Refuge UK Tech Safety Summit 2025

Emma Pickering is a dedicated professional, with extensive experience in the VAWG sector. Her career at Refuge began in 2017 when she joined as a MARAC coordinator within the Warwickshire service. Emma joined the Tech Abuse team in January 2018 at the beginning of the project. Currently the Head of Tech & Economic Abuse, Emma plays a pivotal role at Refuge.

Emma's commitment to preventing technology-facilitated domestic abuse is evident in her pursuit of specialised training. She received Tech Abuse training from SafetyNet, and trained as an IRIS Advocate Educator. Her academic background, including a BA Honours degree in Working with Young People and Services from De Montfort University, and a Masters Degree in Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic and Sexual Violence from the University of Worcester, has equipped her with extensive knowledge of the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse. Emma is further exploring the subject, in ongoing PhD studies at Birmingham City University, titled "Evaluating the role of domestic homicide Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Domestic Homicide." 

As a Churchill Fellow, Emma is an advocate for survivors of technology-facilitated domestic abuse. Her expertise in the intersection of tech and economic abuse has equipped Emma in leading a team, who provide direct support to women and children facing these challenges. Emma manages external partnerships and stakeholders, collaborating closely with Refuge's policy and fundraising teams to generate income and foster growth within her team. Additionally, Emma plays a crucial role in shaping legislative asks to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse, leading to more positive outcomes within the VAWG sector.

Emma Pickering is a dedicated professional, with extensive experience in the VAWG sector. Her career at Refuge began in 2017 when she joined as a MARAC coordinator within the Warwickshire service. Emma joined the Tech Abuse team in January 2018 at the beginning of the project. Currently the Head of Tech & Economic Abuse, Emma plays a pivotal role at Refuge.

Emma's commitment to preventing technology-facilitated domestic abuse is evident in her pursuit of specialised training. She received Tech Abuse training from SafetyNet, and trained as an IRIS Advocate Educator. Her academic background, including a BA Honours degree in Working with Young People and Services from De Montfort University, and a Masters Degree in Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic and Sexual Violence from the University of Worcester, has equipped her with extensive knowledge of the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse. Emma is further exploring the subject, in ongoing PhD studies at Birmingham City University, titled "Evaluating the role of domestic homicide Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Domestic Homicide." 

As a Churchill Fellow, Emma is an advocate for survivors of technology-facilitated domestic abuse. Her expertise in the intersection of tech and economic abuse has equipped Emma in leading a team, who provide direct support to women and children facing these challenges. Emma manages external partnerships and stakeholders, collaborating closely with Refuge's policy and fundraising teams to generate income and foster growth within her team. Additionally, Emma plays a crucial role in shaping legislative asks to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse, leading to more positive outcomes within the VAWG sector.

Emma Pickering is a dedicated professional, with extensive experience in the VAWG sector. Her career at Refuge began in 2017 when she joined as a MARAC coordinator within the Warwickshire service. Emma joined the Tech Abuse team in January 2018 at the beginning of the project. Currently the Head of Tech & Economic Abuse, Emma plays a pivotal role at Refuge.

Emma's commitment to preventing technology-facilitated domestic abuse is evident in her pursuit of specialised training. She received Tech Abuse training from SafetyNet, and trained as an IRIS Advocate Educator. Her academic background, including a BA Honours degree in Working with Young People and Services from De Montfort University, and a Masters Degree in Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic and Sexual Violence from the University of Worcester, has equipped her with extensive knowledge of the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse. Emma is further exploring the subject, in ongoing PhD studies at Birmingham City University, titled "Evaluating the role of domestic homicide Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Domestic Homicide." 

As a Churchill Fellow, Emma is an advocate for survivors of technology-facilitated domestic abuse. Her expertise in the intersection of tech and economic abuse has equipped Emma in leading a team, who provide direct support to women and children facing these challenges. Emma manages external partnerships and stakeholders, collaborating closely with Refuge's policy and fundraising teams to generate income and foster growth within her team. Additionally, Emma plays a crucial role in shaping legislative asks to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse, leading to more positive outcomes within the VAWG sector.

With a diverse background including marketing, film & television, and special needs education, Laura brings a person-centred approach to the digital space. Currently Digital Lead within the Tech Safety team at Refuge, Laura is passionate about accessibility and dedicated to ensuring that digital content is inclusive and reaches those most vulnerable, facing additional barriers. Laura’s cross-industry experience informs a deep commitment to creating safe, equitable online environments for all.

Gareth is leading authority on financial inclusion, community finance and local welfare provision, with over 20 years’ experience. He is Co-Director of the not-for-profit Financial Inclusion Centre, and also recently sat on the HM Treasury Financial Inclusion Policy Forum.

In 2020, Gareth founded Cash Perks – a multi award-winning cash payment facility addressing the challenge of getting welfare funds to struggling households facing financial crisis.  This innovative solution allows the recipient to collect their funds for free 24/7 at local ATMs nationwide – without the need for a bank card.

Emma Pickering is a dedicated professional, with extensive experience in the VAWG sector. Her career at Refuge began in 2017 when she joined as a MARAC coordinator within the Warwickshire service. Emma joined the Tech Abuse team in January 2018 at the beginning of the project. Currently the Head of Tech & Economic Abuse, Emma plays a pivotal role at Refuge.

