Conference To Tackle Domestic Violence Amongst Young People In Lancashire

05/02/2013

A conference held in Skelmersdale today is aiming to raise awareness about domestic violence amongst young people in Lancashire.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Skelmersdale Action for Youth (SAY) have joined forces to organise the "Challenge it! Report it! Stop it! Beat Domestic Violence" conference. 

The CPS and SAY are working alongside Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary, NHS Lancashire and other organisations including Beat Abuse, Artz, Domestic Violence Support Services and Victim Support to educate young people about domestic violence and provide support to victims.  

The 2009 - 2010 British Crime Survey found that the 16 to 19 age group were at the highest risk of abuse, while a review carried out by the CPS into 65 prosecutions involving a young victim or offender found that over a quarter of these cases were partner or ex-partner abuse.  

The conference will talk to young people about the early signs of domestic abuse and the devastating impact it has on victims' lives. There will be talks throughout the day from Cheryl Hramiak, CPS North West Area Domestic Violence Co-ordinator, and Eleanor Willcocks from Domestic Violence Support Services, as well as networking sessions, which will give young people the opportunity to have their say and talk directly to the organisations involved. 

Attendees will also hear from the charity Beat Abuse, which was founded following the death of 17 year old Kelsey Shaw, who was murdered by her boyfriend in 2011. 

Cheryl Hramiak, CPS North West Area Domestic Violence Co-ordinator, said: 

"The Crown Prosecution Service is committed to protecting victims from crime. Too often teenagers and young people remain in abusive relationships, either because they do not recognise that violence is not a requisite to a loving relationship or they are unaware of the services and support that are available to give them the power to control their situation and make choices.  

"This event is an excellent opportunity for me to outline what prosecution can mean, what protection can be given and to explain what support is available. I am delighted to have been invited to contribute at this event." 

Alan Lewis, SAY, said: 

"SAY has a unique approach to working with young people, and right from the start of this project, we have been working with them face to face to find out how they would benefit most from the conference. We are delighted to be working with the CPS and other organisations to help break down any barriers between them and young people." 

"We hope the conference will raise awareness about domestic violence amongst young people. It can happen to anyone in any relationship, whether male or female, straight or gay, young or old, and it comes in many forms, ranging from controlling behaviour to emotional, verbal and physical abuse." 

Over 60 young people are expected to attend the event, which has been specifically designed for people aged 13 to 25 years and is the first of its kind in Lancashire. It will take place at Digmoor Community Centre in Skelmersdale today.