The Council is giving its full support to an international campaign on domestic abuse, by co-hosting a series of events aimed at local businesses with its partners on Bexley’s Domestic Abuse Operational Group.

Virtual Domestic Abuse Conference
Wednesday 25 November, 10am to 1pm
– Opening by Nicole Jacobs, DA Commissioner England & Wales
– Introduction of ‘elder abuse’ with guest note speakers
– Film on elder abuse and on economic abuse
– Presentation by Solace
– Presentation by Age UK
– Understanding and responding to economic abuse
– Resources and literature to support practitioners
– COVID-19 & domestic abuse
– Q&A

The Time Keeper virtual conference
Wednesday 9 December, 10am to 11:30am
An interactive session which will showcase a short film called ‘The Time Keeper’. Commissioned by Lewisham Council, this film highlights the nature of coercive control shown through the eyes of a child. There will be an introduction to the film, followed by a de-brief and discussion. Resources to support practitioners in identifying coercive control will be shared.

To join either of these virtual events or to find out more email deborah.simpson@bexley.gov.uk

Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Alex Sawyer, said: “Over this new period of national restrictions, we all need to stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. But for some people home isn’t a safe place. We’re working with partners to ensure that those people get the help they need, but local businesses can always do more to help their staff who may already be suffering from domestic abuse. These events will help more local people and professionals to spot the signs and direct a colleague to the help and support they need.”

16 Days of Action (25 November to 10 December) every year highlights the link between abuse against women and human rights. It also incorporates three other major events to highlight the connection between human rights and violence against women: International Human Rights Defenders Day (29 November), World Aids Day (1 December) and the anniversary of the Montreal École Polytechnique Massacre (6 December).

During the 16 days Council staff will see blogs and briefings on subjects including: coercive control, elder abuse, the domestic homicide review process, Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences, a day in the life of an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate and refuge worker and more.

The Council has its own policy to support any of its staff dealing with personal or professional situations involving domestic abuse, including signposting to specialist services and support for managers.

Bexley has its own dedicated website – www.bexleydomesticabuseservices.org.uk – which is the borough’s online hub for both victims of domestic abuse and professionals providing information on a range of support services that are available in Bexley.

Solace provides confidential support for women and men in Bexley affected by abuse. If you are worried about domestic or sexual abuse and need advice you can call Solace on 020 3198 4659.