2024 Global Domestic Violence Conference: Equality for all, Justice for all

THE CONFERENCE

The 2024 Global Domestic Violence Conference is scheduled to be held at Hilton Hotel in Cairns, Queensland, Australia on the 21st- 23rd February 2024 which brings together professionals, academics, activists, advocates and survivors from around the world to discuss and address the issue of domestic violence. This conference provides a platform for delegates to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to prevent and respond to domestic violence. The conference also serves as a forum to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities, and to advocate for policy changes and increased resources to address this issue.  This conference is a prelude to the much larger 2025 Global Coalition Against Domestic Violence Conference planned to be held at a Pacific rim nation which will be announced at the Cairns conference based on received request for proposals from countries and venues in the South Pacific rim region.

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The conference is an opportunity to come together as a community, to learn from one another, and to work towards a future free from domestic and family violence. Delegates will have the chance to hear from experts in the field and domestic violence survivors to network with other survivors, professionals, and attend interactive workshops. We’re committed to making sure that everyone leaves feeling more informed and inspired to make a difference in their own community. At the end of the day, this conference is about inspiring individuals to take action and make a difference. We invite you to join us by registering to attend the conference.

 

The conference will highlight keynote sessions, panel discussions, and workshops on a range of topics related to family and domestic violence and delegates will have the opportunity to network and connect with other professionals and advocates. The conference provides a unique opportunity to learn about innovative approaches and research findings related to domestic violence prevention and response, and to engage in discussions on ways to improve the effectiveness of existing interventions. This conference is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. By attending, you can help make a positive impact on the world by being a part of the solution.  

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Overall, the Global Domestic Violence Conference is a critical event in the fight against domestic violence. By bringing together experts and advocates from around the world, the conference serves as a catalyst for change and a forum for collaborative action to end domestic violence. Through sharing ideas, best practices, and research findings, delegates can work together to develop more effective strategies to prevent and respond to domestic violence, and to advocate for policies and resources that support victims and promote healthy, violence-free relationships.

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CONFERENCE AIM & OBJECTIVE

The aim of this conference is to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and activists from around the world to discuss and address the issue of domestic violence and to create a platform for sharing research findings, best practices, and experiences related to domestic violence, and to identify effective strategies for prevention and intervention. The conference also aims specifically to:

• Providing an open and frank forum for discussion.

• Raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence globally.

• Exploring the causes and contributing factors of domestic violence.

• Identifying effective prevention and intervention strategies for domestic violence.

• Discussing the challenges and opportunities for addressing domestic violence in different cultural and social contexts.

• Sharing innovative approaches and best practices for addressing domestic violence.

• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and activists in the field of domestic violence.

• Encouraging the development of evidence-based policies and programs for preventing and addressing domestic violence.

• Fostering a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence in relationships and communities.

 

CONFERENCE THEME

The conference themes are designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner so that learnings can be used back in our work environment to contribute to the global effort to end domestic violence and create a safer, more just, and equitable world for all. The three main tracks are categorized into the following:

 

I. Prevention and intervention strategies: This theme focuses on ways to prevent and intervene in cases of domestic violence and explore different strategies, programs, and policies aimed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence and protecting victims and survivors.

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II. Addressing the needs of marginalized groups: This theme focuses on domestic violence experienced by marginalized groups such as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and others who may face additional barriers to accessing support services.

 

III. Trauma-informed care and healing: This theme focuses on the importance of trauma-informed care and the need to prioritize healing and recovery for survivors of domestic violence as well as explore different approaches to trauma-informed care, including the role of mental health professionals, support groups, and other resources.

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WHY ATTEND 

This conference presents a unique opportunity for delegates to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend. In our everyday working environment, the day to day stresses of our positions tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. Whether you work at a community level or at governmental level, the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside of your local region tend to be limited, this is why this conference will be so valuable to all delegates. Hence, all professionals and community-based workers who have a vested interest in combating domestic violence are invited.

