RECOGNISING vulnerability within offenders will be the focus at Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn’s annual St David’s Conference this year, which will take place on Friday 1^st of March at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen.

Recognising vulnerability in offenders is essential for developing a more nuanced and effective approach to criminal justice according to PCC Llywelyn.  Identifying and understanding vulnerabilities allows for targeted and effective interventions and will aid in reducing the risks of reoffending and victimisation. 

By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behaviour, there is a better chance of breaking the cycle of reoffending and promoting long-term positive change. 

The Conference will provide an insight into how a range of organisations and support services providers work to understand an offender’s vulnerabilities; how they identify situations where offenders may be at risk of victimisation within the criminal justice system; and how they support in putting appropriate safeguards in place to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn told The Herald: “It gives me great pleasure to host my eighth annual St David’s Day Conference, which this year will focus on recognising offender vulnerability.

“It is important to recognise that many offenders are often victims themselves, who might have possibly experienced crimes worse than their own. Additionally, a significant number of them suffer with mental health problems.

“Understanding these underlying factors is essential as we strive to find more compassionate and effective solutions. Sending individuals to prison isn’t always the better choice; instead, we must work collaboratively to develop interventions and support systems that address the root causes and contribute to rehabilitation.

“My conference this year will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss collaborative initiatives, raise awareness, and look at effective strategies that aim for a safer and more secure society.”

Guest speakers at the Conference include:

• Michelle John, Director – PEGS Support
  Recognising and responding to Child to Parent Abuse
• Rebecca Zerk, Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice
• Elize Freeman, Deputy Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice
• Aberystwyth University
  Older victims’ experiences of adult family abuse
• Mike Wilkinson, Deputy Chief Executive, New Pathways
  Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours displayed by victims of violence
• Christina Line, Chief Operating Officer, The Nelson Trust & Gemma Humphreys, Women’s Criminal Justice Service Manager – Wales, The Nelson Trust
  Female Offending Services and Women’s Centre Approach

This will be PCC Dafydd Llywelyn’s eighth annual St David’s Day Conference, with previous conferences focusing on Coercive Control (2017); Mental Health in Policing (2018); Cyber-Crime (2019); Rural Crime (2020), Victims (2021), Anti-Social Behaviour (2022), and Policing by Consent (2023).

The Conference will take place at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, while there will also be an opportunity for individuals to join online. 

PCC Llywelyn concluded added: “I am looking forward to welcoming all to the conference this year as we consider how to respond to vulnerabilities within offenders, and developing a more nuanced and effective approach to criminal justice”.