Two-day conference to be held to discuss domestic abuse

Keynote speakers for Day One are Natalie Collins and David Challen

Victim Support Isle of Man has planned a two-day conference later this month to discuss domestic abuse. 

The first day of the conference will be in collaboration with the Isle of Man Domestic Abuse Forum.

Keynote speakers for Day One are Natalie Collins and David Challen.

Natalie is an international speaker and trainer on issues of violence against women and wider gender injustice.  

Having written numerous training programmes and resources for a wide range of audiences, she is regularly requested as an expert in the field of violence against women, focusing on consciousness and awareness.

Natalie said: “I am delighted to be joining Victim Support Isle of Man to celebrate 25 years of work on the Isle of Man.  

"It is brilliant that they are highlighting the issue of domestic abuse. While many people think this is a niche subject that rarely impacts most people, in reality it is a crime that affects more people than nearly any other. 

"It may feel like a hard and difficult subject to approach, but as we honour those subjected to abuse and work to prevent further perpetration, we do so in order to build a more hopeful and joy-filled world. How exciting is that?!”

David Challen, a domestic abuse campaigner and writer will speak on both days. 

He successfully campaigned to free his mother Sally Challen in a landmark appeal recognising the lifetime of coercive control she suffered in 2019.

He continues to speak out against men's violence against women, coercive control and the impact of domestic abuse on children, as well as men's role in tackling misogyny.

​David is also an advisor to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales and an Ambassador for the Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) and the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse.

David said: “I am thrilled to be attending the 25th anniversary of Victim Support Isle of Man next month. 

"No one imagines becoming a victim of crime, yet many of us can become one at any moment. 

"I will be sharing and discussing my own story of fatal domestic abuse within my family, the impact of it and the importance of coercive control awareness in helping stop escalating acts of violence. 

"In centering the victim's voices at this event, Victim Support is creating awareness to the vital support they provide communities who they will serve and support in the moments needed most.”

The second day of the conference will celebrate the work that Victim Support Isle of Man has done over the past 25 years and all that it continues to do.

Lorna Trevethan, CEO of Victim Support Isle of Man added: “The conference is a key event for us as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary during 2024.  We are very grateful to Douglas Rotary Club for sponsoring the event and enabling us to bring over two keynote speakers.” 

“We believe that it is important to raise awareness about domestic abuse but also highlight the wider work of Victim Support Isle of Man.”

The conference is free, and you can book your tickets here.