Welsh Women’s Aid is proud to be the first organisation to lead and deliver the very first national qualification in Preventing and Tackling Domestic Abuse in Wales.
Please read below to find out more about this exciting learning and development opportunity.
- The Certificate is aimed at those working in the sector who have a reasonable understanding of VAWDASV and would like to enhance their knowledge to progress their career in the sector.
- The Award is aimed at those who are working in the sector, are at the beginning of their careers, and would like to improve their knowledge and understanding.
- Each unit for the award is approximately 2-3 days in the training room, and students will be required to submit a portfolio of work for each unit to gain the full accreditation.
- Learners with this qualification can apply for IDVA role. The qualification is equivalent and recognised by the Home Office.
Certificate Level
Understanding Domestic and Sexual Violence within a Social and Historical Context (6 credits)
Understanding Domestic and Sexual Violence within a Social and Historical Context will cover the fundamentals of the power and control model of domestic abuse and sexual violence. It will provide an insight into understanding the relationship between gender roles and domestic and sexual violence. We will explore the inter-relationship of domestic abuse and sexual violence and how to work effectively in partnership with third-party agencies to support survivors. The course will also analyse how various factors such as social and cultural background can impact on women accessing support and how to tackle these issues.
Understanding Child Protection in the Context of Domestic and Sexual Violence (6 credits)
Child protection is at the heart of ending domestic and sexual violence against children and young people. This course takes a detailed look at the impact of domestic abuse on children and the protective factors that can be put in place. We will also explore challenges to disclosures, and professional responses to supporting children who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. This course will consider and critically examine legislation about child contact and other major aspects of public law relevant to child protection in domestic abuse cases. The course will analyse the importance of a multi-agency response when protecting children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence. This course will also explore ways in which professionals can empower and support children and young people who have experienced abuse.
The Role of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Practitioner (6 credits)
This course presents the fundamentals for professionals working in the Domestic Abuse sector when supporting survivors of abuse. The course sessions include the principles of advocacy work relating to domestic abuse and sexual violence, how to provide first response to survivors, and what key organisational policies are essential when working with women survivors of abuse. The Role of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Practitioner provides sector professionals with a good level of knowledge and analysis on safety planning and risk management. The course will examine the legal context for domestic abuse survivors and will provide information to professionals on the guidelines the Police and Crown Prosecution Service follow for all cases of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnerships and Coordinated Community Response (6 credits)
During this course, professionals will gain insight on the model of a coordinated community response to domestic abuse and sexual violence. Professionals will examine and analyse their own organisation’s partnership work and outline best practice. One of the main course areas is to assist students in identifying systemic problems, assessing their own practice, responding to domestic abuse cases in a partnership context, and reflecting on the challenges and rewards of multi-agency work. The course explores these concepts through a series of case studies and discussions around current legislation. The course will help sector professionals develop their understanding of various challenges and pressures involved in working in a multi-agency context and the support available to survivors. Students will learn of their contribution to multi-agency meetings, and the procedures and systems involved in domestic abuse and sexual violence cases.
Award Level
The Nature and Impact of Domestic Abuse (4 credits)
Learners will be able to understand how an abusive relationship occurs and the effects on survivors. This course will also provide insight into the coping strategies used by survivors of abuse and the barriers women and children may face when seeking help. The second part of the course will focus on the prevalence of sexual violence within the context of domestic abuse/violence and the effects on survivors. The course will also provide an outline of support and service provision nationally as well as multi-agency work in the context of domestic abuse.
The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Children and Young People (4 credits)
The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Children and Young People award course is designed for professionals to acquire the necessary skills and capabilities when working with children and young people affected by domestic abuse/violence. This course will provide an insight on the effects of violence on children and young people, and the dynamics on the relationship between the non-abusive parent and the children affected. The course will provide students with knowledge on professional responses to domestic abuse disclosures by children and young people
Professional Responses to Domestic Abuse (4 credits)
This course is intended for front-line professionals and others who have the responsibility of working with survivors of domestic abuse. The sessions will provide knowledge and understanding on how to respond effectively to survivors’ support needs, considering mixed social backgrounds and beliefs. During the course, there will be a focus on risk in the context of domestic abuse and how to work adequately with survivors with various risk levels.
This course is awarded by the NOCN group. The NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Preventing and Tackling Domestic Abuse training is now recognised as a suitable qualification to qualify as an IDVA. To find out more, click here.
For more information about the Award or Certificate level or to book this training, please contact us at training@welshwomensaid.org.uk.