A college in Street has teamed up with police and a survivor to tackle coercive control and domestic abuse.
The ‘Strong Voices, Safe Communities’ conference took place on Monday, June 2, at Strode College in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police and actor and domestic abuse survivor Sam Beckinsale.
It focused on raising awareness of coercive control and domestic abuse, particularly in the workplace and community.
Tanya Schottlander, director of student experience at Strode College, said: "When we walked around the businesses within Street and Glastonbury to promote this event, we were greeted by many employers with stories of how they had observed controlling behaviours within their customer base or had been victims of domestic abuse themselves.
"We were even asked by business to directly approach other companies, which we did.
"We are under no illusion we talked to both victims and perpetrators, but what was so powerful was the willingness of people to openly discuss their experiences.
"To those who shared, thank you for your trust."
The conference aimed to help employers, businesses, and community leaders identify and respond to domestic abuse, including supporting staff and creating safe environments for victims.
A key part of the event was the screening of Love?, a film by Ms Beckinsale and director Jason Figgis that explores the emotional and psychological impact of coercive control.
Ms Beckinsale said: "Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, be perpetrated by anyone, and has common patterns across the world.
"By spreading this message via our film, we hope to help people recognise the signs and effect of domestic abuse and the tactics used by perpetrators of these crimes.
"Coercive control kills and without a fist being raised.
"Somerset was my safe space.
"As a community, let’s make it a safe space for everyone."
Students from Strode College played a central role in the day, with performing arts students creating and performing short scenes about coercive control.
John Revill, principal and CEO of Strode College, said: "It’s strikingly clear that many young people are not only affected by domestic abuse but are also the key to driving societal change.
"To truly recognise the signs and make domestic abuse unacceptable everywhere, we must work alongside our communities and empower the next generation.
"To facilitate this change, it is imperative that our students and the younger generation have a voice, are embedded within the solution and become agents for change.
"There can be no hiding place for perpetrators.
"I was incredibly proud of the students—their insight and powerful portrayal gave me real hope for the future."
College students also designed the conference logo, which appeared on bags and keyrings given to attendees.
Chef apprentices, led by executive chef and tutor Paul Bentley, provided catering for the event.
Det Supt Kristina Windsor, Avon and Somerset Police’s lead for domestic abuse, said: "It is that controlling behaviour that can be quite hard to measure, but that is the fundamental part.
"Domestic abuse is about power.
"We understand it better now and we have a responsibility to tackle it, bringing offenders to justice.
"But there is a role to play for many people, and we are trying to encourage people to be able to identify the signs."
Employers were encouraged to sign up to the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), which offers resources and training to help organisations support employees affected by abuse.
Strode College joined EIDA during the conference, reinforcing its commitment to protecting both staff and students.
For more information, visit the EIDA website or email info@eida.org.uk.
Support is available through the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) at the Somerset Survivors website or by calling 0800 69 49 999, which is available between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.
In an emergency, always call 999.
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