Domestic abuse is an emotive topic. It is not linked to a specific gender, race, age or sexuality, anyone can be a victim. In the year ending March 2021 there were 845,734 domestic abuse related crimes reported. 

The definition of domestic abuse is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This course explores what domestic abuse is, the different types of abuse, the affects on the victim and support available. 

What would you do if someone disclosed that they are a victim of domestic abuse? Would you know how to respond, and understand when domestic abuse becomes a safeguarding concern? This course looks at different scenarios to ensure you are well informed to identify abusive behaviour, know where to go and how to support victims.

Module 1 – An introduction to domestic abuse. What domestic abuse is, and who is at risk. Statistics on domestic abuse and the reporting of incidents to the Police. Why people abuse others.

Module 2 – Different forms of domestic abuse. We look in more detail at the different types of abuse including physical and sexual, psychological and/or emotional abuse, financial or economic abuse, coercive control, harassment and stalking and honour-based abuse.

Module 3 – How domestic abuse affects the victim. In this module we look at the impact of domestic abuse on victims and children and how to recognise abusive relationships. We will also explore the reasons why victims choose to stay in these relationships.

Module 4 – Responding to concerns. What you can do if an adult or child discloses that there is abuse taking place. This module looks at responding to disclosures, and the steps you need to take. We then look at the DASH model and what a MARAC does to support victims.

Module 5 – Legislation and supporting victims. The Domestic Abuse act 2021 puts a definition of domestic abuse in law for the first time and puts in place new measures and powers to support victims. We look at a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) along with other elements of the act. These include special measures, family courts and other key components. We also look at the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS aka Clare’s law) and the Stalking Protection Act 2019.