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  • Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Abuse

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    Learning Outcomes:  
    • Understanding the Scottish Government’s definition of domestic abuse and national policy response
    • Understanding the impacts of domestic abuse through theory, research and survivor testimony
    • Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, and what it means for practitioners and people experiencing domestic abuse
    • Confidence working in a relational, trauma-informed manner to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse get the proper support
    • Myth busting around common narratives about domestic abuse
    Facilitator: Marianne Osborne has worked with Renfrewshire Women’s Aid since 2002 as a refuge worker supporting women, children and young people subjected to domestic abuse. She has been delivering training and awareness on Domestic Abuse and other forms of Gender Based Violence since 2004 locally on behalf of RWA and Renfrewshire’s Gender Based Violence Strategy Group. Nationally, Marianne is an associate network trainer for Scottish Women’s Aid delivering to a range of multi-agency partners, including Social Work, Health, Caledonia Programme and Women’s Aid workers.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Safe & Together Overview Training

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    Time: 09:15 – 13:00 on both days

    This course delivered over two half days explores the Safe and Together model being adopted across various authorities in Scotland and worldwide. The model provides a framework for partnering with domestic abuse survivors and intervening with domestic abuse perpetrators in order to enhance the safety and well-being of children. The Overview Day will provide an overview of the framework which seeks to improve competencies and cross system collaboration related to the intersection of domestic abuse and child welfare. Although the Safe & Together model was developed to help child welfare systems become domestic violence-informed, the audience for this work is much larger. It’s for anyone who is interested in the intersection of domestic abuse and children and improving the safety and wellbeing of anyone impacted by domestic abuse. Aims:
    • Understand the key principles and practice approaches of Safe & Together
    • Gain increased understanding of methods for identifying foundational sources of risk for survivors and children experiencing domestic abuse
    • Explore effective and efficient ways to promote the safety, permanency and wellbeing of children in a family impacted by a domestic abuse perpetrator.
    • Understand how adopting Safe & Together principles can improve outcomes for children and families by increasing their capacity to intervene with perpetrators, particularly as it relates to the safety and wellbeing of children.
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson has worked with Women’s Aid since 2011, initially as the Chair of South Lanarkshire Women’s Aid, prior to spending 9 years with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid where she was responsible for the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Multi-Agency Partnership Learning and Development Programmes and the lead trainer in East Ayrshire HSCP for all GBV training. Recently Judy has become a Safe & Together Certified Trainer and was part of the Scotland SafeLives training team delivering the DA Matters Training Programme to 14,000 Police Scotland staff, alongside being part of the Scottish Women’s Aid expert Coercive Control training team supporting the wider roll out of the new Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (DASA) 2018. Judy previously coordinated and delivered the CEDAR programme and works widely across a range of settings training and awareness raising and is passionate about improving the understanding of and response to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.  
    £55.00

  • Rurality & Domestic Abuse

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    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 has worked with Women’s Aid since 2011, initially as the Chair of South Lanarkshire Women’s Aid, prior to spending 9 years with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid where she was responsible for the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Multi-Agency Partnership Learning and Development Programmes and the lead trainer in East Ayrshire HSCP for all GBV training. Recently Judy has become a Safe & Together Certified Trainer and was part of the Scotland SafeLives training team delivering the DA Matters Training Programme to 14,000 Police Scotland staff, alongside being part of the Scottish Women’s Aid expert Coercive Control training team supporting the wider roll out of the new Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (DASA) 2018. Judy previously coordinated and delivered the CEDAR programme and works widely across a range of settings training and awareness raising and is passionate about improving the understanding of and response to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.  
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Safe & Together Overview Training

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Time: 09:15 – 13:00 on both days

    This course delivered over two half days explores the Safe and Together model being adopted across various authorities in Scotland and worldwide. The model provides a framework for partnering with domestic abuse survivors and intervening with domestic abuse perpetrators in order to enhance the safety and well-being of children. The Overview Day will provide an overview of the framework which seeks to improve competencies and cross system collaboration related to the intersection of domestic abuse and child welfare. Although the Safe & Together model was developed to help child welfare systems become domestic violence-informed, the audience for this work is much larger. It’s for anyone who is interested in the intersection of domestic abuse and children and improving the safety and wellbeing of anyone impacted by domestic abuse. Aims:
    • Understand the key principles and practice approaches of Safe & Together
    • Gain increased understanding of methods for identifying foundational sources of risk for survivors and children experiencing domestic abuse
    • Explore effective and efficient ways to promote the safety, permanency and wellbeing of children in a family impacted by a domestic abuse perpetrator.
    • Understand how adopting Safe & Together principles can improve outcomes for children and families by increasing their capacity to intervene with perpetrators, particularly as it relates to the safety and wellbeing of children.
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson has worked with Women’s Aid since 2011, initially as the Chair of South Lanarkshire Women’s Aid, prior to spending 9 years with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid where she was responsible for the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Multi-Agency Partnership Learning and Development Programmes and the lead trainer in East Ayrshire HSCP for all GBV training. Recently Judy has become a Safe & Together Certified Trainer and was part of the Scotland SafeLives training team delivering the DA Matters Training Programme to 14,000 Police Scotland staff, alongside being part of the Scottish Women’s Aid expert Coercive Control training team supporting the wider roll out of the new Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (DASA) 2018. Judy previously coordinated and delivered the CEDAR programme and works widely across a range of settings training and awareness raising and is passionate about improving the understanding of and response to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
    £55.00

  • Key Approaches in Asking & Responding to Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    How do you provide a validating and supportive response to someone experiencing domestic abuse? What are the signs of abuse?  How do you ask and, importantly how do you respond if someone discloses it’s happening or has happened to them? Experiencing domestic abuse can be overwhelming.  Survivors responses describe feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment, being unsure of what is happening to them; where they can go and what help they can get, fearful of doing anything which might increase risk to their or their children’s safety. Women who feel able to disclose typically describe a history of long-standing, escalating abuse and violence, remarking on how much they wanted to be able to talk about what was going on, if only someone had asked them. This session explores the best practice in asking about abuse, potential indicators of abuse, the principles of safety planning and the importance of signposting to specialist services. By the end of the session you will:
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Have an enhanced understanding of the main issues in asking and responding to anyone experiencing domestic abuse
    • Have greater knowledge, skills confidence and motivation to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.
    • Have explored and practised the skills, knowledge and tools to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety for those experiencing domestic abuse.
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson has worked with Women’s Aid since 2011, initially as the Chair of South Lanarkshire Women’s Aid, prior to spending 9 years with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid where she was responsible for the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Multi-Agency Partnership Learning and Development Programmes and the lead trainer in East Ayrshire HSCP for all GBV training. Recently Judy has become a Safe & Together Certified Trainer and was part of the Scotland SafeLives training team delivering the DA Matters Training Programme to 14,000 Police Scotland staff, alongside being part of the Scottish Women’s Aid expert Coercive Control training team supporting the wider roll out of the new Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (DASA) 2018. Judy previously coordinated and delivered the CEDAR programme and works widely across a range of settings training and awareness raising and is passionate about improving the understanding of and response to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.  
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Abuse in Young People’s Relationships

