This training programme will equip you with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to enable you to provide advocacy support for victims-survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse. The training will develop your ability to confidently handle disclosures appropriately and safely, learn where to sign-post victims-survivors for on-going support and to understand the process once a victim-survivor reports to the Police. The sessions are delivered with an emphasis based on a trauma-informed and person-centred approach to service delivery, one that puts victims-survivors interests at the heart of everything you do.

The programme consists of four 1-day sessions delivered between the times of 09.30 and 16:30, with regular breaks throughout. We deliver this training online through Zoom. Upon successful completion of the programme, attendees will receive a copy of the presentation, further reading resources and a certificate.

Training programme:

Session One

• Terminology – language
• Self-care
• Compassion satisfaction-fatigue and burnout
• Definitions
• Scale of sexual violence and domestic abuse
• Historic & cultural context of sexual violence
• Gender-based violence & societal attitudes
• Trauma-informed practice
• UK support services

Session Two

• Trauma responses & the impact on victims
• Unconscious bias
• Bystanding
• Handling inappropriate behaviour
• Person-centered support
• The provision of emotional support

Session Three

• Victim protected characteristics and prevalence of sexual violence
• Impact of sexual violence on diverse groups
• Understanding vulnerability
• Perpetrator behaviour
• Professional judgement
• Professional boundaries

Session Four

• Advocacy
• Communication & interaction skills
• Sensitive handling of disclosures
• Understanding triggers
• Criminal justice processes