Finding Our Girls’ Conference Tackles Violence Against Women and Girls 

Professionals from across Dorset came together for the ‘Finding Our Girls’ conference, organised by The Pineapple Project and the Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership, to gain insights and tools to address violence against women and girls. 

Run by Dorset Council in partnership with the police and the local community, the Pineapple Project works to protect young women in Dorset communities from harm. 

The event aimed to inspire and equip attendees to recognise and challenge harmful behaviours, encouraging a united approach to tackling this important issue. 

Held on 25th November, the event took place on White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of 16 Days of Action to raise awareness of domestic violence and violence against women and girls. 

The conference was held to shed light on the challenges faced by girls and young women and the long-lasting impacts these issues can have.  

It sought to bring these topics into public conversation, encouraging individuals to recognise and confront harmful behaviours that are too often dismissed or normalised.  

The event emphasised the collective responsibility shared by professionals and society to address and challenge these behaviours. 

Held at Kingston Maurward College, the conference opened with a welcome speech by Dorset Council’s Chief Executive, Matt Prosser, who said “Our goal is a world where all young women and girls can walk freely, dress as they choose, and thrive without fear.” 

Laura Bates, a renowned activist, journalist, and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, delivered a powerful keynote address.  

She shared personal experiences and challenged attendees to examine their own responses to normalised behaviours, sparking reflection and discussion among the audience. 

The day also included a presentation by Paragon, a key service provider within Dorset Council’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Services.  

After a short break, attendees engaged with a powerful storytelling session, depicting the life of a young girl based on real-life case studies.  

Representatives from education, health, police, community safety, and social care illustrated how their agencies interacted with the girl at various stages of her disrupted childhood and adolescence. 

Delegates were invited to share their reflections and insights through interactive polls, fostering meaningful dialogue and offering a real-world context to the challenges discussed. 

Kendra Houseman, founder of Out of the Shadows, shared her powerful story of being a "hidden girl" in a pre-recorded video, inspiring the creation of Chesil Hidden Girls and, later, The Pineapple Project. 

Sarah Whilton and Rachel Janaway from Dorset Council outlined how Chesil Hidden Girls and The Pineapple Project represent Dorset Council Children’s Services’ innovative approach, building partnerships in non-traditional settings to improve visibility for young women. 

Attendees praised the conference for its thought-provoking content and the way it brought professionals from different backgrounds together to address violence against women and girls.  

Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, said: 

“I’m truly grateful to everyone who took time out of their day to attend the ‘Finding Our Girls’ conference.” 

“Their dedication to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by young women is invaluable.” 

“It’s this kind of collective effort that will drive real change and create a safer, more supportive community for all.” 

For more information on the Pineapple Project’s ongoing efforts to tackle violence against women and girls in Dorset, see The Pineapple Project - Dorset Council