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Young people spend their lives on their phones; social media, sport, fashion and music often define the behaviours and set expectations as to how young people should act in relationships. What is healthy and what’s not becomes hard to identify and more and more young people are now identifying with and experiencing  coercive and controlling behaviours than they do domestic abuse.  Research shows that young people aged 13-17 are experiencing high levels of abuse in their own relationships and professionals could be better placed to recognise and respond to the signs of coercive, unhealthy and abusive relationships.   This session will seek to explore and equip participants with the skills and knowledge to spot the signs and sign post to support as appropriate. Aims:
    • Understand the definition of coercive control in young people’s relationships
    • Develop an understanding of current legislation which protects children and young people
    • Gain an introduction to the link between coercive control, trauma and the teenage brain
    • Be able to identify signs of coercive control in young people’s relationships and respond to it appropriately
    • Increase your knowledge about how to implement a trauma informed response
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson, SWA National Training Coordinator. Judy Ferguson worked as the Trainer with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid for nearly 10 years, leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership,  including securing the establishment and roll out of Safe & Together across Children & Families Social Work and the local Health & Social Care Partnership.  As a SafeLives Subject Matter Expert Judy also delivered the Domestic Abuse Matters training programme to Police Scotland supporting the roll out of the ground breaking Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (2018).  After working with SWA in various capacities over the years Judy joined the team at SWA full time as National Training Coordinator in July 2021. 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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Understanding Post Separation Economic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    For decades, victim-survivors of domestic abuse have been asked, ‘why don’t you just leave?’. This question illustrates a lack of understanding of how coercive control operates, the safety implications for women attempting to separate, as well as the finances required to separate and remain separated. However, a further fallacy is also at play - the assumption that the abuse ends when the relationship ends. Through PhD research with victim-survivors and domestic abuse support workers in Scotland, this presentation will explore the various tactics of economic abuse that perpetrators introduce post-separation to continue their campaign of power and control over victim-survivors’ lives. The session will highlight how post-separation economic abuse includes a variety of interpersonal as well as formal tactics - illustrating how perpetrators are able to facilitate abuse through institutions, such as banks, and via legal processes which are intended to provide justice. With permission from the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program (DAIP), Jenn has adopted the original Duluth Power and Control Wheel to situate the participants’ experiences of post-separation economic power and control and will present this newly adapted wheel to illustrate key findings from her research. Facilitator: Jenn has spent 10 years working in research, policy and educational roles in the field of violence against women. She holds an LL.M. in International Human Rights Law and a MRes in Public Policy Research. Jenn is a PhD candidate at the University of Glasgow, where her research examines economic abuse, the costs of separation and support available for victim-survivors in Scotland. Alongside her role as PhD candidate, she also works as the Banking Specialist for the charity Surviving Economic Abuse. In 2020, Jenn was a visiting scholar in the Center on Violence Against Women and Children at Rutgers University in the US. She has developed an expertise in economic abuse and banking and has undertaken key research collaborations with the Royal Bank of Scotland and is currently seconded to Lloyds Banking Group.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Domestic Abuse, Trauma and Mental Health

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Dr Mairead Tagg’s session is for anyone wanting to enhance their understanding of the relationship between mental health and domestic abuse, and a trauma-informed approach to working with women and young people to support their recovery. This session is designed to raise awareness about how domestic abuse and mental health intersect and to offer effective ways to engage with and support women impacted by these issues. Aims:
    • Debunk myths about mental health, domestic abuse and sexual abuse
    • Understand how the human brain responds to trauma and abuse, how this affects how people may present and be responded to, and creates barriers to seeking help
    • Understand the short and long term effects of domestic abuse on women and children
    • Understand the intersections between experiences of domestic abuse and Mental Health
    • Increase your knowledge about how to provide a trauma and domestic abuse informed response
    Facilitator:  Dr Mairead Tagg Dr Mairead Tagg is a clinical psychologist who worked for Glasgow East Women’s Aid for 19 years, working directly with survivors of domestic abuse and child sexual abuse and providing specialist training on issues relating to psychological trauma in adults and children. She now works as an independent clinical psychologist specialising in gender based violence. As well as working with individuals, she provides court reports in criminal and civil cases where domestic abuse is an issue.  Dr Tagg is also a visiting lecturer at Glasgow University and an associate lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Risk AND Recovery

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    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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Hidden Homicides – the role of suicide in domestic abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Perpetrators of domestic abuse employ a wide range of tactics to control and abuse their partners or ex -partners. Survivors report a range controlling, emotional and destructive tactics all of which can have devastating effects on their emotional and mental well-being and without support or safety many women feel there is no escape other than through ending their life by suicide. Recent research by Professor Jane Monckton-Smith and other academics have highlighted many suicides are in fact the ‘hidden victims’ of domestic abuse.  Professor Monckton-Smith has received Home Office funding to examine about 100 suicides related to domestic abuse in order to pick out the patterns and identify the red flags.  The sociologist Prof Sylvia Walby, estimated that about one-third of female suicides were women who had experienced domestic violence. In 2018, a study of 3500 women accessing  services  that support women and children experiencing domestic abuse, established that 24% had felt suicidal and 18% had made plans to end their life. This session seeks to explore the literature and emerging research in this area, enabling consideration as to how best safety and risk can be considered in this context, potential indicators, the principles of safety planning and the importance of signposting to specialist services. By the end of the session you will:
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Have an enhanced understanding of the main issues in asking and responding to anyone experiencing domestic abuse
    • Have greater knowledge, skills confidence and motivation to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.
    • Have explored and practised the skills, knowledge and tools to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety for those experiencing domestic abuse.
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson, SWA National Training Coordinator. Judy Ferguson worked as the Trainer with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid for nearly 10 years, leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership,  including securing the establishment and roll out of Safe & Together across Children & Families Social Work and the local Health & Social Care Partnership. As a SafeLives Subject Matter Expert Judy also delivered the Domestic Abuse Matters training programme to Police Scotland supporting the roll out of the ground breaking Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (2018).  After working with SWA in various capacities over the years Judy joined the team at SWA full time as National Training Coordinator in July 2021. 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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • The Rise Report: Supporting young women & girls facing abuse in their intimate relationships