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND  

• Domestic violence workers

• Community groups

• Family relationship workers

• Community leaders

• Indigenous women’s and men’s groups

• Psychologists, Social Workers, NGOs

• Women groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts

• Nurses / Doctors/ Psychiatrists, Police Officers

• People who are interested in combating Domestic Violence

• Government Representatives, Community Leaders

• Consultants / Legal Professionals

• Domestic Violence Field Workers, Teachers

 

UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION

UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women recognises the urgent need for universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity of all human beings, affirming that violence against women constitutes a violation of the rights and fundamental freedoms of women and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of those rights and freedoms, and concerned about the long-standing failure to protect and promote those rights and freedoms in the case of violence against women, recognising that violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women, and that violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men, concerned that some groups of women such as women belonging to minority groups, Indigenous women, refugee women, migrant women, women living in rural or remote communities, destitute women, women in institutions or in detention, female children, women with disabilities, elderly women and women in situations of armed conflict, are especially vulnerable to violence.

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER

As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance:

• Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees.

• An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.

• Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation knowledge base.

• Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.

• May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.

• Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.

• Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.

 

CALLING FOR PAPER

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations. Click the submit a paper button and complete the form online after reviewing the guidelines of submitting paper.

 

THE CONFERENCE AGENDA 

(This draft agenda may change without prior notice which is published to guide those submitting papers)

Day 1                                        

8:30am             Registration ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors      

8:45am             Master of Ceremony Welcome & Safety Announcement           

9:00am             Welcome to Country by Traditional Elder followed by Traditional Performance

9:30am             Formal Opening Keynote Session

             

10:30am           Morning Tea ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors   

11:00am           Concurrent Session A: Understanding Domestic and Family Violence (Calling for Papers from Community Groups) 

                         Concurrent Session B: Innovative community led initiatives and solutions (Calling for Papers from Community Groups)

                         Concurrent Session C: Legal and policy responses to domestic violence

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11:45am           Concurrent Session A: Effective Policing & Crime Prevention Strategies 

                         Concurrent Session B:  Managing vicarious trauma and burn-out in the Domestic and Family Violence workforce

                         Concurrent Session C:  Using lived experience stories from survivors within workforce development strategies

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12:30pm           Lunch Break  ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

1:30pm             Concurrent Session A:  Engaging men and boys in the prevention of domestic violence

                         Concurrent Session B:   Supporting survivors of domestic violence: practical and emotional approaches

                         Concurrent Session C:   Measuring “success” for healing and recovery 

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2:15pm             Concurrent Session A:  Domestic violence and the workplace: employer responsibilities and employee support 

                         Concurrent Session B:   Domestic violence and child protection

                         Concurrent Session C:   Domestic violence and mental health​

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3:00pm             Afternoon Tea ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

3:30pm             Panel Discussion: Domestic violence in times of natural disasters, pandemics, conflict and other crisis

4:15pm             Debrief & Reflections

 

6.30pm    CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

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DAY 2                                     

8:30am             Registration ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors        

9:00am             Keynote Session: Managing Domestic Violence Disclosures in Schools 

9:45am             Keynote Session: Secret Traumas, Secret Shame - What Healthy Relationship looks like  

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10:30am           Morning Tea ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

11:00am           Concurrent Session A:  From a Man Survivor's Point of View 

                         Concurrent Session B:  From a Woman Survivor's Point of View  

                         Concurrent Session C:  The role of technology in domestic violence and online abuse

​                         Concurrent Session D:  Reporting and documenting domestic violence

11:45am           Concurrent Session A:  Support for children and young people in inter-generational domestic and family violence

                         Concurrent Session B:  Storytelling - Empowering greater lived-experience sharing from victim-survivors

                         Concurrent Session C:  Hope-centred justice - The healing power of group work and peer support

​                         Concurrent Session D: Identifying and responding to domestic violence in different cultural contexts

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12:30pm           Lunch Break ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

1:30pm             Keynote Session: Stepping Stones to Resilience: How Domestic and Family Violence Affects Children 

2:15pm             Keynote Session: Support the Family - Improve the Outcome 

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3:00pm             Afternoon Tea ~ Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

3:30pm             Keynote Session: Measuring effectiveness of Digital Adaptive Service Delivery in the midst of the pandemic 

