Strode College, in collaboration with Avon and Somerset Police and actor and domestic abuse survivor Sam Beckinsale, hosted a powerful conference called ‘Strong Voices, Safe Communities’.
The conference was aimed at tackling coercive control and domestic abuse through community awareness, education and local business collaboration.
Bringing together employers, local businesses, community leaders, and advocates, the conference was a rallying cry to recognise the often-hidden signs of coercive control and domestic abuse in everyday settings such as hospitality, retail, and the wider workplace.
The event emphasised the critical role employers can play in supporting affected staff and creating safe spaces for victims and survivors—whether colleagues or customers.
One of the event organisers, 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.”
A key moment in the day’s programme was the screening of Love?, a film by Sam Beckinsale, best known for her role in London’s Burning – and award-winning director Jason Figgis.
The film offered a raw and emotional portrayal of coercive control and sparked thoughtful discussion among attendees. Sam’s courageous storytelling helped underscore the importance of recognising the psychological and emotional aspects of abuse, not just the physical.
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 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.”
In addition, students from the college’s creative departments designed the official conference logo, which featured on bags and keyrings given to attendees as daily reminders of their role in helping create a safer Somerset.
As part of the conference’s practical outcomes, employers were encouraged to sign up to the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA)—a growing network of businesses and organisations taking action on domestic abuse.
EIDA provides resources, training, and a platform for sharing best practice to help employers support staff affected by abuse and to foster safe, informed workplace cultures.
Strode College signed up to EIDA at the conference, reinforcing its commitment to supporting both its staff and students in recognising and responding to domestic abuse.
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