Strode College hosts conference to tackle domestic abuse and coercive control
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A college in Street has teamed up with police and a survivor to tackle coercive control and domestic abuse.
The ‘Strong Voices, Safe Communities’ conference took place on Monday, June 2, at Strode College in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and actor and domestic abuse survivor Sam Beckinsale.
It focused on raising awareness of coercive control and domestic abuse, particularly in the workplace and community.
Tanya Schottlander, director of student experience at Strode College, said: “When we walked around the businesses within Street and Glastonbury to promote this event, we were greeted by many employers with stories of how they had observed controlling behaviours within their customer base or had been victims of domestic abuse themselves.
“We were even asked by business to directly approach other companies, which we did.
“We are under no illusion we talked to both victims and perpetrators, but what was so powerful was the willingness of people to openly discuss their experiences.
“To those who shared, thank you for your trust.”
The conference aimed to help employers, businesses, and community leaders identify and respond to domestic abuse, including supporting staff and creating safe environments for victims.
A key part of the event was the screening of Love?, a film by Ms Beckinsale and director Jason Figgis that explores the emotional and psychological impact of coercive control.
Ms Beckinsale said: “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, be perpetrated by anyone, and has common patterns across the world.
“By spreading this message via our film, we hope to help people recognise the signs and effect of domestic abuse and the tactics used by perpetrators of these crimes.
“Coercive control kills and without a fist being raised.
Content retrieved from: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/strode-college-hosts-conference-tackle-040000719.html.