Emma's commitment to preventing technology-facilitated domestic abuse is evident in her pursuit of specialised training. She received Tech Abuse training from SafetyNet, and trained as an IRIS Advocate Educator. Her academic background, including a BA Honours degree in Working with Young People and Services from De Montfort University, and a Masters Degree in Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic and Sexual Violence from the University of Worcester, has equipped her with extensive knowledge of the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse. Emma is further exploring the subject, in ongoing PhD studies at Birmingham City University, titled "Evaluating the role of domestic homicide Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Domestic Homicide." 

As a Churchill Fellow, Emma is an advocate for survivors of technology-facilitated domestic abuse. Her expertise in the intersection of tech and economic abuse has equipped Emma in leading a team, who provide direct support to women and children facing these challenges. Emma manages external partnerships and stakeholders, collaborating closely with Refuge's policy and fundraising teams to generate income and foster growth within her team. Additionally, Emma plays a crucial role in shaping legislative asks to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse, leading to more positive outcomes within the VAWG sector.

Emma Pickering is a dedicated professional, with extensive experience in the VAWG sector. Her career at Refuge began in 2017 when she joined as a MARAC coordinator within the Warwickshire service. Emma joined the Tech Abuse team in January 2018 at the beginning of the project. Currently the Head of Tech & Economic Abuse, Emma plays a pivotal role at Refuge.

Emma's commitment to preventing technology-facilitated domestic abuse is evident in her pursuit of specialised training. She received Tech Abuse training from SafetyNet, and trained as an IRIS Advocate Educator. Her academic background, including a BA Honours degree in Working with Young People and Services from De Montfort University, and a Masters Degree in Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic and Sexual Violence from the University of Worcester, has equipped her with extensive knowledge of the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse. Emma is further exploring the subject, in ongoing PhD studies at Birmingham City University, titled "Evaluating the role of domestic homicide Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Domestic Homicide." 

As a Churchill Fellow, Emma is an advocate for survivors of technology-facilitated domestic abuse. Her expertise in the intersection of tech and economic abuse has equipped Emma in leading a team, who provide direct support to women and children facing these challenges. Emma manages external partnerships and stakeholders, collaborating closely with Refuge's policy and fundraising teams to generate income and foster growth within her team. Additionally, Emma plays a crucial role in shaping legislative asks to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse, leading to more positive outcomes within the VAWG sector.

With 34 years of Charity experience as both consultant and trustee, I have been working as a consultant to Refuge since 2008. I am a Fellow of the British Computer Society and a Charted IT Professional, with experience in GDPR, data collection and technology facilitated abuse. I designed the National Domestic Violence helpline and case management systems in use by Domestic Violence organisations.

Now semi-retired, I provide consultancy services to the Tech Support team.

Larome is the Youth Tech Abuse Lead at Refuge, where she provides specialist support as well as upskill the children’s support workers and frontline staff to ensure that children, young people, and protective parents in refuges are using technology safely and positively.
She plays a key role in developing and delivering tech empowerment workshops, offering guidance on online safety, digital resilience, and emotional well-being.

Through a series of empowerment workshops, Larome supports young people to build confidence and understanding of the online world—covering everything from managing privacy settings and recognising online abuse to understanding the impact of a digital footprint. Her work also supports parents, helping them feel more confident and equipped to guide their children through the digital landscape.

Larome brings a strong background in inclusive support for minority communities, with specialist experience in the SEN, disability, and mental health sectors. Her current practice is deeply shaped by her experience mentoring vulnerable young people, working with children with care needs, and promoting trauma-informed approaches.

With a passion for safeguarding, inclusion, and the long-term impact of trauma, Larome’s work is focused on creating safer online and digital spaces. She is committed to building a generation of tech-savvy young people who are empowered to use technology positively and safely.

Emma Pickering is a dedicated professional, with extensive experience in the VAWG sector. Her career at Refuge began in 2017 when she joined as a MARAC coordinator within the Warwickshire service. Emma joined the Tech Abuse team in January 2018 at the beginning of the project. Currently the Head of Tech & Economic Abuse, Emma plays a pivotal role at Refuge.

Emma's commitment to preventing technology-facilitated domestic abuse is evident in her pursuit of specialised training. She received Tech Abuse training from SafetyNet, and trained as an IRIS Advocate Educator. Her academic background, including a BA Honours degree in Working with Young People and Services from De Montfort University, and a Masters Degree in Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic and Sexual Violence from the University of Worcester, has equipped her with extensive knowledge of the complex issues surrounding domestic abuse. Emma is further exploring the subject, in ongoing PhD studies at Birmingham City University, titled "Evaluating the role of domestic homicide Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Domestic Homicide." 

As a Churchill Fellow, Emma is an advocate for survivors of technology-facilitated domestic abuse. Her expertise in the intersection of tech and economic abuse has equipped Emma in leading a team, who provide direct support to women and children facing these challenges. Emma manages external partnerships and stakeholders, collaborating closely with Refuge's policy and fundraising teams to generate income and foster growth within her team. Additionally, Emma plays a crucial role in shaping legislative asks to improve responses for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse, leading to more positive outcomes within the VAWG sector.