The behaviour, which includes physical, emotional or verbal abuse, has become a growing problem reported by police forces across the UK in the past three years. Michelle John, founding director of social enterprise PEGS, will address delegates at the event at the Hilton Hotel on Thursday 19 June.

She will be joined by Serena Kennedy, who became Merseyside Police’s first-ever female Chief Constable in 2021. Her force strategy includes inclusion, community engagement, wellbeing, preventative policing and protecting vulnerable people.

Jo Aston and Jill Ellis, members of the domestic abuse steering group at Torus Housing, will outline their first-hand experience of tackling domestic abuse through frontline roles including safeguarding, neighbourhood support, young people’s accommodation and tenancy sustainment across Liverpool, Warrington and St Helens.

The Domestic Abuse Conference is a full-day event aimed at professionals dedicated to tackling the devastating impact of domestic abuse. Presented by Morecrofts Solicitors and supported by Torus Housing, it sets out to educate and empower attendees with fresh perspectives, strategies, and best practice.

Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment at charity Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, returns to the conference, where she will discuss her work in providing direct support to women and children and playing a crucial role in shaping legislative policy to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse.

Dr. Ged Smith, a consultant systemic psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, joins the line-up of speakers. Having worked in various agencies for more than 30 years, with many publications, honorary lectureships and presentations globally, his special interests include gender, power, self, and linguistic positioning in psychotherapy.

The impact that domestic abuse can have on family pets will also be explored by Joanne Jackson, general manager at Dog’s Trust Freedom, a specialist dog fostering service helping people find freedom from domestic abuse across the country, by placing their dogs into temporary foster care until they can be safely reunited.

Heather Lyon, a specialist in domestic abuse, children’s matters, and family law at Morecrofts Solicitors, completes the line-up. As part of an award-winning team, she will provide insight into emerging patterns in domestic abuse cases and offer a comprehensive look at how the law is adapting to meet the needs of victims.

Jo-anne Lomax, partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:

“With expert insights on topics ranging from child on parent abuse and policing policy to technology-facilitated abuse and the effect of abuse on animals, delegates will be able to get a full 360° view on the scourge of domestic abuse and latest strategies being employed to tackle it.

“The Domestic Abuse Conference is always incredibly well-attended and, without fail, we finish the event collectively more informed and stronger in our work.”

Jo Aston, safeguarding officer at Torus Housing said:

“Torus Housing is proud to continue our support for the Liverpool Domestic Abuse Conference. For several years, we have remained committed to this important event, recognising the profound impact that domestic abuse has on individuals and communities.

“As a housing association, we understand our duty of care and the crucial role we play in offering support, safe spaces, and guidance to those affected. Domestic abuse is an issue that requires a joined-up approach, and events like this allow us to meet, work with and collaborate with a diverse range of agencies and professionals.”

For further information or book your place at the conference, please visit here or email Millie Greenop at Morecrofts Solicitors mmg@morecrofts.co.uk