Global STOP Domestic Violence

21- 23 May 2025 | Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Fiji

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY

In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which we are gathering. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgement to country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.

International Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

THE CONFERENCE

The 2025 Global Domestic Violence Conference is scheduled to be held on May 21 - 23, 2025 at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Fiji, South Pacific which brings together professionals, academics, activists, advocates and survivors from around the world to discuss and address the issue of domestic violence. This conference provides a platform for delegates to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to prevent and respond to domestic violence. The conference also serves as a forum to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities, and to advocate for policy changes and increased resources to address this issue. This year's conference is envisage to be much larger with participation from South Pacific Nations delegates as planned during the 2024 Global Coalition Against Domestic Violence Conference in Cairns last February.

The conference is an opportunity to come together as global community, to learn from one another, and to work towards a future free from domestic and family violence. Delegates will have the chance to hear from experts in the field and domestic violence survivors to network with other survivors, professionals, and attend interactive workshops. We’re committed to making sure that everyone leaves feeling more informed and inspired to make a difference in their own community. At the end of the day, this conference is about inspiring individuals to take action and make a difference. We invite you to join us by registering to attend the conference.

The conference will highlight keynote sessions, panel discussions, and workshops on a range of topics related to family and domestic violence and delegates will have the opportunity to network and connect with other professionals and advocates. The conference provides a unique opportunity to learn about innovative approaches and research findings related to domestic violence prevention and response, and to engage in discussions on ways to improve the effectiveness of existing interventions. This conference is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. By attending, you can help make a positive impact on the world by being a part of the solution.

Overall, the Global Domestic Violence Conference is a critical event in the fight against domestic violence. By bringing together experts and advocates from around the world, the conference serves as a catalyst for change and a forum for collaborative action to end domestic violence. Through sharing ideas, best practices, and research findings, delegates can work together to develop more effective strategies to prevent and respond to domestic violence, and to advocate for policies and resources that support victims and promote healthy, violence-free relationships.

CONFERENCE AIM & OBJECTIVE

The aim of this conference is to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and activists from around the world to discuss and address the issue of domestic violence and to create a platform for sharing research findings, best practices, and experiences related to domestic violence, and to identify effective strategies for prevention and intervention. The conference also aims specifically to:

Providing an open and frank forum for discussion.
Raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence globally.
Exploring the causes and contributing factors of domestic violence.
Identifying effective prevention and intervention strategies for domestic violence.
Discussing the challenges and opportunities for addressing domestic violence in different cultural and social contexts.
Sharing innovative approaches and best practices for addressing domestic violence.
Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and activists in the field of domestic violence.
Encouraging the development of evidence-based policies and programs for preventing and addressing domestic violence.
Fostering a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence in relationships and communities.

CONFERENCE THEME

The conference themes are designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner so that learnings can be used back in our work environment to contribute to the global effort to end domestic violence and create a safer, more just, and equitable world for all. The three main tracks are categorized into the following:

I. Prevention and intervention strategies: This theme focuses on ways to prevent and intervene in cases of domestic violence and explore different strategies, programs, and policies aimed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence and protecting victims and survivors.

II. Addressing the needs of marginalized groups: This theme focuses on domestic violence experienced by marginalized groups such as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and others who may face additional barriers to accessing support services.

III. Trauma-informed care and healing: This theme focuses on the importance of trauma-informed care and the need to prioritize healing and recovery for survivors of domestic violence as well as explore different approaches to trauma-informed care, including the role of mental health professionals, support groups, and other resources.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Domestic violence workers
Community groups
Family relationship workers
Community leaders
Indigenous women’s and men’s groups
Psychologists, Social Workers, NGOs
Women groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts
Nurses / Doctors/ Psychiatrists, Police Officers
People who are interested in combating Domestic Violence
Government Representatives, Community Leaders
Consultants / Legal Professionals
Domestic Violence Field Workers, Teachers

UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION

UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women recognises the urgent need for universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity of all human beings, affirming that violence against women constitutes a violation of the rights and fundamental freedoms of women and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of those rights and freedoms, and concerned about the long-standing failure to protect and promote those rights and freedoms in the case of violence against women, recognising that violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women, and that violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men, concerned that some groups of women such as women belonging to minority groups, Indigenous women, refugee women, migrant women, women living in rural or remote communities, destitute women, women in institutions or in detention, female children, women with disabilities, elderly women and women in situations of armed conflict, are especially vulnerable to violence.

