Chaired by Meena Kumari (HOPE Training)
Joined by Yasmin Blackwood (Me and my Sister), Savita Vaid (Go Getta), Luke Martin (LGBT+ Consultant)

Content Warning: Grooming, Abuse and Coercive Control

This webinar discusses the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of neurodivergent young people who are affected by coercive and controlling behaviour.

Neurodivergent individuals encompass a broad range of neurological differences, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and others, which can significantly influence their experiences and responses to coercive and controlling situations.

This webinar explores the intersection of neurodiversity and coercive control, shedding light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent youth in identifying, reporting, and escaping such abusive dynamics.

• About Meena Kumari

  She/her
  H.O.P.E Director and Founder

  Meena Kumari established H.O.P.E in 2008 and has trained numerous professionals in various safeguarding subjects. Meena is passionate and commitment towards campaigning, raising awareness and working on the subject of domestic abuse, sexual violence & safeguarding. Meena has worked in front line services since 2005. Since 2008 Meena has won multiple awards for her work, most recently Meena was awarded a High Sheriff of Leicestershire award, shortlisted in the Women of East Midlands award and won the rising star award.

• About Yasmin Blackwood

  She/her
  I Am My Sister founder

  Yasmin is a highly experienced and award nominated, JNC qualified youth worker, consultant and national trainer providing expert guidance and support to organisations looking to develop effective strategies for supporting vulnerable and historically marginalised individuals and communities. She is the founder of I Am My Sister CIC whose work is grounded in the principles of social justice and human rights. They are committed to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of Black girls and women through advocacy, education, and community-building.

• About Savita Vaid

  She/her
  Go-Getta Founder

  Savita is the Founder of Go-Getta CIC; a leading provider of youth work, alternative education and young peoples projects. She had worked within the public sector with careleavers and looked after children, followed by managing a local authority project providing employability support to young people furthest away from the labour market. A former foster carer, Savita utilises her lived experience in her role as a Safeline Associate Trainer; devising and delivering bespoke training on issues impacting children in care.

• About Luke Martin

  He/him
  Specialist Domestic Abuse Consultant

  Luke has over fifteen years experience working in domestic and sexual abuse. Luke authored the updated Working with Male Victims Toolkit for Respect (2019), and the Home Office Funded national standards for services working with male victims of abuse (2020). Luke an associate for SafeLives, training Independent Domestic Violence Advisors. Luke is also a Respect Approved Trainer, and leads on a majority of Respect’s ‘Working with Male Victims’ training. Luke is a published academic and guest lecturer for Goldsmith’s University.

Disclaimer

At Neurodiverse Connection, we are committed to promoting the use of neurodivergent affirming language. However, please do note that in these webinars, as with any content that Neurodiverse Connection host or share that includes input from other organisations or parties, we cannot guarantee that the preferred neurodivergent affirming terminology is always used.

Our guide to language is available here: Neurodivergent Affirming Language