BURNLEY will be thrust to the forefront of a national campaign next week when it hosts a big conference on violence in the home.

Delegates will be in town on Wednesday (July 24) to send a clear message to the whole of the country.

"The message is that it is a crime to abuse a woman or child," said the conference organiser, Burnley council's domestic violence co-ordinator, Susan Ivatt.

"Those who are being abused should seek help from specialists who are here to provide that help for them."

The meeting, at Burnley Football Club, is part of the Zero Tolerance campaign, which has had great success in highlighting the support and protection available to the victims of domestic violence.

Burnley council leader Kath Reade will open the conference and the keynote speech will be given by the head of Lancashire Child Protection Unit, Detective Superintendent Brian Newsham.

The 150 delegates include police, probation officers, health and social service workers, NSPCC volunteers and an expert from Bristol University.

Councillor Reade told the Citizen: "Domestic violence must become as unacceptable as child labour, and this conference has that vision."

The all-day conference will centre on a powerful play, Hitting Home, based on true life experiences.

Susan Ivatt added: "The conference is about inter-agency working and will promote a greater understanding of the services provided.

"It will help to raise awareness of the problem of domestic violence."

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