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Young Women Rise, a research and digital campaign group led by 10 young women from across Scotland, have come together to research young people’s views on domestic abuse and existing support structures. Supported by Scottish Women’s Aid and YWCA Scotland – The Young Women’s Movement, Young Women’s Rise research shines a light on how young women and non-binary people perceive and understand domestic abuse, how they talk about it, where they seek support, and how they would like to be supported if experiencing abuse. In this event, we will share key findings from the report and discuss how we conducted this co-designed piece of research. We will also provide insight and recommendations for support services to apply in practice and make their services more accessible to young people experiencing abuse in their intimate relationships. Facilitators:  Gabrielle Blackburn, SWA  Service Development Coordinator Rhianna Mallia, Research and Impact Manager, YWCA Scotland
    Free

  • Why Doesn’t She Just Leave?

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    Virtual Training Session

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    One of the most common questions when discussing domestic abuse is the age-old ‘‘Why doesn’t she just leave?”.  Well intentioned and often founded on the belief that there are numerous laws to protect you, safe, accessible refuges for you to flee to, and surely the best thing, the only thing to do is to pack your bags and leave?   Yet survivors, practitioners, academics and statistics tell us leaving is actually one of the most dangerous points, when behaviour very often escalates and violence may be introduced for the first and fatal time. This session explores the many concerns and challenges to leaving for women experiencing domestic abuse and seeks to explore and address the victim blaming attitudes and misinformation which create barriers to support and services for women and children impacted by the behaviours of a domestic abuse perpetrator. Participants can expect to:
    • Understand why women experiencing domestic abuse face significant barriers to leaving including the implications and potential dangers of leaving or staying for women, their children and young people
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Explore and explain the terminology and rationale of the gendered analysis of domestic abuse
    • Address the commonly asked questions relating to men’s experiences of domestic abuse
    • Consider how to apply the knowledge to their own work in supporting women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse
    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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Understanding Risk and Escalation in Young People’s Relationships

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    Virtual Training Session

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    “We learned we could say no, but we were never taught what to do if they ignored that.” The Rise Report commissioned by Scottish Women’s Aid (SWA) for YWCA Scotland – the Young Women’s Movement – found 36 per cent of young women had been in an intimate relationship with someone who harmed them physically or emotionally.  57 per cent of respondents said they did not learn about unhealthy relationships or domestic abuse in school.   Whilst services such as Women’s Aid exist evidence shows regardless of whether they can access adult support, young women are not accessing support from services, turning instead to peers and suggests that young people need a different response to adults. This session will look at key principles and practice approaches to identifying risk in young peoples relationships, strategies for engaging with young women, promoting healthy relationships and pathways to support. Participants can expect to:
    • Develop an appreciation and understanding of the impact of coercive control and domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Be able to identify signs of coercive control and abuse in young people’s relationships and respond to it appropriately
    • Develop understanding of the main issues of providing a sensitive and appropriate service to young women experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control
    • Develop confidence and knowledge to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety.
    • Consider how intersectionality may further impact young women experiencing abuse to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes
    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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Older Women’s Experiences of Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control

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    Virtual Training Session

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    There is significant evidence to show that whilst older women are as likely to experience all forms of domestic abuse they are less likely to report it.  Representations in the media and domestic abuse campaigns predominantly reflect domestic abuse as an issue affecting heterosexual, white women of child bearing age, this coupled with gender stereotypes and a perception that abuse is only physical results in older women experiencing abuse for longer and less likely to recognise abuse  or disclose it.  Evidence also indicates that older women in need of services are more likely to be living with their abusers, and experience psychological/emotional abuse at higher rates, than younger women. This session is aimed at anyone who may come into contact with older women experiencing domestic abuse, including domestic abuse practitioners, practitioners working within criminal and civil justice, health and social care workers and anyone who would like to learn more about responding more effectively to older women who experience domestic abuse.  Participants can expect to:
    • Understand that older women also experience domestic abuse and can suffer significant physical, emotional and social consequences
    • Understand that existing attitudes about women and age cause older women to often be virtually invisible in policy and service provision
    • Explore the issues related to older women’s experiences of domestic abuse
    • Address the specific skills and approaches necessary when speaking with and supporting older women experiencing domestic abuse
    • Consider how to apply the knowledge to their own work in supporting older women who have experienced or are impacted by the actions of a domestic abuse perpetrator
    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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Shifting our Practice – making perpetrators visible and accountable

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    Virtual Training Session

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    “Making perpetrators visible…..holding perpetrators accountable” commendable aims in many domestic abuse policies and approaches, but what does this actually mean, and how can it be achieved? What if your role doesn’t involve working with the perpetrator? How can you contribute to keeping the perpetrator in the frame, ensuring perpetrators are visible and recognised as accountable for the entirety of their actions, impacts and harms? This session will explore how good documentation and use of domestic abuse informed language can be pivotal role in securing good, safe outcomes that ensure the focus is on the perpetrators risk and responsibility for harm not the survivor and their perceived ‘failure to protect’. Participants can expect to:
    • Increase their knowledge about domestic abuse informed language and documentation
    • Skills practice using appropriate tools and approaches
    • Understand how to provide a trauma-informed and domestic abuse-informed competent response
    • Increase understanding of how domestic abuse-informed practice builds on the key principles of trauma-informed practice to help improve outcomes for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse and hold perpetrators to account
    • Understand the importance of assessing and managing risk around domestic abuse
    • Understanding of the importance of initial safety planning discussions
    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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Trauma, ACEs and Domestic Abuse – myths, misinterpretation and an evidence-based approach

