Personal story of coercive control among National Safeguarding Week events

14 November 2022

National Safeguarding Week begins today with a powerful talk about coercive control and domestic abuse among the events taking place.

Ryan Hart will be speaking about his family’s story tomorrow, while a range of other sessions are scheduled over the next five days.

In 2017, Ryan’s dad Lance shot and killed his wife and daughter, Ryan’s mother and sister, before turning the gun on himself.

The incident came just days after the pair had left Lance following a long campaign of emotional abuse and psychological control.

During his session, Ryan will elaborate on his experiences and offer a valuable insight into the issue of coercive control.

Colleagues with a professional interest in this area are encouraged to attend this event and any others throughout the week that might be beneficial.

Ryan is a White Ribbon Ambassador and Refuge Champion, who has delivered talks in 12 countries and worked extensively throughout the UK.

His audiences have included NHS practitioners, police forces, probation workers, social services professionals, teachers and the general public.

The theme for this year’s National Safeguarding Week is The Fundamentals of Safeguarding Practice – Back-to-Basics.

Coordinated by Regional Safeguarding Boards throughout Wales, the week aims to raise awareness among the community and professionals and reinforce existing messages around safeguarding children and adults at risk.

Safeguarding measures are essential in preventing abuse and protecting people's health, wellbeing, and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm and neglect. 

Alongside a national programme of events, the Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board have arranged a schedule of workshops and conferences aimed at residents and professionals.

With safeguarding informing much of the Council’s work, colleagues are invited to participate in the programme.

The sessions will be delivered by a range of organisations and services including, NSPCC, Shared Regulatory Services, Social Care Wales, Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board, The National Independent Safeguarding Board and The Wales Violence Prevention Unit.

View the Safeguarding Week 2022 Programme to book your place:

Safeguarding Week 2022 Programme