HUNDREDS are expected to attend a conference to mark International Women’s Day this month.

This year, the Safer Poole Partnership in association with Bournemouth University, and supported by AFC Bournemouth, will mark the day with a conference on the theme of coercive control and domestic abuse.

The event, which has few tickets left, will take place from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Monday, March 20 at the Lighthouse, Poole.

It will explore different aspects of domestic abuse, with a particular focus on coercive control. This pattern of behaviour does not always include physical violence, but instead seeks to take away the victim's liberty or freedom and to strip away their sense of self.

Guest speakers include Professor Evan Stark, a forensic social worker, author and lecturer who has played a major role in assisting the Home Office in widening the legal definition of domestic violence to include the new offence of coercive control.

Also appearing is Nick Gazzard, whose daughter Hollie was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend aged just 20. He will be speaking about coercive control and, in particular, how this behaviour presented itself in Hollie’s relationship.

Attendees will also be treated to a performance by nationally-renowned Certain Curtain Theatre Company, who will be bringing moving domestic violence drama 'Lady in Red’ to the stage.

International Women's Day actually takes place on Wednesday (March8).

Tickets are free of charge and are available on a first come, first served basis until Monday. March 13.

For tickets go to saferpoole-iwd2.eventbrite.co.uk and for more information please contact Rhianon Greenslade on r.greenslade@poole.gov.uk.