UNIT 2: Domestic Violence Awareness

Participants learn to challenge the accepted stereotypes and views around Domestic Violence, and are encouraged to think critically about the myths that are still widely held in society. Initially, learners are introduced to a definition of Domestic Violence and its effects on women and children. Learners then explore what a ‘victim’ or ‘perpetrator’ actually looks like and the forms Domestic Abuse takes. By examining the various ways in which ideas are socially constructed, and by considering the influence of our personal value base, this theme is developed further. Learners are introduced to the complex nature of developing effective working relationships with clients, exploring the practicalities and ethical issues involved.

UNIT 3: Diversity, Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Violence

The central theme of this session is the misuse of power in daily life, on both a personal and global level. Building on the basic message that abuse is a form of control in itself, learners also investigate the links between abuse and the misuse of power. Participants are encouraged to explore how socially constructed stereotypes support this phenomenon, and the subtle way in which these stereotypes are reinforced. Furthermore, the concepts of diversity and power inequalities are analysed, along with the added stressors faced by different groups within society when attempting to escape abusive relationships. Points of good practice, practical and ethical considerations are again addressed through this session.

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UNIT 4: Skills for Good Working Practice

Utilising the values which underpin social work, this session explores working relationships and how we as individuals may allow or perpetuate inequality and prejudice. Focussing primarily on the power of language, whether verbal or non verbal, the session aims to increase understanding of how methods of communication can be used to empower or disempower service users and colleagues alike. Furthermore, it aims to foster the recognition of skills which promote empowerment through the exploration of different approaches and working practices. Using counselling skills and social work values as a base, learners are introduced to the reasons that change can be difficult and guided through caring interventions, making effective choices and potential barriers to empowerment such as poverty, race, culture and class.

UNIT 5: Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence through the Criminal Justice System

The majority of this session is delivered by an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) employed by The Haven Wolverhampton and correlates to the current government drive towards wider recognition of the problems involved in tackling Domestic Violence. The roles and services of the key agencies constituting the Criminal Justice System (CJS) are explained and the procedures involved in taking the civil/legal route for victims of Domestic Violence. Learners explore their own role in this process, so that by the end of the session they are able to discuss the different options available to victims/survivors of Domestic Violence, considering:

• The personal values involved in allowing women to make their own choices;
• Different ways of providing information in order to empower victims/survivors to regain control of their lives.

UNIT 6: Domestic Violence and Disability

This unit is designed to promote understanding of how Domestic Violence affects people with disabilities. This is achieved through exploration of a definition of disability and an analysis of this in relation to the everyday activities that may be limited or impaired. Core to this session is an understanding of power relationships in the context of disability and Domestic Violence. A perpetrator may use a victim’s disability to further perpetrate abuse, and this abuse itself becomes an additional form of power. This concept is debated as a means to raise the level of participants’ understanding of the issues involved. Strategies promoting the provision of an inclusive service for victims of Domestic Violence are developed through group work, and are then discussed in order to assess their validity. Learners identify the barriers that may prevent those with a disability from accessing help, and consider the methods to remove these barriers.

UNIT : Domestic Violence and Mental Health

The core aim of this session is to explore the links between Domestic Violence and mental health. This is achieved by looking at the effects of abuse on mental stability, and how a perpetrator may use the pre-existing ill mental health of a victim to perpetuate abuse. The concept of mental health and the stigma attached to ill mental health are explored. Media portrayal of those with ill mental health and stereotypes surrounding this issue are challenged through investigation of the methods used and the effect this has on victims and sufferers of Domestic Violence and ill mental health. Additionally, the preconceptions of society as a whole can create barriers which may prevent help being accessed by Domestic Violence victims who are suffering ill mental health. Issues arising from preconceptions and from the importance of inclusion are considered by learners as a means to broadening their understanding.

UNIT 7: Domestic Violence: Policy in the Workplace

The core aims of this session are:

This is an interactive session and employs small and whole group activities to achieve the learning outcomes. Learners will evaluate existing policies, reviewing how a Domestic Violence policy may be incorporated or added and the benefits of having such a policy. Furthermore, they explore possible future development to address Domestic Violence as identified as advantageous to the organisation. 

UNIT 8: Working With Children

This unit explores the impact of Domestic Violence on children and young people by identifying possible effects of living within an abusive environment. Further to raise awareness of the links between DV and child abuse and consider what constitutes effective intervention and good practice when working with children, young people and non abusive parents. By examining the various ways in which ideas are socially constructed, and by considering the influence of our personal value base, this theme is developed further. Learners are introduced to the complex nature of developing effective working relationships with clients, exploring the practicalities and ethical issues involved.

UNIT 9: Support Services and Structures

The aim of this session is to develop the ability of the participants to provide practical and appropriate responses to service users, based upon their individual circumstances. Learners are given information about the resources available and accessed by the agency.  The practices and processes employed by The Haven Wolverhampton in its service delivery are used as an example for analysis. Multi agency working and co-operation are considered in order to foster a professional and informed approach to inter agency communication.

UNIT 10: Policies, Procedures and Working Practices

In this session, learners develop a broad knowledge of agency policies, procedures and working practices and how they impact on service delivery to the client group.

This session is designed to educate learners about the appropriateness, importance, accessibility and practical application of policies within the agency. The effectiveness of policies and procedures is evaluated and assessed, with a view to developing reflective practice through monitoring and review.

UNIT 11: Understanding Domestic Violence and Related Services

The core aim of this unit is to raise basic awareness of the problems faced by victims of Domestic Violence and place this within the context of participants own agency.  Issues surrounding the impact on children, Domestic Violence and diversity, experience of the Criminal Justice System, safety planning and good practice are also explored. Individual perspectives are examined and stereotypes challenged through the use of class exercises.

Unit 12: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence; Multi-Agency

This unit introduces participants to the stressors and additional problems faced by victims of Domestic Violence.  The core aim of the day is to raise basic awareness of the problems faced by victims of Domestic Violence. Issues surrounding Domestic Violence and diversity, experience of the Criminal Justice System, safety planning and good practice are also explored. Individual perspectives are examined and stereotypes challenged through the use of class exercises.

This one day session covers a broad range of related issues faced by victims and survivors of family abuse. There is the option to complete written tasks outside the training session in order to gain NOCN accreditation at level 3.