Pint of (Social) Science

Get ready for a lively, interactive session based on on the topic of recognition! Biometrics/FRT systems are becoming common 'passcodes' for digital services. London ranks as one of the most surveilled cities in the world with around 942,562 CCTV cameras across the capital. Surveillance is a big part of our daily lives and serves as a productive set of routines, experience and emotions to explore.

The United to End Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign represents a collaborative effort to bridge research and advocacy, using animation as a powerful tool to raise awareness and drive social change. This initiative brought together researchers from UK universities, a London-based domestic violence service provider (IKWRO), and Iranian NGOs and animators to highlight the urgent need for action against VAWG. Led by Ladan Hashemi and Professor Sally McManus at the Violence and Society Centre, City St George’s, the campaign was launched on 25 November 2024, aligning with the International Day for the Elimination of VAWG. This presentation delves into the research that informed the campaign, the multidisciplinary collaboration behind its animation development, and the campaign’s impact in engaging diverse audiences. The campaign also intends to educate young persons on what it means to have healthy relationships.

When we talk about violence, we don’t usually think about older people. However, there is evidence that a growing number of older people might experience violence and abuse. Some types of violence, such as neglect and financial abuse, are more common in later life, but older people can also face violence that is often linked to younger groups, such as violence from a partner. This session shares the importance of recognising the issue of violence in older age, the consequences of violence, the ways to prevent it and support longer, healthier, and safer lives—for our families, ourselves, and future generations.