Domestic Abuse Multi-Agency Training Programme April 2022 - March 2023

 
Courses:
 
 

About the training

Safe Newcastle is pleased to introduce its Domestic Abuse Multi-Agency Training Programme for 2022 – 2023.  This training can help you recognise the signs and indicators of domestic abuse, understand the issues affecting those subjected to it and respond safely and effectively when someone needs our protection, help and support.
 
Safe Newcastle is the Community Safety Partnership for Newcastle upon Tyne.  Our vision is to create a safe Newcastle by tackling crime, including domestic abuse, alcohol, drugs, anti-social behaviour and their impact on the residents of our city.  
 

Who are the courses for?

The training programme is primarily aimed at managers, paid staff and volunteers who may come into contact with people subjected to domestic abuse, perpetrators of abuse and / or children living in families where domestic abuse is occurring.  
 
The training courses are suitable for staff from many different sectors and organisations, including, but not limited to:
 
  • Specialist domestic and sexual violence service providers
  • Health professionals, for example, midwives, health visitors, GPs, nurses, mental health services
  • Adult and children’s social care practitioners, including Early Help staff
  • Children’s Centres and voluntary sector children’s organisations
  • Education sector
  • Housing and hostel services
  • Alcohol and drug services
  • Criminal justice agencies
 
Please read the outline for each course you are interested in attending to ensure the course aim and learning objectives are relevant to your role.  If you would like to discuss your training requirements prior to booking, please contact joanne.douglas@newcastle.gov.uk, Workforce Development and Training Officer (Violence against Women and Girls) or call 07881 686 568.
 
All of the courses listed in this programme are delivered in a multi-agency setting, either face to face or on Microsoft Teams.  This provides participants with the opportunity to share their experience, skills and knowledge and learn about other agencies’ roles, responsibilities and limitations in relation to the topics covered.  
 
Due to the multi-agency nature of these courses, we can only accept a maximum of three people from the same organisation on each session.  If you would like to train a larger group of staff in one session, please contact joanne.douglas@newcastle.gov.uk to discuss cost and requirements.
 
All of the courses are delivered using various training methods including small group work, films, PowerPoint presentation, trainer led inputs, skills practice and case studies.  The training is highly interactive and based upon current best practice and evidence of what works well in response to domestic abuse.
 

Training delivery format

To ensure the training programme is accessible to all, the courses are delivered in a number of different formats: classroom based, blended learning and online only using Microsoft Teams.
 
The classroom-based courses will take place at Newcastle Civic Centre, which is in the City centre, close to Haymarket Metro station.  These arrangements are subject to change if Government and / or Newcastle City Council Covid-19 guidance changes.
 
The blended courses are delivered in three parts:
 
  1. Pre-course work (approx. 2 hours, self-guided learning using a learning pack which you will receive approximately 1 week prior to the live session)
  2. Live, interactive training session via Microsoft Teams (approx. 3 hours, facilitator-led)
  3. Post-course reflection and evaluation (approx. 1 hour, self-guided reflection using a learning pack)
 
All three parts must be completed to pass the training and receive an attendance certificate.  
 
Teams courses will be delivered online, with no pre- or post-course work required.
 
To make the training a valuable learning experience for all participants we ask that you do not take phone calls or read / answer e-mails during training.  For online training, we also ask that you use a device with a camera that allows you to have your ‘video’ on, so that you are visible to other participants and the trainers.
 

Content warning

This training programme deals with potentially emotive subjects.  The content and materials used may be upsetting to anyone, but particularly to anyone who has been personally affected by domestic abuse.  Information is provided about help lines and local and national support agencies that can be contacted should you feel the need to talk to someone other than your colleagues or manager following attendance on a course.
 

Single agency training

In addition to these multi-agency training events, Safe Newcastle can provide tailored training to meet your organisation’s specific requirements.  There may be a charge for this.  For further details of ‘in house’ training opportunities or to discuss your organisation’s requirements and receive a quote please contact joanne.douglas@newcastle.gov.uk.
 

