Freedom for Sussex 2014 Conference – Children and Young People

Worthing Women’s Aid trading as Safe in Sussex would like to invite you and your colleagues to attend our conference which will focus on children and Young People.

Date: Thursday 16 October
Venue: Pavilion Theatre, Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3PX
Time: 10.15am to 4.30pm (registration opens at 9.45am with coffee and pastries)

Teenage girls are now considered to be the group at greatest risk from violent relationships, studies show that 1 in 4 girls experienced abuse by their partners and 6.2% of young males aged 16-19 experienced domestic abuse in the last year (Home Office 2012). As awareness of teenage relationship abuse is growing our conference offers an opportunity for practitioners, domestic violence services and stakeholders to come together to share and learn the importance of educating children and young people for safer healthier relationships, to better identify and tackle abuse within teenage relationships.

Our Chair for the day will be Dr Louise Raw author of ‘Striking a Light’ (history of the Bryant and May Matchwomen’s Strike). Louise will share her own experience of domestic abuse and her work teaching in schools and universities.

Keynote speakers include:

• Jemma Price – National Programme Co-ordinator of CRUSH a structured programme of group support and empowerment for young people aged 13-19, who have witnessed, experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse. Jemma will share how CRUSH works to provide young people with the knowledge and tools to avoid abusive relationships, exit an abusive relationship and better manage their exposure to domestic abuse in the home.
• Dr Jane Ellis from the University of Central Lancashire – The PEACH Project is a scoping study that brings together international evidence on preventative interventions in domestic abuse for children and young people under the age of 18.
• Shabana Kausar – National Schools Engagement Officer for Women’s Aid. Shabana will discuss the need to address domestic violence and abuse in schools and Women’s Aid Safer Futures Project.
• The GREAT Project – enabling primary school children to gain knowledge about healthy relationships, to explore what domestic abuse is and to know where to go for help and support.
• There will be an opportunity to hear from a survivor of domestic abuse.
• Learn about the work of Safe in Sussex and how the organisation is seeking to educate and support young people through its Meaningful Relationships programme.

There will be a performance of Mockingbird High a mesmerising, lyrical exploration of the devastating impact of domestic violence on young people and family relationships by Certain Curtain Theatre Company (award winning trailblazers in domestic abuse drama for over 18 years). Mockingbird High School is empty and dark. However, in a locked-classroom, deep in the basement, a light still burns. Two pupils are conducting an unusual experiment – the trial of their mother for neglect and abuse. If found guilty, there’s only one sentence – death.  An essential experience for anyone working with children and young people, this drama examines the ‘cycle of abuse’, sexual bullying, patterns of abusive behaviour and the long-term impact on children. The performance includes an after show discussion.

There will be an opportunity to network during lunch.

Tickets are just £20 which includes refreshments and lunch.

For further details email louise@safeinsussex.org.uk or telephone 01903 231069

To book tickets visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/safe-in-sussex-6606209009?s=25173439

September 22, 2014