Understanding and responding to Polish women’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse in the UK
Conference in Manchester on 16th of June 2022
The conference was organised to present the findings of the first UK-wide study about Polish women's experiences of abuse in the UK, showcase best practice in working with Polish families affected by domestic abuse, and facilitate networking between professionals.
Domestic abuse in Polish families living in the UK is a growing concern among the Polish community and professionals. It remains a hidden problem that hasn't been adequately explored and addressed despite its seriousness and prevalence in the UK's largest minority group. The conference promoted the findings from the long coming UK-wide study about Polish women’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse in the UK. The research project was led by academics from the University of Lincoln and Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw.
The research report is available here - https://dvsupport.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/research/
This international event brought together academics, experts, leaders, and practitioners from the UK and Poland. It offered a unique opportunity to hear from representatives of the leading organisations supporting women and victims of domestic abuse in Poland.
Two workshops were delivered by Polish practitioners who support victims of domestic abuse in the UK. They shared their knowledge and expertise in the most effective and culturally sensitive approach to working with Polish victims.
SPEAKERS
WHAT PEOPLE SAID ABOUT THE EVENT
I thought the conference was outstanding and I learnt so much
We really enjoyed the conference and we learned a lot. We have been treated very friendly, the food was lovely and the BSL Interpreters were brilliant.
We left with smiles on our faces and learned a lot about domestic abuse in the Polish community.
Thank you for a very interesting conference - I thought that the film was particularly thoughtful
PROGRAMME
9.30 - 10.00 Arrival and registration
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10.00 - 10.30 Welcome by Katarzyna Zatorski and special guests - Nicole Jacobs and Polish Consul, WÅ‚odzimierz Sulgostowski
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10.30 - 11.00 Domestic violence and abuse in Poland: Understanding the service and policy landscape - guest speakers from Poland: Urszula Nowakowska and Maja Kuźmicz
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11.00 - 11.30 Survivors' voices
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11.30 - 11.45 Coffee break
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11.45 - 13.00 Polish women’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse: Findings from the first UK study - Dr Iwona ZieliÅ„ska, Prof Sundari Anitha, Dr Michael Rasell, and Dr Ros Kane
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13.00 - 14.00 Lunch and networking
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14.00 - 14.45 Workshops
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14.45 - 15.00 Coffee break
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15.00 - 15.45 Workshops
15.45 - 16.00 Conference closure
Workshop 1 How to maximise your effectiveness with Polish clients – cultural aspects affecting engagement and best practice – Ewa Wilcock and Agnieszka Tenteroba
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Workshop 2 “I am scared that social services will take my children” – Polish clients' experiences of working with social services - Iwona Nowakowska and Joanna Jandula
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Group 1 - Workshop 1 at 2 pm and Workshop 2 at 3 pm
Group 2 - Workshop 1 at 3 pm and Workshop 2 at 2 pm
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