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Over recent years much attention has been given to the subject of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The long-term impacts of ACEs are of increasing interest to researchers and practitioners, including much discussion of the ethics and efficacy of screening for ACEs to improve health and social outcomes for women and children impacted by domestic abuse. While ACEs are important, an exclusive focus on adverse experiences risks labelling children and their families, and it neglects to turn attention toward the possibility for flourishing even in the face of adversity and the promotion of the positive experiences that children need. Understanding the dynamics of domestic abuse, the role of resilience and why some children do well despite early adverse experiences is crucial. This session will explore emerging research which addresses the common narrative high ACEs equate to an inevitable pathway as offender or victim.  We will consider how identifying ‘protective factors’, an understanding of resilience and post traumatic growth can mediate the effects of childhood adversity and trauma can and should be used to inform policy and practice responses. Participants can expect to:
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on individuals and explore how experiences in day-to-day relationships and interactions children experience in childhood can, despite adversity, have lasting impacts on adult health
    • Understand that brain development continues throughout our lives, providing later possibilities for changing neural pathways to develop healthier ones.
    • Reflect on current research in child development, adding to our current understanding of the power of positive experiences to mitigate the negative role played by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
    • Identify and utilise the key principles of trauma informed and domestic abuse informed practice
    • Reflect on their understanding of, and current practice in, working with women and children who are impacted by domestic abuse and have experienced ACEs.
    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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • The Importance of Advocacy and Pathways to Support

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    Virtual Training Session

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    65,251 incidents of Domestic Abuse were recorded by Police Scotland in 2020/21 however with only 1 in 5 people reporting abuse to the Police, there are far more people impacted than we see represented in Police figures.  Evidence tells us 80% of survivors are engaged with universal services yet services are often unaware of how to respond to someone experiencing abuse.  This session seeks to explore the role of responding, providing informed, competent and accurate information on support and options available. It will highlight how pivotal it can be in supporting survivors and what knowledge and skills are required to provide a supportive, risk aware and legally informed response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Participants can expect to:
    • Increase their knowledge of the Scottish legislative landscape including the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, Disclosure Scheme Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS)
    • Explore the principles for empowering survivors in an advocacy setting
    • Explore safety planning for people experiencing domestic abuse
    • Increase their knowledge and confidence in signposting and referring to specialist services
    • Understand the benefits and challenges of Information-sharing in cases of domestic abuse
    • Increase confidence in working in a relational, trauma-informed manner to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support
    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.
    £10.00 – £25.00

  • Domestic Abuse, Child Protection and Adult Protection

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    Virtual Training Session

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    65, 251 incidents of Domestic Abuse were recorded by Police Scotland in 2020/21 however with only 1 in 5 people reporting abuse to the Police, there are far more people at risk than we see represented in Police figures.  Research indicates as many as 1 in 7 children and young people and 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse, this can increase risks to their safety, wellbeing and development.  This session will explore the links between domestic abuse and adult support and protection and how we can respond safely and in line with best practice to improve outcomes for women, children and young people impacted by domestic abuse. Learning Outcomes
    • Increased understanding of the links between domestic abuse and child and adult support and protection
    • Increased confidence in addressing domestic abuse as a child or adult support and protection issue
    • Increased confidence around the appropriate principles and approaches for sharing information in relation to domestic abuse
    Facilitator: Heather Williams is freelance consultant and researcher with over 20 years’ experience in the violence against women sector, working at a national and local level in strategic and frontline roles providing management support and directly supporting women and young people in a variety of settings.  Heather is an experienced trainer and facilitator, working in multi and single agency settings across the public, private and third sectors.   As a researcher, her work has included participative research projects and external evaluations of VAW services, including most recently the 'It Shouldn't Take a Pandemic' report for the Glasgow Standing Group on Violence Against Women.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Civil and Criminal Justice Processes – The Basics You Need To Know

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Survivors of domestic abuse face many barriers in accessing safety and justice, systems can be daunting and seem overwhelming.   Individuals and organisations working with people impacted by domestic abuse are well placed to signpost survivors to specialist services to support them access and manage any engagement with the criminal and civil justice systems. This session will provide a brief overview of the criminal and civil justice processes and how they relate to domestic abuse. Participants will gain an insight and understanding of the key legislative have an opportunity to explore some of the most frequently asked questions complainers have in relation to their contact with these systems. Learning Outcomes
    • Increased understanding of how the criminal and civil justice processes in Scotland operate and what this means for those who experience domestic abuse
    • Increased understanding of women, children and young people's rights in relation to the criminal and civil justice processes
    • Increased confidence to answer basic questions about the criminal and civil justice processes
    Facilitator : Heather Williams is freelance consultant and researcher with over 20 years experience in the violence against women sector working at a national and local level in strategic and frontline roles providing management support and directly supporting women and young people in a variety of settings.  Heather is an experienced trainer and facilitator, working in multi and single agency settings across the public, private and third sectors.   As a researcher her work has included participative research projects and external evaluations of VAW services, including most recently the 'It Shouldn't Take a Pandemic' report for the Glasgow Standing Group on Violence Against Women.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Why doesn’t she just leave? Supporting safety for women who stay.

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    Virtual Training Session

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    One of the most common questions posed about victims of domestic abuse is ‘‘Why doesn’t she just leave?” Well intentioned and often founded on the belief that surely the best thing, the only thing to do, is to pack your bags and just leave?   Yet survivors, practitioners, academics and statistics tell us leaving is actually one of the most dangerous points, when behaviour very often escalates and violence may be introduced for the first and fatal time meaning it may in fact be safer to stay. This session explores the many concerns and challenges to staying or leaving for women experiencing domestic abuse and seeks to explore and address how to support women and children impacted by domestic abuse. Participants can expect to:
    • Understand why some women experiencing domestic abuse choose to stay
    • Explore the barriers to leaving including the implications and potential dangers of leaving for women, their children and young people
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Consider the safety planning implications for women who choose to leave or stay
    • Consider how to apply the knowledge to their own work in supporting anyone who has experienced domestic abuse.
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson, SWA National Trainer. Judy Ferguson worked as the Trainer with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid for nearly 10 years, leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership,  including securing the establishment and roll out of Safe & Together across Children & Families Social Work and the local Health & Social Care Partnership.  As a SafeLives Subject Matter Expert Judy also delivered the Domestic Abuse Matters training programme to Police Scotland supporting the roll out of the ground breaking Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (2018).  Judy joined the team at SWA full time in July 2021. Judy bringing a wealth of experience and a burning passion for working to end domestic abuse and violence against women in all its forms.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Theory into Practice – Working to a Model of Empowerment