Equality and Diversity

Equality is at the heart of our vision and values and is a part of everything we do.  We are committed to tackling discrimination and the inequalities which prevent people from fulfilling their true potential.   We aim to provide access to training regardless of a person’s ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender, age or religion.
 
We aim to ensure that all our courses are inclusive and avoid discrimination in all respects.  This is always an integral objective in our planning and preparation of the training and we undertake to:
 
  • Ensure that all participants are treated as individuals
  • Respect the opinion and experience of others
  • Appropriately challenge discriminating language or any oppressive behaviour
 
If you would like to discuss any specific access requirements prior to booking on a course, or provide feedback relating to this following attendance on a course, please contact joanne.douglas@newcastle.gov.uk.
 
You can read Newcastle City Council's approach to Equality and Diversity here.
 

Booking guidance, terms and conditions

Registration and allocation of places

All bookings are managed via the Eventbrite website.  Click on the ‘Register here’ hyperlink next to the course you would like to attend and complete the online registration form.  
 
If the link doesn’t work on your device, try right clicking on the hyperlink, then click on ‘open hyperlink’ or copy and paste the link into your internet browser (Chrome tends to work best).  If you still experience a problem, please contact your IT department for advice as all bookings must be completed via the Eventbrite website.
 
We can’t accept applications for training unless your line manager agrees to the booking terms and conditions and has given authorisation for you to attend.  Your line manager’s contact details must be included on the registration form.  By providing these details you are confirming that your manager has authorised your attendance.
 
Once you have completed the online registration form you will receive an e-mail confirmation from Eventbrite.  You will also receive a further e-mail confirmation from Safe Newcastle about a week prior to the course date.  You are advised to make a note of the date of the course/s you have registered for in your calendar and / or diary to ensure you are available to attend the course.
 

Charges for attendance 

Training is free to most organisations operating within Newcastle upon Tyne.  Profit-making organisations and organisations operating outside of Newcastle are welcome to attend but will be expected to pay a fee of £40 per person per day / £20 per person per half day.
 

Cancellations and non-attendance fees

If you are booked to attend a course but are subsequently unable to attend or you are unable to attend for the entire course, you must cancel your booking on Eventbrite as soon as you become aware of this so that the place will be available for someone else.
 
Cancellations must be received within 5 working days of the course start date, although they will be accepted after this for those who are ill or have other extenuating circumstances, which have been approved by their line manager.  
 
The booking organisation will pay the full late cancellation fee of £40 for anyone who does not attend and did not cancel their place or fails to stay for the entire duration of the course.  
 
You must attend the entire course to receive an attendance certificate.
 
Safe Newcastle reserves the right to cancel courses.  If this happens we will inform you as soon as we possibly can and will offer an alternative date where possible.
 
Newcastle City Council’s Privacy Notice explains how we use information about you and how we protect your privacy.  
 

Courses

Domestic Abuse Awareness (Level 1)

-

What is the aim of this course? 

To raise participants’ knowledge and understanding of the nature and impact of domestic abuse.
 

What will the course cover?

By the end of the course, the learner will: 
 
  1. Know the statutory definition of domestic abuse
  2. Explore the different types of abusive behaviours used by perpetrators of domestic abuse
  3. Comprehend the impact of domestic abuse on victims and survivors
  4. Know the prevalence of domestic abuse
  5. Recognise the myths relating to the causes of domestic abuse
  6. Explore how discrimination in society contributes to the experience and impact of domestic abuse
  7. Know the specialist support services and interventions available for victims, children and perpetrators
 

Who should attend?

This is a basic level awareness raising course therefore no prior knowledge is necessary.  The course is suitable for anyone who may come into contact with people subjected to domestic abuse, perpetrators and / or children living in families where abuse is occurring.
 

Additional information

This course has been developed and accredited by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and equates to 6 CPD hours / points.