4:15pm             Panel discussion: Intersectionality of domestic violence with other forms of violence and oppression

5:00pm             END OF CONFERENCE - Debrief & Reflections

                                                                                                                                                                                                              

DAY 3 

For 2024, we offer new and exciting innovation for our conferences. Day 3 is devoted to professional development workshop or masterclass. As such, we have introduced several exciting networking and professional development innovations which is an extra cost for your chosen masterclass and comes with a course certificate. Day Three is optional so please make sure you complete your registration form with the masterclass included if you intend to attend. This year’s program features a strong selection of Leadership and Empowerment topics for workers in social justice sectors and practitioners at every level of experience and expertise.

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OPTION 1 - CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS - HEALING CIRCLE WORK

​The Healing Circle Work masterclass addresses emotional challenges and barriers faced by people who have had traumatic experiences. Healing Circle Work is not a therapeutic program, but therapeutic outcomes are experienced. As participants, you will learn to live life in the moment recognising and understanding your own spirituality and gaining the ability to enter the moment to reaffirm yourselves. ​This workshop will teach you to learn to appreciate and be accountable for your highest good, and the highest good of others around you.  Healing Circle Work is provided in group sessions, and is suitable for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants over 18 years of age. Reserve your place now and let us unlock this ancient Aboriginal wisdom and knowledge shared with all peoples.

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                                          Healing Circle Works is strictly limited to 10-12 people only. Cost is $350 per person.

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OPTION 2 - CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS - The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide

​Worrying about how your team, family and community effectively assist and manage clients experiencing intergenerational trauma? Indigenous peoples around the world endured several generations of trauma and other neurological effects and compromised behavioural immunity which leads to behavioural indicators such as substance abuse and suicide.  Our current generation is impacted by structural violence, poverty, racism, governmental neglect and ongoing hostilities, and unfortunately, our mob have learned our lessons in traumatiSation as well wherein many situations, we have internalized the trauma imposed on ourselves and turned onto our own families, communities, and selves.  

This workshop will teach you:​​​​​​​​​​​​

• The strong benefits of recapturing and revitalizing our languages, cultures and spirituality

• How to become an interventionist to suicide in your communities

• Understand and utilise trauma-informed care to heal ourselves, our clients, and our communities.

• Strategies in managing clients and families affected by intergenerational trauma and break the cycle of suicide in our communities.

• In Just One Day You Can Learn Strategies for how to become an interventionist to suicide and work effectively with your clients who are experiencing intergenerational trauma and their families.

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The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide is strictly limited to 30 people only. Cost is $350 per person.

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GUEST SPEAKERS

The 2024 Global Domestic Violence Conference is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers and grass-roots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over. 

 

REGISTRATION

Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS of from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.  To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice. 

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CONFERENCE VENUE AND ACCOMMODATION

​Cairns is truly a destination to impress everyone. From the moment you fly in over lush tropical green rainforest and aqua  blue reefs of the great, you know you are truly in a special part of the world. Experience the warmth of our genuine Australian hospitality at the Hilton Hotel Cairns. Prominently situated on the marina, providing guests with both a direct gateway to the reef, tours and attractions and the perfect Cairns getaway. The Hilton Cairns is deemed as the waterfront retreat near the Great Barrier Reef. Set amid tropical greenery on Cairns’ waterfront, the hotel is a gateway to  the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef Terminal, where the majority of trips depart, is just 400 meters from the hotel. It is also within 22 kilometers to reach the Crystal Cascades and Cairns Botanic Gardens. The hotel has a lagoon-style outdoor pool and treatments spa.The Hilton Hotel and Cairns is on the lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji peoples who are the Traditional Owners of both land and sea Country and have been living on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef amongst the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest for thousands of years.  

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CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. So to overcome this, the conference secretary has organized a conference dinner to be held on the second night of the event. This dinner with give delegates the opportunity to further network whilst letting your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will be at a cost of $150 per person for a three course meal. The conference dinner is additional to the conference fees and bookings must be made prior to the event.