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    This session will provide an opportunity for participants to explore how we can safely and effectively work with women who have experienced domestic abuse.  Participants will develop an understanding of how we can work with women to help increase their space for action and help them to move forward.  The session will look at what is meant by terms such as empowerment, person centred and trauma informed approaches in the context of domestic abuse and how these can be used to support women to increase their space for action. Learning Outcomes
    • Greater understanding of the concepts of Empowerment, Person Centred and trauma informed approaches • Increased awareness of the power that we have as workers and how we can minimise power imbalances • Increased awareness of the benefits of reflective practice
    Facilitator : Heather Williams is freelance consultant and researcher with over 20 years experience in the violence against women sector working at a national and local level in strategic and frontline roles providing management support and directly supporting women and young people in a variety of settings.  Heather is an experienced trainer and facilitator, working in multi and single agency settings across the public, private and third sectors.   As a researcher her work has included participative research projects and external evaluations of VAW services, including most recently the 'It Shouldn't Take a Pandemic' report for the Glasgow Standing Group on Violence Against Women.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding Suicide and Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    With women being killed every week as a result of domestic abuse and these experiences often not even making the headlines, we pay even less attention to the number of women taking their lives as a result of domestic abuse.  Sylvia Walby's research in the UK found 1 in 8 female suicides related to domestic violence and abuse. "This equates to 200 women taking their own lives and 10,000 attempting to do so due to domestic abuse every year in the UK. That’s nearly 30 women attempting to complete suicide every single day."  Furthermore, in 2018, a study of 3500 women accessing services that support women and children experiencing domestic abuse, established that 24% had felt suicidal and 18% had made plans to end their life This session seeks to explore the literature and emerging research in this area, enabling consideration as to how best safety and risk can be considered in this context, potential indicators and responses to suicidal ideation, the principles of safety planning and the importance of signposting to specialist services. By the end of the session you will:
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Have an enhanced understanding of the relationship between suicide and domestic abuse deaths and killings.
    • Have greater knowledge, skills confidence and motivation to recognise and respond to someone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse.
    • Have considered the skills, knowledge and tools to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety for those who may experience suicidal ideation as a result of experiencing domestic abuse.
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson, SWA National Trainer. Judy Ferguson worked as the Trainer with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid for nearly 10 years, leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership,  including securing the establishment and roll out of Safe & Together across Children & Families Social Work and the local Health & Social Care Partnership.  As a SafeLives Subject Matter Expert Judy also delivered the Domestic Abuse Matters training programme to Police Scotland supporting the roll out of the ground breaking Domestic Abuse Scotland Act (2018).  Judy joined the team at SWA full time in July 2021. Judy bringing a wealth of experience and a burning passion for working to end domestic abuse and violence against women in all its forms.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Domestic Abuse – Why Gender Matters

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    The session will provide participants with an opportunity to explore what is meant when domestic abuse is referred to as a form of gender based violence. The session will allow participants to develop an understanding of why gender matters in relation to how women experience domestic abuse and their recovery, how agencies and individuals respond to domestic abuse and how perpetrators often exploit gender norms, expectations and stereotypes as part of their pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour. Learning Outcomes
    • Increased understanding of gender based violence and how domestic abuse is a form of  gender based violence
    • Increased understanding of how gender norms, expectations and stereotypes impact on women’s experiences of domestic abuse and their recovery
    • Increased understanding of what coercive control is and how it impacts on women, children and young people
    • Increased understanding of how to approach practice to consider gender and its relevance to peoples experiencing domestic abuse.
    Facilitator : Heather Williams is freelance consultant and researcher with over 20 years experience in the violence against women sector working at a national and local level in strategic and frontline roles providing management support and directly supporting women and young people in a variety of settings.  Heather is an experienced trainer and facilitator, working in multi and single agency settings across the public, private and third sectors.   As a researcher her work has included participative research projects and external evaluations of VAW services, including most recently the 'It Shouldn't Take a Pandemic' report for the Glasgow Standing Group on Violence Against Women.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Older Women’s Experiences of Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control

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    Virtual Training Session

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    There is significant evidence to show that whilst older women are as likely to experience all forms of domestic abuse they are less likely to report it.  Representations in the media and domestic abuse campaigns predominantly reflect domestic abuse as an issue affecting heterosexual, white women of child bearing age, this coupled with gender stereotypes and a perception that abuse is only physical results in older women experiencing abuse for longer and less likely to recognise abuse or disclose it.  Evidence also indicates that older women in need of services are more likely to be living with their abusers, and experience psychological/emotional abuse at higher rates, than younger women. This session is aimed at anyone who may come into contact with older women experiencing domestic abuse, including domestic abuse practitioners, practitioners working within criminal and civil justice, health and social care workers and anyone who would like to learn more about responding more effectively to older women who experience domestic abuse.  Participants can expect to:
    • Understand that older women also experience domestic abuse and can suffer significant physical, emotional and social consequences
    • Understand that existing attitudes about women and age cause older women to often be virtually invisible in policy and service provision
    • Explore the issues related to older women’s experiences of domestic abuse
    • Address the specific skills and approaches necessary when speaking with and supporting older women experiencing domestic abuse
    • Consider how to apply the knowledge to their own work in supporting older women who have experienced or are impacted by the actions of a domestic abuse perpetrator
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Domestic Abuse: An Employment and Human Resources Issue

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    Virtual Training Session

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    This session has been rescheduled from 19 April 23 Domestic abuse doesn’t just happen in the home behind closed doors, for those experiencing abuse, it permeates all areas of their daily life including their workplace, impacting their safety and career prospects. The signs that someone is experiencing abuse are not just physical.  Research shows there's a very real cost of domestic abuse in the workplace and informed employers can play a pivotal role in signposting staff to safety. Domestic Abuse sabotages employee’s performance, wellbeing and safety and the workplace can be a place where the abuser can target their partner or ex-partner. What are the signs an employee may be impacted? How could you respond and ensure your workplace is safe for employees experiencing domestic abuse? Where would you refer and what would you do?  This workshop will equip you with the skills to spot the signs of domestic abuse and the knowledge and confidence to offer support and signposting. Aims
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on individuals and workplaces
    • Understand how supporting/working alongside a victim/survivor may impact on colleagues and managers
    • Recognise the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing domestic abuse.
    • Feel more confident in supporting an employee/ colleague experiencing Domestic Abuse in the work place.
    • Feel more confident in asking the question and responding effectively to a disclosure.
    • Increase awareness of how to implement supportive response to domestic abuse
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Women, Domestic Abuse & Substance Use

