Domestic Abuse Awareness Month | October 2026

Survivors. Communities. Systems. One conversation.

What needs to change when abuse leaves no visible bruises?

Invisible doesn't mean imagined.

This October, as part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, No Visible Bruises CIC is bringing together just 25 people in Northamptonshire for an evening of connection, conversation and change.

We want different voices in the room.

People with lived experience. People from our communities. People working within the systems designed to protect and support. And people who simply care about making Northamptonshire safer.

Because domestic abuse and coercive control don't always leave something you can see.

And sometimes, what isn't visible is exactly what gets missed.

So we're starting a conversation.

Not a conference.

Not an evening of presentations.

And not a space where anyone will be expected to share their personal experiences.

This is an opportunity to listen, connect, contribute and explore what needs to change.

We'll begin informally over tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks, giving everyone time to arrive, settle into the space and connect.

We'll then share why No Visible Bruises CIC exists, what we're working to change and our vision for safer homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

And then the conversation belongs to the room.

WHAT ARE WE MISSING?

Where are people experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control currently falling through the gaps?

What aren't we recognising soon enough?

What needs to happen when somebody reaches out for help?

Where could our communities and systems respond differently?

What support is missing?

And ultimately:

What would make Northamptonshire safer for people experiencing abuse that doesn't leave visible bruises?

Throughout the evening, we'll gather ideas, perspectives and experiences — with opportunities to contribute anonymously if you prefer.

We want to understand the themes and gaps that matter to people in our local community and use those conversations to help inform what No Visible Bruises does next.

THE SAFER NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WALL

We'll bring the voices in the room together around one central question:

What needs to change?

What do we need to do differently around:

Recognition. Response. Support. Systems. Prevention. Change.

You don't need to arrive with the answers.

We just want you to be part of the conversation.

WHO IS THIS EVENING FOR?

This evening is for anyone who wants to contribute to positive change around domestic abuse and coercive control in Northamptonshire.

That could include people with lived experience, family members and friends, community organisations and charities, police and criminal justice professionals, local authorities and public services, health and social care, education, family law, employers and businesses, and professionals who support individuals and families.

You do not need to have lived experience of domestic abuse to attend.

And if you do have lived experience, you will never be expected to disclose or share your story.

25 PEOPLE. ONE ROOM. ONE IMPORTANT CONVERSATION.

📍West Tithe Pury Hill Business Park Nr Alderton Towcester Northants NN12 7LS

🕕 6:00pm–9:00pm

🎟 £5 per person☕ Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks included

Your £5 ticket helps support the work of No Visible Bruises CIC.

If the ticket price would prevent you from attending, please contact us. We don't want cost to be a barrier to being part of the conversation.

Come to listen. Come to contribute. Come to help us see what we're missing.

NO VISIBLE BRUISES: THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CONVERSATIONSurvivors. Communities. Systems. One conversation.

Invisible doesn't mean imagined.

SAFEGUARDING & SUPPORT

We recognise that conversations about domestic abuse and coercive control can bring up difficult feelings or experiences.

No Visible Bruises: The Northamptonshire Conversation is an awareness and community engagement event. It is not a therapeutic session, support group or crisis service.

You are welcome to step out of the room at any time, take a break, or choose not to participate in any part of the conversation. You will never be asked to disclose personal experiences.

If you are currently experiencing domestic abuse, are worried about someone you know, or need specialist support, help is available.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Refuge

Freephone 0808 2000 247 - available 24 hours a day.

Women's Aid

Women's Aid provides information and access to local domestic abuse services through its online support resources.

Men's Advice Line

Freephone 0808 801 0327 for male victims of domestic abuse.

In an emergency

If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you cannot speak on a mobile call to 999, listen to the operator and, when prompted, press 55 to be transferred to the police.

Please remember: you don't need visible bruises for your experience to matter.

Description supplied by the event organiser.