Understanding the Dynamics Of Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

Each year In Scotland, in excess of 65,000 incidents of Domestic Abuse are recorded by Police Scotland, yet research shows only 1 in 5 experiencing abuse report to the Police, meaning actual figures will be much higher. This session will examine how domestic abuse, also known as coercive control, is more than physical abuse and involves a range of behaviours that seek to establish control over victim and survivors by attacking and negatively impacting their physical and psychological safety and wellbeing as well as their resources, agency and autonomy. It will address commonly asked questions such as ‘What causes domestic abuse?  Who is impacted? How would I know if someone was experiencing abuse? and of course, What should I do?’

By developing a greater understanding of domestic abuse, in all its forms and how it impacts victims and survivors, the session will enable individuals and organisations to be better placed to be alert to the signs of domestic abuse, understand how it impacts people and where to signpost to support and specialist services. 

By the end of the session you will be able to:

• Identify the different types of domestic abuse that people may experience.
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing domestic abuse.
• Describe the impact of domestic abuse on individuals
• Ask the question and responding effectively to a disclosure.
• Reflect on what they can do to implement supportive response to domestic abuse in their own practice.
• Be more effective in supporting anyone experiencing Domestic Abuse
• Identify services to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support

Trainer: Judy is the National Training Coordinator at Scottish Women’s Aid, a certified Safe & Together Trainer and a qualified IDAA Judy spent nearly 10 years working in a specialist domestic abuse service and 5 years serving on the board of Scottish Women’s Aid.

Judy regularly provides training and consultancy to a wide range of multi agency statutory and voluntary bodies.  These include COPFS, Police Scotland, Local Authority Social Work Teams, Law Society Scotland, Criminal Justice, Health Boards, Housing Associations and Violence Against Women & Girls Partnerships and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.