Dates, times and venues

Tuesday 5th April 2022
9.30am – 12.45pm
Blended
Register here

Wednesday 27th April 2022
9.30am – 4.30pm
Classroom
Register here

Wednesday 8th June 2022
1.00pm – 4.15pm
Blended
Register here

Thursday 8th September 2022
9.30am - 4.30pm
Classroom
Register here

Thursday 20th October 2022
9.30am - 12.45pm
Blended
Register here

Tuesday 8th November 2022
9.30am – 4.30pm
Classroom
Register here

Monday 23rd January 2023
1.00pm – 4.15pm
Blended
Register here

Wednesday 15th February 2023
9.30am – 4.30pm
Classroom
Register here

If the 'Register here' hyperlinks don't work for you, please copy them into Google Chrome.
 

Domestic Abuse Ask and Action Training (Level 2)

-

What is the aim of this course? 

To enable participants to ‘Ask’ clients if they are subjected domestic abuse and to take ‘Action’ so the harms caused by perpetrators of domestic abuse are reduced.
 

What will the course cover?

By the end of the course, the learner will: 
 
  1. Understand what domestic abuse is
  2. Recognise the indicators of domestic abuse
  3. Understand the purpose of targeted enquiry and employ good practice when undertaking targeted enquiry
  4. Respond to disclosures safely and effectively
  5. Understand the purpose of risk identification, employ good practice when undertaking risk identification and follow referral pathways  
  6. Understand responsibilities around confidentiality and information sharing

Who should attend?

The course is suitable for anyone who may come into contact with people subjected to domestic abuse and perform roles that enable them to facilitate and respond appropriately to disclosures.
 
To attend this course, applicants must have previously attended a level 1 domestic abuse awareness training course.  This could be the course provided in this programme or training received elsewhere.  You will be required to give details when completing the booking form.
 

Additional information 

This course has been developed and accredited by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and equates to 6 CPD hours / points. 
 

Dates, times and venues

Thursday 19th May 2022
9.30am – 12.45pm
Blended
Register here

Tuesday 14th June 2022
9.30am – 4.30pm
Classroom
Register here

Wednesday 21st September 2022
1.00pm – 4.15pm
Blended
Register here

Wednesday 17th November 2022
9.30am – 4.30pm
Classroom
Register here

Thursday 2nd February 2023
9.30am – 12.45pm
Blended
Register here

Thursday 2nd March 2023
9.30am – 4.30pm
Classroom
Register here

If the ‘Register here’ hyperlinks don’t work for you, please copy them into Google Chrome.
 

Domestic Abuse Trusted Professional Training (Level 3)

-
 

What are the aims of this course? 

  • To assist professionals to build trusting relationships with survivors of domestic abuse by increasing their knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to fulfil the role of a trusted professional.
  • To increase professionals’ understanding of the impact of trauma on survivors of domestic abuse and their children and enable them to work with survivors in a trauma informed, strengths-based, needs-led way.
  • To increase professionals’ awareness and understanding of the nature and impact of domestic abuse on children.
  • To increase professionals’ awareness and understanding of perpetrators’ behaviour and how they seek to extend their coercive and controlling behaviours over interventions by professionals and agencies.
  • To provide professionals with the opportunity to reflect on their attitudes, beliefs and practice relating to domestic abuse.
 

What will the course cover?

Module 1: Gender, Power and Domestic Abuse

By the end of the module, the learner will: 
 
  1. Understand domestic abuse as a gendered, societal, global issue, framed within the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda
  2. Understand how social disadvantage and discrimination impacts on the experience of domestic abuse
  3. Explore the concept of power in relation to working in the field of domestic abuse
  4. Understand how the systems in which we work can generate risk towards survivors of domestic abuse and their children
 

Module 2: Focus on Perpetrators and Children Living with Domestic Abuse

By the end of the module, the learner will: 
 
  1. Explore children’s experiences of domestic abuse 
  2. Explore how perpetrators of domestic abuse present and respond to professional intervention
  3. Explore the potential negative effects on themselves of working in the field of domestic abuse
 

Module 3: Becoming a Trusted Professional

By the end of the module, the learner will: 
 
  1. Understand the role of a trusted professional
  2. Explore trauma and its impact on survivors of domestic abuse
  3. Explore a strengths-based, needs-led approach when supporting survivors
 

Module 4: Reflective practice session

The learner will reflect on their own attitudes, beliefs and practice relating to domestic abuse.
 