CONFERENCE VENUE AND ACCOMMODATION

Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It's famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons. In 2025, the beating heart of Fiji awaits you on Denarau Island into our conference venue, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, a multi-award-winning Fijian-owned resort. Renowned for its infamous ‘Cola Vina’ (Welcome) echoing far and wide across the resort, welcoming guests to the rhythmic beats of the “Lali” (Fijian drum) and a big BULA from friendly local hosts. Immerse into a symphony of unforgettable experiences whether lounging on beaches, teeing off at the 18-hole Championship Golf Course, playing a hand of tennis, savouring delicious cuisines and local sustainable dining options, swimming in lagoon-style pools, rejuvenate at its sister-spa, explore Fiji’s culture, or edu-taining kids club where every moment resonates with island vibrancy.

CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. So to overcome this, the conference secretary has organized a conference dinner to be held on the second night of the event. This dinner with give delegates the opportunity to further network whilst letting your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will be at a cost of $200 per person for a three course meal. The conference dinner is additional to the conference fees and bookings must be made prior to the event.

 MONEY SAVING IDEAS 

The event secretary has come up with some great ideas on how to save money for you and your organisation.

ACCOMMODATION: We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates at the venue. To avail for this special discounted rate, contact us and advise your arrival or check-in date and departure date so we can send you the accommodation tax invoice accordingly.
TRAVEL: We have engaged First Nations Travel Agency to negotiate with all the relevant stakeholders for hotel & flights.

YOUR INVITATION

We wish to invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, South Pacific Nations and other countries throughout to attend the conference to share and gather information. We also extend an invitation to participants to join us at the conference dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.

To ensure that delegates attend and participate, it is important to note that to show accountability of delegates in meeting their obligation; each delegate will receive a Certificate of Attendance only when they attend 85% of all the conference sessions. In addition, delegates will receive an electronic copy of all papers & presentations presented at the conference.

Who: Individuals, Groups, NGO’s, Government Agencies & Others
When: 21st to 23rd May 2025
Where: Sheraton Fiji Resort
Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Conference Networking Dinner: Sail Restaurant Fiji

WARNING: Limited availability. Please register online or contact us via email, should you have any further queries.

Why Attend

This conference presents a unique opportunity for delegates to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend. In our everyday working environment the day to day stresses of our positions tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. Whether you work at a community level or at governmental level the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside of your local region tend to be limited, this is why this conference will be so valuable to participants. Hence, all Indigenous people and non-indigenous people whether professional or community-based, who have a vested interest in juvenile justice are invited.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER

As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance: Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees. An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.

Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long-term employees.
An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training.
Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
The opportunity for saving organisations money because of the short duration of the event.
Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
May provide organisations with new ideas.
Gives organisations a showcase and voice at a national level.
Provide an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal number of days.

CALLING FOR PAPER

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations.

Guidelines in Submitting Paper:

Papers should not contain offensive language and take into account cultural sensitivities of Australian first nation people.
Papers must treat the themes in a manner that contributes to further discussion of conference aims.
Conference papers must be presented in the finished format not less than 60 days prior to the event.
Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted in the second round.
Papers MUST be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Papers in other formats will NOT be considered.
Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance in writing.
A registration fee of $750 will apply to all persons submitting papers, payable within 7 days upon notification of acceptance.
Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.
All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light.
To submit a paper, please complete the online form at this link: SUBMIT A PAPER HERE.
Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provide the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.
Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The event is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.

REGISTRATION

Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all-day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch, and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE

Flexible sponsorship packages are available. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprises, not individuals. To showcase your organisation to all conference delegates, ICS has developed hassle-free promotional opportunities and sponsorship packages according to your budget and tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Gold Sponsorship ($10,000) includes: Keynote session or Break-out sessions, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
Silver Sponsorship ($7,000) includes: Keynote session, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
Bronze Sponsorship ($5,000) includes: Break-out Session, Waived registration fee for your selected staff, Complimentary Display Table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.

To sponsor the conference, please contact us. International Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest to admin@icsconferences.org.