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A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way, to end a perfect day in paradise. Boarding our sailing catamaran at the Marlin Marina, you’ll enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounding mangroves, as they transition from day to night. Every journey begins with bubbles, as all good dinner cruises should. With your glasses charged, stroll the interior or exterior decks and admire the view as the sky transforms from blue to red to orange and finally a silky black, filled with thousands of sparkling stars. Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade. The water is calm, the weather mild and the night is yours to enjoy, with entertainment and a delicious  3 Course Buffet Dinner  featuring some of the region’s best produce, including seafood. The luxurious Spirit of Cairns sailing catamaran is fully licensed, selling a range of beverages, including tropical cocktails. This is the ultimate in waterside dining.

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When Do We Go

The Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise departs Marlin Marina at 6.30pm and returns at 9pm. Check-in and boarding is at the boat, moored at Marlin Marina, starting from 6 pm. A complimentary drink is served on arrival and the bar is also open for further drink purchases throughout the trip. The conference dinner cruise is scheduled for the evening of Day 1.

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What Will You See / Do

Enjoy a fantastic evening of calm water cruising with entertainment, delicious 3 course buffet meal and fabulous views, including sunset over the rainforest-clad mountains (depending on the time of year). Starting at Marlin Marina, Spirit of Cairns takes you on a journey deep into the interior of Trinity Inlet and its winding tributaries. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even see a crocodile. The cruise passes along Cairns’ waterfront and Esplanade precinct, delivering panoramic views of the twinkling night lights of this port city.

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What Do You Need To Bring / Wear

​Yourself and your smile, for a great evening ahead. Tropical cocktail attire is suggested, with a light jacket for the winter months. Footwear is mandatory, with suitable shoes for boating recommended. Although it’s a calm water cruise, you will find it more comfortable moving around the boat in flat rubber soled shoes. Don’t forget to bring a little cash, EFTPOS or credit card for your bar purchases.

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Highlights & Inclusions

• A 2.5 hour calm water sunset / evening cruise

• Luxurious air-conditioned vessel

• Large outdoor decks

• Complimentary glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink on arrival

• Delicious hot and cold 3 course buffet, featuring fresh seafood and local produce

• Live Music by some of Cairns’ best musicians

 

MONEY SAVING IDEAS 

The event secretary has come up with some great ideas on how to save money for you and your organisation.

 

​ACCOMMODATION: We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates at the venue. To avail for this special discounted rate, contact us and advise your arrival or check-in date and departure date so we can send you the accommodation tax invoice accordingly.

 

TRAVEL: We have engaged First Nations Travel Agency to negotiate with all the relevant stakeholders for hotel & flights. 

 

CONCESSION: A special registration rate for university students is being offered for a flat rate of $750

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VISA TO AUSTRALIA

Due to COVID-19, restrictions may apply to overseas travelers. Please follow travel advisory from Australian embassy near you.

If you are an international guest or speaker, please note that citizens of some countries require visas before entering Australia. To obtain an Australian Visa, you may require a letter of invite from the conference secretariat.  To obtain the letter of invitation, the guest must have registered for the conference and paid the required conference cost. This is refundable if visas are not approved, you should allow a minimum of 60 days for visa processing at the nearest Australian Embassy.  Please note, processing visa documents in some countries may take longer, depending on your country of origin. Visas can be obtained online from the Australian Federal Government's Department of Home Affairs website at this link  https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit#

 

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE

ICS Australia have developed flexible sponsorship packages to sponsor the conference either in part or in full. Sponsorship is a great way of promoting your organisation/ company/ department to all delegates attending the conference. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprise, not individuals. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest by email:  adminics@iinet.net.au

 

CONTACT US

ICS-MEES Pty Ltd

International Conference Services (Australia)

Postal Address: P.O.Box 702 Edmonton LPO Edmonton QLD 4869

Web: www.ics-australia.org  ; www.icsconferences.org 

Email:  adminics@iinet.net.au

Phone: 07 4000 9111, +61 4557 76 668

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Please note this website is continually being updated.

Having issues finding what you are looking for, email adminics@iinet.net.au.

 

 

 

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