Who should attend?

The course will be suitable for anyone who comes into contact with people subjected to domestic abuse, perpetrators and / or children living in families where domestic abuse is occurring and who have significant, regular contact with survivors and who might be expected, with training, to identify and respond to their initial support needs rather than immediately signpost or refer them to a specialist domestic abuse service.
 
To attend this course, applicants must have previously attended a level 1 domestic abuse awareness training course.  This could be the course provided in this programme or training received elsewhere.  You will be required to give details when completing the online registration form.
 
You must have also previously attended the level 2 Domestic Abuse Ask and Action training course in this programme.  You will be required to give details when completing the online registration form. 
 

How long is the course?

The course consists of three modules delivered over three full days and a three-hour reflective practice module delivered eight weeks later.  Participants are required to attend all four modules.  
 

Dates, times and venue  

  • Module 1 - Tuesday 10th May 2022
  • Module 2 - Tuesday 17th May 2022
  • Module 3 - Tuesday 24th May 2022
  • Module 4 - Tuesday 19th July 2022
 
  • Module 1 - Wednesday 5th October 2022
  • Module 2 - Wednesday 12th October 2022
  • Module 3 - Wednesday 19th October 2022
  • Module 4 - Wednesday 14th December 2022
 
  • Module 1 - Thursday 9th March 2023 
  • Module 2 - Thursday 16th March 2023 
  • Module 3 - Thursday 23rd March 2023 
  • Module 4 - Thursday 18th May 2023
 
Modules 1 – 3 are all 9.30am to 4.30pm
Module 4 is 9.30am to 12.30pm
All modules will take place at Newcastle Civic Centre.
 

Registration and allocation of places

If you are interested in attending this training, please click on this link to complete an expression of interest questionnaire.  The course administrator will contact you soon to let you know if you have been allocated a place. 
 

Additional information

This training focusses on domestic abuse perpetrated by men towards female ex/partners.  We recognise that men also experience domestic abuse and that women can be perpetrators.  However, we know that domestic abuse disproportionately affects women and this training will reflect that, framing domestic abuse within the wider violence against women and girls context.
 
This course has been developed and accredited by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and equates to 21 CPD hours / points.
 

Domestic Abuse Risk Identification and MARAC Training

What is the aim of this course? 

To understand the purpose of risk identification, employ good practice when undertaking risk identification and follow referral pathways for those subjected to domestic abuse.
 

What will the course cover?

By the end of the course, the learner will be able to: 
 
  1. Identify risk factors in DA situations using the SafeLives DASH Risk Identification Checklist
  2. Decide what level of intervention and support is required
  3. Follow referral pathways, including making appropriate referrals to MARAC
  4. Understand the MARAC process, including the role of the IDVA and ISVA service

Who should attend?

The course is suitable for anyone whose role requires them to undertake the SafeLives DASH Risk Identification Checklist with people subject to domestic abuse. To attend this course, applicants must have previously attended a level 1 domestic abuse awareness training course.  This could be the course provided in this programme or training received elsewhere.  You will be required to give details when completing the booking form.
 

Dates and times

Tuesday 12th April 2022
9.30am – 12.30pm
Register here

Wednesday 22nd June 2022
1.30pm – 4.30pm
Register here

Thursday 29th September 2022
9.30am – 12.30pm
Register here

Tuesday 1st November 2022
1.30pm – 4.30pm
Register here

Wednesday 8th February 2023
9.30am – 12.30pm
Register here

If the ‘Register here’ hyperlinks don’t work for you, please copy them into Google Chrome.
 
All of these sessions will be delivered using Microsoft Teams. 
 

Domestic Abuse and LGBT+ People

What is the aim of this course? 

