A college in Somerset has joined forces with Avon and Somerset Police and a well-known TV actor to take the fight to domestic abusers — and put employers on the front line in spotting the signs.

Strode College in Street hosted a hard-hitting conference on 2 June with a clear message: coercive control is everywhere — in shops, cafés, and workplaces — and everyone has a role in tackling it.

The event, called Strong Voices, Safe Communities, brought together businesses, community leaders and campaigners, with actor and domestic abuse survivor Sam Beckinsale leading the charge.

"Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, be perpetrated by anyone, and has common patterns across the world," said Beckinsale, best known for her role in London's Burning. "Coercive control kills — without a fist being raised."

The day included a screening of Love?, a film she created with award-winning director Jason Figgis, offering a raw look at psychological abuse. Audience members were visibly moved, with the film sparking frank discussions and emotional testimonies.

"Somerset was my safe space," Beckinsale told the room. "As a community, let's make it a safe space for everyone."

And if anyone thought this was just a talking shop, they'd be wrong. One attendee took the powerful step of applying for Clare's Law — the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme — during the event itself.

Tanya Schottlander, Strode's Director of Student Experience, said the local response had been overwhelming even before the day began.

"When we walked around the businesses in Street and Glastonbury to promote the event, many employers shared their own experiences," she said.

"Some had seen controlling behaviour in their customers. Others were victims themselves. And some even asked us to approach other businesses on their behalf. We're under no illusion — we spoke to both victims and perpetrators. But what stood out was the openness and willingness to talk."

Performing arts students took centre stage with a series of vignettes portraying coercive control — not just to raise awareness, but to prompt proper discussion on what to do when you see it happening.

John Revill, Principal and CEO of Strode College, said young people were key to breaking the cycle.

"It's strikingly clear that many young people are not only affected by domestic abuse but are also the key to driving societal change," he said. "There can be no hiding place for perpetrators."

Even the hospitality on the day came with purpose — Strode's chef apprentices served up a top-quality spread, while creative students designed the official conference branding seen on tote bags and keyrings.

Detective Superintendent Kristina Windsor, Avon and Somerset Police's lead for domestic abuse, told attendees the most dangerous thing about coercive control was how hard it can be to spot.

"Domestic abuse is about power. We understand it better now and we have a responsibility to tackle it. But there's a role for many people, and we are trying to encourage them to identify the signs."

A key practical outcome from the day was encouraging employers to join the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), which provides training and support for businesses to help staff affected by abuse — or spot it in customers.

Strode College signed up on the day. Many others pledged to follow. One participant summed it up best: "Would you recognise it? And would you know what to do next?"

To find out more or join the initiative, visit www.eida.org.uk.

As Schottlander put it: "We want perpetrators to know there is no place to hide in Somerset. And we want victims and survivors to know they are not alone."