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Working with women experiencing domestic abuse and using substances is often challenging.  Many myths and harmful narratives exist about the relationship between substance use and domestic abuse whilst overstretched services and a lack of resources compounds the issues. What we do know is many women experiencing domestic abuse are also experiencing trauma & exposed to high levels of physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.  Understanding the role of substances may play as a coping mechanism for the victim/ survivor and/or a control tactic used by the perpetrator can enable services to better placed to identify risk, manage safety and support recovery when working with victims and survivors of domestic abuse. By the end of the course, you will: ● Understand the intersections between experiences of domestic abuse and substance use. ● Understand the impacts on women, children and parenting including their views on what services would best meet their needs and support them to rebuild their lives ● Know how to ask about each of the issues in an appropriate manner ● Have greater knowledge of possible referral pathways and support services ● Understand the difficulties survivors with complex needs face in making change ● Be familiar with ways to encourage survivors to engage with services and how to meet their needs 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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding Risk and Escalation in Domestic Abuse including the 8 Stage Domestic Abuse Timeline

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    Virtual Training Session

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    This session will look at key principles and practice approaches to identifying risk where someone is experiencing domestic abuse, strategies for engaging with women, promoting safety planning, understanding risk and escalation triggers.  It will explore risk and escalation, centring women’s experiences and exploring  theoretical frameworks to predict risk such as the 8 Stage Domestic Abuse Timeline and other risk management tools.  It will end by considering how best to respond to risk and highlight pathways to support. Participants can expect to:
    • Develop an appreciation and understanding of the impact of coercive control and domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Explore and discuss the benefits and limitations of risk assessment tools and strategies
    • Be better placed to identify signs of risk and escalation of abuse in people’s relationships and respond to it appropriately
    • Develop understanding of the main issues of providing a sensitive and appropriate service to women experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control
    • Develop confidence and knowledge to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety.
    • Consider how intersectionality may further impact women experiencing abuse to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Hidden Harm – Rurality and Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    The session enables participants to gain a basic understanding into the nature, impact and prevalence of domestic abuse highlighting abuse does not always have to be physical.  It will enable participants to consider and reflect on the reasons why women experiencing domestic abuse face significant barriers to leaving including the implications and potential dangers of leaving or staying for women, their children and young people. It explores and explains the terminology and rationale of a gendered analysis of domestic abuse, and addresses the commonly asked questions, harmful myths and narratives relating to women’s experiences of domestic abuse.  Learning outcomes:
    • Understanding of domestic abuse and how it impacts on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Understanding the Scottish Government’s definition of domestic abuse and national policy response
    • Understanding the impacts of domestic abuse and economic abuse through theory, research and survivor testimony
    • Myth busting around common narratives about domestic abuse
    • Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, and what it means for practitioners and people experiencing domestic abuse
    • Knowledge of services to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson is the National Training Coordinator at Scottish Women’s Aid having previously spent nearly a decade with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership. A certified Safe & Together Trainer with a passion and commitment to ensuring addressing domestic abuse becomes everyone’s business, Judy regularly provides training to COPFS, Police, Social Work, Criminal Justice Workers, Heath, Housing and VAWG partnerships and strives to improving the understanding of, and response to survivors and children experiencing domestic abuse. Judy strives to support organisations develop robust approaches to end violence against women and girls, recognising it is a breach of human rights and unacceptable in any society and everyone has the right to live free from the threat of violence and abuse.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Key Approaches in Asking and Responding to Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    How do you provide a validating and supportive response to someone experiencing domestic abuse? What are the signs of abuse?  How do you ask and, importantly how do you respond if someone discloses it’s happening or has happened to them? Experiencing domestic abuse can be overwhelming.  Survivors responses describe feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment, being unsure of what is happening to them; where they can go and what help they can get, fearful of doing anything which might increase risk to their or their children’s safety. Women who feel able to disclose typically describe a history of long-standing, escalating abuse and violence, remarking on how much they wanted to be able to talk about what was going on, if only someone had asked them. This session explores the best practice in asking about abuse, potential indicators of abuse, the principles of safety planning and the importance of signposting to specialist services. Learning Outcomes:
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Have an enhanced understanding of the main issues in asking and responding to anyone experiencing domestic abuse
    • Have greater knowledge, skills confidence and motivation to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.
    • Have explored and practised the skills, knowledge and tools to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety for those experiencing domestic abuse.
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson is the National Training Coordinator at Scottish Women’s Aid having previously spent nearly a decade with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership. A certified Safe & Together Trainer with a passion and commitment to ensuring addressing domestic abuse becomes everyone’s business, Judy regularly provides training to COPFS, Police, Social Work, Criminal Justice Workers, Heath, Housing and VAWG partnerships and strives to improving the understanding of, and response to survivors and children experiencing domestic abuse. Judy strives to support organisations develop robust approaches to end violence against women and girls, recognising it is a breach of human rights and unacceptable in any society and everyone has the right to live free from the threat of violence and abuse.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Children & Young People’s Experience of Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Experiencing Domestic Abuse can impact on a child’s educational and social experiences as well as their physical health and wellbeing. Understanding the impact of the perpetrator’s behaviour needs to extend beyond did the children hear it, did they see it.  We need to frame domestic abuse as a conscious parenting choice holding perpetrators responsible for the  trauma and disruption they cause to children’s emotional and physical health and wellbeing. This session explores how children and young people can experience domestic abuse, how this can impact on their lives and the coping strategies they can employ. The session highlights the importance of listening to children and young people and how difficult it can be for them to be heard.  This session also explores how abuse can continue to be experienced by children and young people after the relationship has ended highlighting the need to ensure contact is safe contact and does not become a means for the continuation of abuse to the children and/or mother post separation. Learning Outcomes
    • Understand how children and young people experience domestic abuse
    • Understand how perpetrators of domestic abuse behaviours and actions directly and indirectly impact children and young people
    • Understand how experiencing domestic abuse can impact children’s relationships with friends, family and adults in their life
    • Be aware of some of the signs children may be experiencing domestic abuse
    • Understand the role of protective factors, who is supporting safety and who responsible for harm
    • Consider how to apply the knowledge to their own work in supporting children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson is the National Training Coordinator at Scottish Women’s Aid having previously spent nearly a decade with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership. A certified Safe & Together Trainer with a passion and commitment to ensuring addressing domestic abuse becomes everyone’s business, Judy regularly provides training to COPFS, Police, Social Work, Criminal Justice Workers, Heath, Housing and VAWG partnerships and strives to improving the understanding of, and response to survivors and children experiencing domestic abuse. Judy strives to support organisations develop robust approaches to end violence against women and girls, recognising it is a breach of human rights and unacceptable in any society and everyone has the right to live free from the threat of violence and abuse.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Making the Links – Women, Commercial Sexual Exploitation