To increase awareness and understanding of the nature and impact of domestic abuse in LGBT+ people’s relationships.
 

What will the course cover?

By the end of the course, the learner will: 
 
  1. Understand the nature and dynamics of abusive relationships
  2. Awareness of the myths surrounding domestic abuse in LGBT+ people’s relationships
  3. Understand how domestic abuse can affect a victim/survivor’s sense of self and identity
  4. Explore the complex issues that prevent LGBT+ people from leaving abusive partners
  5. Know how to assess risk and identify appropriate protection and support for LGBT+ people subjected to domestic abuse
 

Who should attend?

The course is suitable for anyone who may come into contact with people subjected to domestic abuse, perpetrators of abuse and / or children living in families where abuse is occurring.
 

Dates, times and venues

Friday 20th May 2022
10.00am – 4.00pm
Classroom
Register here

Monday 23rd May 2022
9.30am – 12.30pm
Blended
Register here

If the ‘Register here’ hyperlinks don’t work for you, please copy them into Google Chrome.
 
More dates will be scheduled soon – contact joanne.douglas@newcastle.gov.uk if you would like to be added to the waiting list.
 

Additional information

This course was developed and is delivered in partnership with Mesmac Newcastle, a specialist organisation working with gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.  Visit Mesmac Newcastle to find out more about the services they offer. 
 

Psychology of Victim Blaming

What is the aim of this course? 

To raise participants’ awareness and understanding relating to psychological theories and research about why and how people at every level of society place blame on victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
 

What will the course cover?

By the end of the course, the learner will: 
 
  1. Explore psychological and sociological theories of victim blaming 
  2. Learn about the ways people blame themselves after domestic and sexual violence
  3. Understand the latest evidence, reports and research about victim blaming and the psychology of self-blame 
  4. Learn simple ways to challenge, change and influence people to reduce or stop victim blaming
 

Who should attend?

Anyone with an interest in the evidence and theories of victim blaming and self-blame.
 

Dates, times and venues

Thursday 7th April 2022
Register here

Thursday 21st April 2022
Register here

Tuesday 7th June 2022
Register here 

Thursday 30th June 2022
Register here 

If the ‘Register here’ hyperlinks don’t work for you, please copy them into Google Chrome.
 
All of these courses are 10.00am to 4.00pm at Newcastle Civic Centre.
 
More dates will be scheduled soon – contact joanne.douglas@newcastle.gov.uk if you would like to be added to the waiting list.
 

Additional information 

The Psychology of Victim Blaming course was written by Dr Jessica Taylor, the founder and director of VictimFocus, an organisation dedicated to changing the way we portray and support victim/survivors of abuse, violence and trauma all over the world.  The organisation uses education, training and producing materials and resources to end victim blaming, challenge stereotyping of victims and encourage trauma-informed working.  
 
Please note: this training focusses on the victim blaming of women subjected to men’s domestic and sexual violence.  We firmly recognise that men also experience domestic and sexual violence and that they can be victim blamed.  However, we know that domestic and sexual violence disproportionately affect women and this training will reflect that, framing victim blaming within the wider violence against women and girls context.
 
The training will be delivered by Joanne Douglas (Newcastle City Council) who is an accredited and registered VictimFocus trainer, licensed to deliver their training in Newcastle.
 
-
Visit VictimFocus to find out more about the work they do.
 

Further training available in Newcastle

The training programmes listed here are not provided by Safe Newcastle.  If you have any questions relating to these courses, please use the contact details provided on the relevant websites. 
 
 

Keeping in touch

Safe Newcastle produces a domestic abuse e-newsletter every two to three weeks featuring a roundup of the latest local and national information, resources, research, training and events, service updates, job opportunities and news articles.  Contact joanne.douglas@newcastle.gov.uk if you would like to be included in the mailing list. 
 
You can also follow Safe Newcastle on Twitter if you’d like to stay up to date with local and national news, announcements and training opportunities in the violence against women and girls sector.  Search for @Safe_Newcastle.