As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, #16DaysofAction, we would like to invite you to our survivors' voice and Authentic Voice Panel (AVP) event on 26 November 9:30am until 12:30pm.
Jackie Gilbank from the DAC Office (Domestic Abuse Commissioner) will be presenting on the importance of a survivor's voice.
We will welcome some of our current AVP members, to hear about how their lived experience of domestic abuse informs their work on the panel and how beneficial they feel it has been to them.
There will also be information from our Community Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Emily Sparkes on how IDVA support the AVP members and there will be information on how you can sign up to become a member of our 2025 Authentic Voice Panel.
Our Authentic Voice Panel is for victims and survivors of domestic abuse who are over 18 years old and living in Central Bedfordshire. This includes people who experienced domestic abuse in their childhood.
The panel offers people the opportunity to make their voice heard, and to help shape future services. By joining the panel you will:
- join a panel of experts by experience, working alongside professionals who are dedicated to tackling domestic abuse
- be provided with the space to share thoughts and ideas to influence change
- be part of a network, working together to improve the local response for those experiencing domestic abuse
All panel members are offered specialist, independent support, provided by Victim Support's Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service.
Alternatively, if you are unable to volunteer your time to be part of the panel, you can join a mailing list to hear about other opportunities and take part in surveys to make sure your voice is heard.
For more information on joining the panel or our mailing list, please email: authentic.voice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.