Liverpool law firm Morecrofts held its first domestic abuse conference in 2015 and has revealed details of this year’s event with ‘child on parent’ abuse a key topic on the agenda. Tony McDonough reports

‘Child on parent’ abuse will be one of the key topics discussed at this year’s Morecrofts domestic abuse conference.

First organised by the Liverpool law firm in 2015, the conference is now an established event in the city’s calendar. Morecrofts says this year’s event will take place on Thursday, June 19, supported by social housing provider Torus.

Taking place over one day at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool city centre, the conference will discuss how child on parent abuse is a growing problem in the UK. This includes physical, emotional and verbal abuse.

Michelle John, founding director of social enterprise PEGS, which supports parents and guardians, will address delegates at the event. She will be joined by Serena Kennedy, who became Merseyside Police’s first-ever female Chief Constable in 2021.

Her force strategy includes inclusion, community engagement, wellbeing, preventative policing and protecting vulnerable people.

Jo Aston and Jill Ellis, members of the domestic abuse steering group at Torus Housing, will outline their first-hand experience of tackling domestic abuse.

Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment at charity Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, returns to the conference.

She will discuss her work in providing direct support to women and children and playing a crucial role in shaping legislative policy to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse.

Dr Ged Smith, a consultant systemic psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, also joins the line-up of speakers.

And the impact that domestic abuse can have on family pets will also be explored by Joanne Jackson, general manager at Dog’s Trust Freedom, a specialist dog fostering service helping people find freedom from domestic abuse across the country.

Heather Lyon, a specialist in domestic abuse, children’s matters, and family law at Morecrofts Solicitors, completes the line-up. She will provide insight into emerging patterns in domestic abuse cases.

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Jo-anne Lomax, partner at Morecrofts, said: “With expert insights on topics ranging from child on parent abuse and policing policy to technology-facilitated abuse and the effect of abuse on animals, delegates will be able to get a full 360° view on the scourge of domestic abuse and latest strategies being employed to tackle it.

“The Domestic Abuse Conference is always incredibly well-attended and, without fail, we finish the event collectively more informed and stronger in our work.”