Tag: Rural

Despite prevalence levels being similar, rural survivors are half as likely as urban victims to report domestic abuse and experience abuse on average about 25 times longer. Whilst much has been done to raise awareness of domestic abuse across Scotland, much less is known about the specific needs of victims and survivors in rural areas. Vast geographic areas, close knit communities, poor public transport, distance to services and the isolation of remote and rural areas can be used by perpetrators to further their control.  Often this means the more rural the setting, the higher risk of serious harm.

The session will provide an opportunity to explore and reflect on the specific needs of rural victims, survivors and their children impacted by domestic abuse, providing practical steps to improve the identification and response to provide better, safer outcomes for rural victims and survivors 

By the end of the course, you will:

• Understand how Domestic Abuse in rural areas is different to urban areas
• Have increased confidence and skills in recognising the signs of domestic abuse in victims and survivors
• Understand the additional barriers to leaving which victims face in rural communities
• Explore the practice implications for addressing domestic abuse and supporting victims and survivors in rural areas.
• Have knowledge of local domestic abuse services and how to signpost to them​

Facilitator: Judy Ferguson, SWA National Training Coordinator.

Judy has worked with Women’s Aid since 2011 and also worked with the Scotland SafeLives training team delivering the DA Matters Training Programme to 14,000 Police Scotland staff.  Judy regularly provides training and consultancy to a wide range of multi agency statutory and voluntary bodies including the COPFS, Police Scotland, Social Work, Law Society Scotland, Criminal Justice Workers, Heath, Housing and Violence Against Women & Girls Partnerships etc.  Judy has a wealth of experience informing her practice and a burning passion for working to end domestic abuse and violence against women in all its forms.

We can also offer tailor made, bespoke support with training needs analysis, training, policies and procedures and implementing new legislation. We are happy to build a package specifically relevant to your organisation and the needs of your team, building on the work of our domestic abuse specialist trainers across the country.

We are happy to deliver both virtually and face to face, and can accommodate any number of learners. Our training and inputs are fully interactive, engaging and will support your team with practical application of their learning journey with us.

Please contact judy.ferguson@womensaid.scot Scottish Women’s Aid’s National Training Co-ordinator to discuss your requirements.