuse and coercive control. Organized by the South Eastern Domestic Violence Partnership Members and kindly funded by the Police and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), the event brought together key stakeholders from across the region to tackle this pressing issue head-on.
A United Front Against Domestic Abuse: The conference served as a platform for collaboration and dialogue among organizations dedicated to combating domestic abuse and coercive control in the area. Attendees included representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Public Protection Agency, the NI Housing Executive, Kilcooley Women’s Centre, and North Down and Ards Women’s Aid, Ards and North Down Borough Council amongst others.
Highlighting the Impact of Digital Abuse: A key focus of the conference was the discussion of digital domestic abuse and its profound impact on victims. Through insightful presentations and discussions, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the signs of digital abuse and how coercive control can be exacerbated by the use of digital devices. By shedding light on this often-overlooked form of abuse, the conference aimed to empower attendees to recognize and address it effectively and to improve the ability to recognise the signs by those working in the field.
Building Collaboration and Awareness: The conference provided a valuable opportunity for networking and collaboration among organisations working to tackle domestic abuse and coercive control. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources, attendees were able to strengthen their collective efforts and reinforce their commitment to supporting victims and survivors in the community.
Empowering Action at the Local Level: Held in the historic Old Market House in the heart of the City of Bangor, the conference underscored the importance of community engagement in addressing domestic abuse. By bringing together key stakeholders in a central location, the event facilitated meaningful discussions and enabled organisations to showcase their initiatives and services aimed at tackling the problem locally.
Moving Forward Together: As the conference drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to combat digital domestic abuse and coercive control in their communities. Kilcooley Women’s Centre and its partners remain committed to raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for change to create safer and healthier environments for all. The information gathered at the event will support the One Stop Shop Domestic Abuse service which is provided by the women’s centre on behalf of the PCSP.
The regional conference was a powerful reminder of the collective strength and resolve of organisations working to address domestic abuse and coercive control. By coming together to share knowledge and expertise, we are better equipped to support victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and create a future free from violence and abuse.
Stay tuned for more initiatives and events from Kilcooley Women’s Centre as we continue our mission to promote safety, tackle and help end violence against women and girls and equality, and empowerment for all.
