This conference considers the complexities and need for a multi-disciplinary approach to enhance our understanding of recruitment into coercive and exploitative relationships, including cults, gangs, modern-day slavery and trafficking and the implications for exit, recovery and prevention.

Experts from the disciplines of social psychology, social work, health, education and law are coming together to share their knowledge and increase awareness of how coercive and exploitative relationships develop. The impact of trauma on psychological and social development will be considered emphasising the need for efficient prevention, exit and recovery approaches.

The Chief Crown Prosecutor for the South West will outline strategies to protect girls and women from violence and the challenges facing law enforcement in keeping vulnerable people safe in our communities.

Speaker profiles

• Dr Alexandra Stein is an expert on cult and coercion from London South Bank University

• Dr Alinka Gearon is a lecturer of social work in the Department of Social and Policy Sciences with research expertise on trafficked minors

• Victoria Christodoulides is a PhD student from the Department for Health, specialising in childhood trauma and mental health issues

• Francis Peters works as an exit counsellor and social worker

• Victoria Cook work as Chief Crown Prosecutor for South West at The Crown Prosecution Service

• Frances Johnson is an expert on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

Accessibility

There is level access into the venue. There is a hearing assistance system.