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Equally Safe: Scotland’s Strategy for Preventing and Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls sees Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE), as a form of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This session aims to enhance attendees’ understanding of the links between CSE and VAWG and to improve their capacity to respond to the needs of women who may be affected. By the end of this introductory session, attendees will have a better understanding of:
    • The strategic context around commercial sexual exploitation
    • The links between commercial sexual exploitation and other forms of violence against women and girls
    • Commercial sexual exploitation and its different forms
    • The dynamics and factors that push women and girls into selling and exchanging sex
    This training will be delivered by the Women’s Support Project. Based in Glasgow, the Women’s Support Project works nationally to end violence against women by raising awareness of the root causes, extent and impact of male violence and for improved services for those affected. Facilitator: Linda Thompson is the National Commercial Sexual Exploitation Coordinator in Scotland and based within the The Women's Support Project which has been at the forefront of raising awareness of CSE as a form of violence against women and calling for the criminalisation of those who exploit women through prostitution. Linda is also the national coordinator of Encompass, a network of Scottish agencies that provide support and exiting services to people involved in prostitution. She also sits on many Scottish national working groups including on child sexual exploitation, commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding Coercive Control and Economic Abuse

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    This session aims to provide a broad overview of domestic abuse including economic abuse and post-separation abuse. With 96% of survivors of domestic abuse also reporting experiencing economic abuse it will increase participants understanding of how domestic abuse, also known as coercive control includes economic abuse and is more than physical abuse. It will highlight how coercive control operates including the abusive tactics, risks and finances that trap people in relationships and the challenges that are involved to separate, remain separated safely and rebuild a life.  It will improve confidence in how to recognise and respond to domestic abuse, including how domestic abuse may impact individuals, how you may spot the signs and signpost to specialist services if required.  Learning outcomes:
    • Understanding of domestic abuse and how it impacts on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Understanding the impacts of domestic abuse and economic abuse through theory, research and survivor testimony
    • Knowledge of services to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support
    Facilitator: Judy Ferguson is the National Training Coordinator at Scottish Women’s Aid having previously spent nearly a decade with East Ayrshire Women’s Aid leading on all Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence multi agency training within the local Violence Against Women Partnership. A certified Safe & Together Trainer with a passion and commitment to ensuring addressing domestic abuse becomes everyone’s business, Judy regularly provides training to COPFS, Police, Social Work, Criminal Justice Workers, Heath, Housing and VAWG partnerships and strives to improving the understanding of, and response to survivors and children experiencing domestic abuse. Judy strives to support organisations develop robust approaches to end violence against women and girls, recognising it is a breach of human rights and unacceptable in any society and everyone has the right to live free from the threat of violence and abuse.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Victim Blame: More than Victims, More than Blame

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    Virtual Training Session

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    This event is now fully booked. We are holding a second session on 10th Jan 24 for which you can book places here. As part of SWA's 16-Days programme, Dr Amy Beddows will deliver this session on her PHD research around victim blaming. Amy’s research focused on women's experiences of victim blame from agencies and professionals following sexual violence. She ran focus groups with women at Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales and found that negative responses from services towards survivors extended far beyond blaming women for the violence they had been subjected to. Women felt disrespected, dehumanised, and responsibilised on account of their gender, their race and ethnicity, immigration status, ability, class, and sexuality more than the fact they had experienced rape or abuse. These processes were apparent across services and sectors, including specialist sexual violence organisations. This session will explore the findings of this research, discuss the different aspects of agencies through which negative processes are enacted, and generate discussion around concrete steps that agencies can take to improve the experiences of survivors. Facilitator: Amy obtained her PhD from the Child & Woman Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU) in 2022. She also has a special interest in media representations and the role they can play in enabling or challenging gendered violence. She lives in Edinburgh where she works as a trauma therapist and an independent consultant on violence against women.
    Free

  • Victim Blame: More than Victims, More than Blame

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Once the event is fully booked you can add your name to a waiting list here.   Due to high demand Dr Amy Beddows will deliver a second session on her PHD research around victim blaming.  Amy’s research focused on women's experiences of victim blame from agencies and professionals following sexual violence. She ran focus groups with women at Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales and found that negative responses from services towards survivors extended far beyond blaming women for the violence they had been subjected to. Women felt disrespected, dehumanised, and responsibilised on account of their gender, their race and ethnicity, immigration status, ability, class, and sexuality more than the fact they had experienced rape or abuse. These processes were apparent across services and sectors, including specialist sexual violence organisations. This session will explore the findings of this research, discuss the different aspects of agencies through which negative processes are enacted, and generate discussion around concrete steps that agencies can take to improve the experiences of survivors. Facilitator: Amy obtained her PhD from the Child & Woman Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU) in 2022. She also has a special interest in media representations and the role they can play in enabling or challenging gendered violence. She lives in Edinburgh where she works as a trauma therapist and an independent consultant on violence against women.
    Free

  • Understanding Domestic Abuse in a Housing Context

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Session Aim:   Working with anyone experiencing domestic abuse is often a challenging and complex area. In Scotland, there are in excess of 65,000 incidents of Domestic Abuse recorded by Police each and every year.  However, with only 1 in 5 reporting to the police we know many more people in our communities are being affected and harmed. Housing Providers will come into contact with members of our communities on a regular basis and can play a vital role in spotting the signs of, and responding to, domestic abuse.   Furthermore, the introduction of the Domestic Abuse (Protection)(Scotland) Act 2021 places a number of new duties and actions on housing providers that need to be considered and adopted into practice. In this session we will explore the signs and impacts of domestic abuse, how it may present in a housing context and how to ensure that the most appropriate, legal and beneficial actions are taken to respond to, and provide sign posting and support those who may be experiencing it.  Learning outcomes:
    • Understanding of how domestic abuse impacts and may present in a housing context
    • Explore the practice implications for addressing domestic abuse and supporting survivors in line with the organisations legal and best practice requirements.
    • Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 and Domestic Abuse (Protection)(Scotland) Act 2021 and what it means for practitioners and people experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse
    • Myth busting around common narratives about domestic abuse
    • Understanding of domestic abuse and how it impacts on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Increased confidence in recognising and responding to domestic abuse in a social housing context
    Facilitator: Judy has worked with Women’s Aid since 2011. A qualified IDAA and a certified Safe & Together Trainer, Judy regularly provides training and support to a wide range of multi agency statutory and voluntary bodies including the COPFS, Police Scotland, Social Work, Law Society Scotland, Criminal Justice Workers, Health and Social Care, Housing Organisations and Violence Against Women & Girls Partnerships etc.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Domestic Abuse is a Workplace Issue – What Employers Need to Know

