Modern slavery: research, creative practices, and innovative interventions

The Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse is hosting a three-day in-person conference at St Mary's University.

This event will bring together:

• emerging insights from academic research
• examples of creative practices
• innovative interventions in the area of slavery, exploitation, and abuse.

Race, EDI, and other topics like stalking, domestic abuse, and online harms will be discussed to recognise the intersections of social issues that can be addressed using trauma-informed and creative approaches.

Presenters will be drawn from:

• academia
• practice
• lived experience experts
• creative arts.

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, ‘Creating for Healing’, learning first-hand about creative practices and healing modalities.

Attendees will also be able to have a first glimpse of a performance, ‘SHOW’, co-written by an expert-by-experience and Dr Anna Westin.

We are also very excited to host the launch of an edited collection ‘Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: The Victim Journey’ with contributions by academics and practitioners.

This conference will be an opportunity for people to connect, share practice, and discuss current issues in the sector. On the final day, the organisers will lead round table discussions on the conference themes, where attendees can share their reflections and key takeaway points from the conference.

This event is suitable for academics, practitioners, students, and experts-by-experience.

Feel free to attend as many days as you would like - there is no requirement for you to attend on all three days. Check the programme before booking your tickets, so you are aware of the daily agenda/schedule on the particular day you are choosing to attend.

Please refer to the Conference Programme for a more detailed overview of each day.

Agenda

18th May 2023, 9am-5.45pm

The first day will begin with registration and refreshments and close around 5.45pm.

19th May 2023, 9am-6.45pm

The second day will begin with registration and refreshments and close around 5pm. On the same day a Book Launch Event for Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: The Victim Journey is taking place from 5.15-6.45pm.  

20th May 2023, 10am-5.30pm

The first day will begin with registration and refreshments and close around 5.30pm.

Download the full conference programme.

How to get to the venue?

The conference will be held at the Waldegrave Suite in St Mary’s University campus. If you travel by train, the nearest station is Strawberry Hill Station, only a 10-minute walk from the venue. If you travel by bus, the buses that stop near the campus are 33 and R68.

Is there parking on site?

Controlled Parking Zones are in place on various roads, especially those near Strawberry Hill Station. Parking restriction are in place 24 hours a day and our car parks are regularly patrolled. Limited parking is available for students on campus using the Justpark App.

Do you have any dietary requirements?

Refreshments are provided. Vegan and vegetarian options will be provided.