The delicate subjects of domestic abuse and modern slavery will come under the microscope as part of a conference being organised by Cockermouth Rotary in Cumbria.
Andy Carter retired from Cumbria Constabulary in 2008 having been involved in combating of domestic violence for several years.
And he has become one of the prime movers for the conference which will be held on Friday 24th May at Christ Church in Cockermouth from 1pm to 4pm.
In recent years, there continues to be heart-wrenching cases of domestic violence and abuse reported both locally, nationally and indeed internationally.
The rise of issues surrounding modern-day slavery has now become more widely reported across the nation and Cumbria is no exception.
Following a positive meeting with Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, Cockermouth Rotary decided to stage an annual conference which, each year, would heighten awareness of this and other social issues.
In Cockermouth on Friday, May 24th, the first such conference is set to highlight Domestic Abuse and Modern Day Slavery.
This conference is being organised in partnership between Cockermouth Rotary and Cockermouth Churches Together.
The role of Rotary is to facilitate the conference and bring together all interested parties, including victims and survivors.”
Andy Carter said: “At the event, there will be keynote speakers from the police and other agencies who are fully engaged to addressing domestic abuse and modern day slavery.
“The group, working closely with Rotary Assistant Governor Ian Johnson decided that the conference should cover the Allerdale and Copeland areas which are aligned with the Community Safety Partnership’s strategic aims and Assistant Governor areas.
“The conference is open to all and not simply Rotary.
“The role of Rotary is to facilitate the conference and bring together all interested parties, including victims and survivors.”
Andy said he hoped this would be the first of a number of Rotary-led conferences which would forge stronger links with the Community Safety Partnership.
Funding has been secured from the Community Safety Partnership to deliver follow-on Domestic Abuse Champion training, he revealed.
“By highlighting such issues, which are prevalent in all communities, we believe Rotary can make a difference in this respect and ensure professional support by agencies to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities,” added Andy.
