Speakers
Alison Felton
Presentation
Keele University shares insights from work carried out to establish a team of Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers. The DALO team, which specialises in domestic abuse and provides this dedicated support, was founded in September 2023 and was a pioneering initiative. This team ensures that students have a safe space to seek help, receive tailored support, and access resources to address the impact of domestic abuse, whilst continuing their studies.
Universities play a critical role in providing a safe environment for survivors, yet many students struggle to access the help they need due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness. This presentation explores how higher education providers can foster a culture of care by offering trauma-informed support and creating clear, accessible pathways for students to seek assistance.
Learn how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, respond to disclosures sensitively, and collaborate across departments to ensure a coordinated, survivor-led approach to student wellbeing. This session is of value to anyone involved in creating policies or practices aimed at improving the student experience for those affected by domestic abuse.
Alison has worked in higher education for the past 24 years, beginning her career as a policy advisor at the Higher Education Funding Council for England and then at Keele University where she has worked in various roles all with a student experience focus leading to her current role as Head of Student Wellbeing.
Alison manages a range of services at Keele, including Student Experience and Support, Disability Support and Inclusion, Counselling and Mental Health, Sexual Violence Liaison Officers, Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers, Residence Life and the Safeguarding and Prevent network.
:
https://www.keele.ac.uk/students/lifeoutsideofstudy/neverok/relationshipabuseandsexualviolence/domes
Harriet has worked at Keele University in student support roles for the past 7 years. Before this, Harriet worked in schools, after completing her teaching qualification in BA Primary Education.
Harriet began her career in Higher Education as a member of the Disability Support and Inclusion team, before moving to her role as a Student Experience and Support Officer.
Harriet is one of the six trained Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers at Keele and case manages this team.
:
https://www.keele.ac.uk/students/lifeoutsideofstudy/neverok/relationshipabuseandsexualviolence/domes