DR. STEVE CONNOR OBE’S JOURNEY

From Advocate to Advocate for Change

Dr. Steve Connor OBE’s passion for fighting domestic abuse and supporting its victims began over two decades ago, when he personally witnessed a close friend struggle to obtain legal protection after leaving an abusive relationship. This experience ignited Dr. Connor OBE’s desire to create a system where victims of domestic abuse could access rapid legal protection—no matter their financial status.

In 2002, after recognizing that thousands of domestic abuse victims were falling through the cracks in the legal system, Dr. Connor OBE set out on a mission to help these victims. He saw firsthand that, despite the availability of civil injunctions like Non-Molestation Orders, many victims could not access these protections quickly enough due to delays in legal processes or ineligibility for public funding. He also saw that criminal justice systems were often ineffective due to a lack of robust evidence and the victims' reluctance to press charges against their abusers.

This frustration with the lack of support for victims led Dr. Connor OBE to establish the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV). The center’s goal was to provide a free, emergency service to help victims of domestic violence secure Non-Molestation Orders and other legal protections within 24 hours. His work was driven by the belief that no victim should ever be left without protection—especially in the critical first moments after escaping abuse.

Dr. Connor OBE’s own legal journey was equally driven by his commitment to justice. He pursued a Qualifying Law Degree at Surrey University, followed by the Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law. After earning his qualifications, he was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, which allowed him to represent victims of domestic abuse in a professional capacity.

His work and expertise led him to become a Home Office Advisor, Ministerial Advisor, and Prime Minister’s Advisor on FGM based at 10 Downing Street, where he played a significant role in shaping policy around domestic violence and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Throughout his career, Dr. Connor OBE was recognized for his leadership in domestic abuse advocacy. He was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his services to the cause. He has worked internationally, advising governments in Taiwan and Namibia, and has served as the Chair of the Crown Prosecution’s Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel.

Dr. Connor OBE’s hands-on experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by domestic abuse victims fueled his drive to establish ALIVE! NATIONWIDE, an organization that expands on the work of the NCDV and provides critical, rapid legal services to victims across the UK. His expertise and tireless advocacy are central to the mission of ALIVE! NATIONWIDE, ensuring that victims of domestic abuse receive the support they deserve—quickly, efficiently, and without barriers.

DR. CONNOR OBE’S EXTENSIVE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE INCLUDE: