A range of nationally and internationally-renowned specialists in the field of Violence Against Women and Girls will be gathering at the Eden Project today for The Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre’s conference, ‘Safer for Women 2018’.

They will explore a wide range of issues including sexual violence, sexual harassment and domestic abuse as well as celebrating the charity’s relaunch as The Women’s Centre Cornwall. 

For the last 20 years, the charity has been at the forefront of providing therapeutic support services to women and girls in Cornwall who have experienced any form of sexual violence and/or domestic abuse.   

Its services have expanded and developed to encompass initiatives such as women offender work, women’s health and well-being and training. 

In 2017, a Cabinet Office-funded review by the charity suggested its current name may be preventing women and girls from accessing its services. 

So the organisation will be relaunching itself as The Women’s Centre Cornwall. 

Chief executive Maggie Parks said: ‘This is a giant step after 20 years of creating a known and loved identity in our local community but we are determined to develop services for more women and girls, improving access for those that need them most.’ 

The issue of misogyny will be high on the agenda with Susannah Fish, former Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, speaking of Nottinghamshire’s experience of reporting it as a hate crime. 

Also speaking will be Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Marsden, who will be making an important announcement regarding partnership working with The Women’s Centre Cornwall and Devon Rape and Sexual Abuse Services, and Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.