This event was funded through the SWDTP’s academic-led collaboration fund.
Aims
Held on 2 June 2025 at Bournemouth University, the Exploitation and Violence Conference brought together academics, practitioners, early career/postgraduate researchers, and other stakeholders to address the growing challenges of exploitation and violence in the southwest of England, with wider national and international relevance.
Exploitation (e.g. modern slavery, human trafficking, child criminal and sexual exploitation) and violence (e.g. domestic abuse, sexual violence) are often interconnected, involving coercion, manipulation, and abuse to control victims. National policing reports show such crimes are increasing, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, multi-sector responses.
The conference aimed to:
- Strengthen collaboration between academia, law enforcement, NGOs/NPOs, and other agencies.
- Facilitate safe, trust-based information sharing to enhance research impact and practical outcomes.
- Introduce international perspectives to inspire fresh thinking and transferable solutions.
- Support Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) to develop expertise, networks, and opportunities in this field.
Attendees
Over 100 delegates attended, including 50 non-academic professionals from multiple police forces, NGOs, charities, and local councils, 30 academics from a range of disciplines (psychology, criminology, law, technology, forensics and public health), and 20 ECRs/PGRs from seven universities (Exeter, Bath, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Suffolk, and Chester). This diverse mix provided rich, cross-sector perspectives and created new opportunities for collaboration.
Activities
The programme featured a keynote address from Dr Kari Davies (Bournemouth University) on understanding repeat offending to tackle exploitation and violence, followed by 15 presentations from contributors including Thames Valley Police, Resolver, and seven ECRs/PGRs. An international session showcased global expertise in tackling online sex trafficking, offering comparative perspectives and innovative interventions. Networking was embedded throughout the day, enabling informal discussions, relationship-building, and the initiation of joint projects between academics and practitioners.
Outputs
An abstract booklet and presentation slides with speaker contact details were shared with attendees to support follow-up discussions. The event was also featured in a Bournemouth University blog post and in the Department of Psychology’s external newsletter, extending its reach beyond the conference. Following requests from ECRs/PGRs, an online meeting space is being developed to help junior academics expand their networks, share ideas, and explore collaboration.
Attendee Feedback and Impact
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with most participants rating the conference as “excellent” or “very good”. Attendees valued the breadth of topics, the integration of academic and practitioner perspectives, and the networking opportunities. One participant noted, “It was really interesting to hear about the work being undertaken and findings of people’s research… also to understand these aspects from other professionals’ points of view.” ECRs/PGRs found the event particularly beneficial, highlighting the value of presenting policy-relevant research and engaging with practitioner partners. As one commented, “I appreciated the opportunity to be included and to speak with researchers, staff, and others working in the field.” The event reinforced the importance of trust and sustained communication between academic and non-academic partners, supporting sensitive data sharing, evidence-based practice, and improved safeguarding outcomes.
Follow-up and Legacy
Plans are underway to host a similar event in future, with extended Q&A sessions and focused workshops. The relationships formed are expected to lead to collaborative projects addressing exploitation and violence at local, national, and international levels, ensuring long-term impact from the SWDTP’s investment.
