NO VISIBLE BRUISES : THE FYLDE COAST CONVERSATION

Domestic Abuse Awareness Month | October 2026 | Survivors - Communities - Systems - Services - One conversation. Domestic Abuse Awareness Month | October 2026 Survivors. Communities. Systems. Services. One conversation. What needs to change when abuse leaves no visible bruises? Invisible doesn't mean imagined. This October, as part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, No Visible Bruises CIC is bringing together just people in The Fylde Coast for an afternoon of connection, conversation and change. We want different voices in the room. People with lived experience. People from our communities. People working within the systems designed to protect and support. People who simply care about making The Fylde Coast safer. Because domestic abuse and coercive control don't always leave something you can see. And sometimes, what isn't visible is exactly what gets missed. So we're starting a conversation. Not a conference. Not an afternoon of presentations. Not a space where anyone will be expected to share their personal experiences. This is an opportunity to listen, connect, contribute and explore what needs to change. We'll begin informally over refreshments giving everyone time to arrive, settle into the space and connect. We'll then share why No Visible Bruises CIC exists, what we're working to change and our vision for safer homes, schools, workplaces and communities. And then the conversation belongs to the room. WHAT ARE WE MISSING? Where are people experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control currently falling through the gaps? What aren't we recognising soon enough? What needs to happen when somebody reaches out for help? Where could our communities and systems respond differently? What support is missing? And ultimately: What would make The Fylde Coast safer for people experiencing abuse that doesn't leave visible bruises? Throughout the evening, we'll gather ideas, perspectives and experiences - with opportunities to contribute anonymously if you prefer. We want to understand the themes and gaps that matter to people in our local community and use those conversations to help inform what No Visible Bruises does next. THE SAFER FYLDE COAST WALL We'll bring the voices in the room together around one central question: What needs to change? What do we need to do differently around: Recognition. Response. Support. Systems. Prevention. Change. You don't need to arrive with the answers. We just want you to be part of the conversation. WHO IS THIS AFTERNOON FOR? This is for anyone who wants to contribute to positive change around domestic abuse and coercive control in the Fylde Coast. That could include people with lived experience, family members and friends, community organisations and charities, police and criminal justice professionals, local authorities and public services, health and social care, education, family law, employers and businesses, and professionals who support individuals and families. You do not need to have lived experience of domestic abuse to attend. And if you do have lived experience, you will never be expected to disclose or share your story. ONE ROOM. ONE IMPORTANT CONVERSATION. 📍Thornton Little Theatre, Fleetwood Road North, Thornton, FY5 3SZ 🕕 1:00pm - 4:00pm 🎟 £5 per person☕ refreshements included Your £5 ticket helps to cover our costs. If the ticket price would prevent you from attending, please contact us. We don't want cost to be a barrier to being part of the conversation. Come to listen. Come to contribute. Come to help us see what we're missing. NO VISIBLE BRUISES: THE FYDLE COAST CONVERSATION Survivors. Communities. Systems. Services - One conversation. Invisible doesn't mean imagined. SAFEGUARDING & SUPPORT We recognise that conversations about domestic abuse and coercive control can bring up difficult feelings or experiences. No Visible Bruises: The Fylde Coast Conversation is an awareness and community engagement event. It is not a therapeutic session, support group or crisis service. You are welcome to step out of the room at any time, take a break, or choose not to participate in any part of the conversation. You will never be asked to disclose personal experiences. If you are currently experiencing domestic abuse, are worried about someone you know, or need specialist support, help is available. National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Refuge Freephone 0808 2000 247 - available 24 hours a day. Women's Aid Women's Aid provides information and access to local domestic abuse services through its online support resources. Men's Advice Line Freephone 0808 801 0327 for male victims of domestic abuse. In an emergency If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak on a mobile call to 999, listen to the operator and, when prompted, press 55 to be transferred to the police. Please remember: you don't need visible bruises for your experience to matter.