Risk AND Recovery

Please note, this session was postponed from 26th May 22

It is vital when working with women experiencing domestic abuse to balance the need to assess and manage risk with addressing matters of her recovery. Separation does not automatically equal safety and although the relationship may be over the abuse and risk may still be significant.  For those who are now feeling safe, recovering from abuse by someone who was close to you is a long process, and the impact caused by the perpetrator may still may stay with the survivor and children for years.

Many survivors report positive experiences of recovery however many also report they experience grief, pain and a deep sense of loss: trust has been betrayed, self-esteem and confidence are shattered. Many Survivors relay it is like being bereaved – and as with a bereavement, healing will take time.

The aim of this training is to build on existing understanding of domestic abuse and highlight sensitive service provision, providing delegates with the confidence and tools to support women experiencing domestic abuse. The course will provide practical approaches and an opportunity to explore models and tools for assessing risk and working with trauma to support and sustain their recovery.

Aims

• Understand why it is difficult for some woman to talk about their experiences and consider ways of working with this
• Address the barriers stopping workers asking about domestic abuse
• Understand the importance of assessing and managing risk around domestic abuse and practice using tools which do this
• Identify the importance of initial safety planning discussions
• Understand the impact of experiencing trauma and explore models which help implement supportive responses to those affected by trauma who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices

Facilitator: Heather Williams

Heather has worked in the violence against women sector for 20 years in a variety of roles including Chair of Scottish Women’s Aid and as Manager of Ross-shire Women’s Aid.  Heather has vast experience of managing and delivering services and support to women, children and young people, and delivering training and awareness raising to a wide range of stakeholders and professional bodies.