A full-day conference of inspiring speakers and hands-on advice for professionals working to prevent and respond to domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol 2026

Watkins Solicitors are pleased to host Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol 2026 on Thursday 12 November 2026 at The Mount Without, Bristol.

This will be our fifth annual Domestic Abuse Conference, bringing together professionals from across Bristol and the surrounding area to learn, reflect, share knowledge and strengthen the way we respond to domestic abuse.

This full day conference delivers a powerful mix of expert insight, practical advice, and inspirational stories, equipping delegates with the tools they need to improve outcomes for survivors.

Attendees will hear from a diverse panel of speakers, each bringing frontline expertise and lived experience across key areas of domestic abuse. The programme is designed to deepen understanding and offer practical strategies that can be applied immediately in your role.

The conference is designed for professionals who work with, support, advise or respond to people affected by domestic abuse. It is a full-day event focused on practical learning, professional insight and cross-sector connection.

Domestic abuse does not sit within one service, one profession or one system. Victim-survivors may come into contact with solicitors, support workers, social workers, police, NHS services, housing teams, schools, charities, courts and community organisations. This conference creates space for those professionals to come together, hear from speakers, and consider how we can improve support and outcomes for adults, children and families affected by domestic abuse.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is suitable for professionals who regularly encounter domestic abuse in their work, including:

Solicitors and barristers

Domestic abuse support workers

Charity and voluntary sector professionals

Social workers

NHS and healthcare professionals

Police and criminal justice professionals

Local authority teams

Housing association staff

Safeguarding professionals

Educators and school staff

Family support workers

Counsellors and therapists

Community organisations

Anyone working with adults, children or families affected by domestic abuse

You do not need to be a legal professional to attend. The event is intended to be useful, accessible and relevant across sectors.

What to Expect

As with previous years, the conference will bring together a range of voices and professional perspectives, with sessions designed to deepen understanding, support good practice and encourage meaningful discussion.

The day will focus on the real-world challenges faced by people affected by domestic abuse, and the practical role professionals can play in recognising risk, responding appropriately and working effectively with other services.

Delegates can expect a thoughtful and informative day, with opportunities to learn from speakers, reflect on professional practice and connect with others working in this area.

Why Attend?

This conference is designed to help professionals leave with:

A deeper understanding of domestic abuse and its impact

Practical insight that can support day-to-day professional work

Greater confidence when recognising and responding to domestic abuse

A wider understanding of how different services and systems interact

Opportunities to connect with professionals from other sectors

Time to reflect on current practice, challenges and ways to improve support for victim-survivors

This is more than a conference. It is an opportunity to come together with others who share a commitment to improving safety, support and outcomes for people affected by domestic abuse.

A Cross-Sector Bristol Event

One of the strengths of the Domestic Abuse Conference Bristol is the range of professionals it brings together.

Previous conferences have welcomed delegates from across the legal sector, domestic abuse services, charities, local authorities, healthcare, safeguarding, education, housing and wider support organisations.

This mix of attendees creates an opportunity for cross-sector learning, networking and shared understanding. It also reflects the reality of domestic abuse work: no single professional or organisation can respond to every need alone.

By bringing people together in one room, the conference aims to support stronger connections, better referral pathways and a wider understanding of the pressures and responsibilities faced by different services.

About Watkins Solicitors

Watkins Solicitors are a multi award-winning law firm with offices in Bristol, Bath and Hereford.

Our Family Law team regularly supports clients affected by domestic abuse, including urgent protective injunctions, child arrangements, divorce and separation, financial matters and wider family law issues.

Watkins Solicitors are also committed to supporting the wider community through professional education, events and collaboration with organisations working direc

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