Following on from the huge success of last year’s Tackling Sexual Violence conference, this year the Safer Poole Partnership will mark International Men’s Day with a conference on the theme of breaking down gender stereotypes and raising awareness of male victims. This years conference is in association with AFC Bournemouth and the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.

The conference will take place on the morning of Monday 14th November 2016, 9am – 1.45pm at Poole Lighthouse, Kingland Road. The deadline for booking tickets is Friday 4th November 2016.

The line-up includes nationally-renowned speakers in the field of male victims, covering topics such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse, porn safeguarding, and transgender issues. This conference will be an opportunity for front-line workers to refresh their knowledge and improve their practices to ensure that victims get the best possible support. Attendees will come away with a better understanding of men's issues, practical information on working with survivors and details of organisations that can provide support. The Chairman of AFC Bournemouth Jeff Mostyn will be officially opening the event, in support of the theme of the conference.

Confirmed speakers include:

Mark Brooks & Ian McNichol

Mark is the Chairman of The ManKind Initiative; a national charity providing help and support for male victims of domestic abuse. Ian joins Mark to speak about his personal experiences as a victim of domestic abuse. From 2006 to 2008, Ian migrated from being a healthy home owner, a successful businessman and financially comfortable, to becoming permanently scarred, registered disabled, homeless, a benefit claimant and on the verge of Bankruptcy. Domestic abuse was the cause of this staggering transformation.

Martin Daubney

Martin is the former editor of lad’s magazine Loaded, and journalist with 22 years experience. He writes regular in-depth features for The Times and the Telegraph on men's issues. He presented Channel 4’s ‘Porn On The Brain’, which has since been aired in seven countries. Martin will be speaking about ‘porn safeguarding’ and its role in sexual consent with young people.

Keith Best (TD MA)

Keith Best is the CEO of SurvivorsUK; helping male survivors of rape and sexual abuse nationally through its website, webchat, blog, newsletter, telephone and online counselling. Survivors can also access individual and group therapy and an ISVA service in the Greater London area.

Kellie Maloney

Kellie Maloney, formerly known as Frank Maloney, came to prominence as a flamboyant boxing manager and promoter, who steered several of this country’s greatest boxers to glory during a long and successful career in the fight game. Kellie recently took the brave decision to reveal that she is now living as a woman and has already taken great strides in promoting a greater awareness and understanding of transgender issues.

Tickets are free of charge and are available on a first come, first served basis. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Refreshments will be provided but not lunch.

For information about getting to the event and nearby car parks, visit: http://lighthousepoole.co.uk/how-to-get-here

For any more information or special arrangements, please speak to Rhianon Greenslade by emailing r.greenslade@poole.gov.uk

*Please note; parking is limited near to the Lighthouse. Please use the multi storey carparks in the town and leave enough time for your journey.*