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Overview:        As an employer understanding and acting on domestic abuse as an HR and employment issue is critical in both duty of care to the employee but also as there's a very real cost of domestic abuse in the workplace.  Changes in employee wellbeing, performance, and productivity might  be linked to an employee experiencing domestic abuse. Often friends or colleagues are the first person to spot the signs or who the person turns to for support.  For those experiencing domestic abuse, the workplace may be a place of safety or for some may be a source of risk. How can you respond and ensure your workplace is safe for team members experiencing domestic abuse?  How would you address a perpetrator of domestic abuse in your workforce? Where would you refer and what can you do? The session seeks to support staff to understand how domestic abuse can impact the employee at work,  explore the various tactics and behaviours abusers use and equip you with the skills to spot the signs of domestic abuse and the knowledge and confidence to how to signpost to support or specialist services. Learning outcomes:
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on individuals and workplaces.
    • Recognise the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing domestic abuse.
    • Feel more confident in asking the question and responding effectively to a domestic abuse disclosure or a perpetrator of domestic abuse.
    • Increase awareness of how to implement supportive responses to domestic abuse in line with workplace policy and guidance.
    • Understand how supporting or working alongside someone experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse may impact on colleagues, supervisors and managers.
    • Feel more confident in recognising, responding and supporting colleagues experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse in the workplace.
    Facilitator: Judy has worked with Women’s Aid since 2011. A qualified IDAA and a certified Safe & Together Trainer, Judy regularly provides training and support to a wide range of multi agency statutory and voluntary bodies including the COPFS, Police Scotland, Social Work, Law Society Scotland, Criminal Justice Workers, Health and Social Care, Housing Organisations and Violence Against Women & Girls Partnerships etc.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Victim Blame: More than Victims, More than Blame

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Due to high demand Dr Amy Beddows will deliver a third session on her PHD research around victim blaming.  Amy’s research focused on women's experiences of victim blame from agencies and professionals following sexual violence. She ran focus groups with women at Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales and found that negative responses from services towards survivors extended far beyond blaming women for the violence they had been subjected to. Women felt disrespected, dehumanised, and responsibilised on account of their gender, their race and ethnicity, immigration status, ability, class, and sexuality more than the fact they had experienced rape or abuse. These processes were apparent across services and sectors, including specialist sexual violence organisations. This session will explore the findings of this research, discuss the different aspects of agencies through which negative processes are enacted, and generate discussion around concrete steps that agencies can take to improve the experiences of survivors. Facilitator: Amy obtained her PhD from the Child & Woman Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU) in 2022. She also has a special interest in media representations and the role they can play in enabling or challenging gendered violence. She lives in Edinburgh where she works as a trauma therapist and an independent consultant on violence against women.
    Free

  • Increasing Awareness when Working with Deaf Women who have Experienced Gender Based Violence

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Research has found that deaf women are 2-3 times more likely to experience domestic abuse than their hearing peers (Crowe, 2017). This session will focus on increasing understanding and awareness around the specific issues and challenges facing deaf women and girls who have experienced GBV, and how other general and specialist services can use this knowledge to improve accessibility for this group. By the end of the session participants will have a better understanding of the situation for deaf women in reporting domestic abuse, as well as best practices for working together to increase support to deaf women impacted by domestic abuse and other forms of GBV. By the end of the session you will:
    • Have an enhanced understanding of the issues and challenges deaf women experience in seeking and securing support when experiencing GBV, in particular domestic abuse
    • Have greater knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to consider how to increase your organisations to be more inclusive and effective when working with deaf women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse.
    Session Facilitator: Alana Harper Alans is the CEO of Deaf Links, a charity working across Tayside supporting people with any form of deafness, visual loss or both. The DefiniTAY Project, run by Deaf Links in partnership with Dundee, Angus and Perthshire Women's Aids, is the first of its kind in Scotland to provide specialist advocacy and support to Deaf women and girls who use British Sign Language (BSL) and have experienced any form of gender based violence (GBV).
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    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 affected actually 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. It will explore how coercive control is used to control survivors, the considerations involved when staying or leaving, as well as the challenges, risks and safety implications involved to separate and remain separated safely. 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. Learning outcomes: 
    • Understanding of domestic abuse, how it impacts on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Understanding the Scottish Government’s definition of domestic abuse and national policy response
    • Understanding the impacts of domestic abuse and economic abuse through theory, research and survivor testimony
    • Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, and what it means for practitioners and people experiencing domestic abuse
    • Knowledge of services to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding CYP Experiences of Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    This session explores how children and young people can experience domestic abuse, how this can impact on their lives and the coping strategies they and the non-abusing parent can employ. This session also explores how abuse can continue to be experienced by children and young people post-separation highlighting the need to ensure any contact is safe contact and does not become a means for the continuation of abuse to the children and/or non abusing parent, usually the mother.  The session will also highlight the importance of listening to children and young people and how difficult it can be for them to be heard and their views acted upon. Learning outcomes:
    • Understand how perpetrators abusive actions and negative parenting choices can impact on a child or young person’s educational and social experiences as well as their physical health and wellbeing.
    • Explore how children and young people directly and indirectly experience domestic abuse and the coping strategies they can employ and the role of resilience.
    • Build upon practice skills and approaches that work with women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Safe & Together Briefing

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    Virtual Training Session

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    The Safe & Together Model is an internationally recognised suite of tools and interventions designed to help social workers and other key professionals to engage with families experiencing domestic abuse in a child-centred, strengths-based way. It provides a perpetrator pattern, child-centred, survivor strengths-based approach to working with domestic abuse. Across Scotland the model is being widely adopted into practice by local authorities and other organisations to improve outcomes and safety for survivors impacted by domestic abuse, usually women and children.  This short session will provide a brief overview of the foundational concepts of the model.   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. Once the event is fully booked you can add your name to a waiting list here.
    Free

  • Understanding Economic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Whilst financial abuse has long been recognised as a form of domestic abuse, recent research has highlighted the overarching issue of economic abuse.  With 96% of survivors of domestic abuse also reporting experiencing economic abuse this session will explore the specifics of economic abuse, both during the relationship and post-separation. It will increase participants understanding of how domestic abuse, also known as coercive control includes economic abuse often including tactics such as sabotaging someone’s employment, taking out debts in their name and ruining someone’s credit rating. It will highlight how economic abuse seeks to trap people in relationships and the challenges that are involved in living with economic abuse, issues around separating, remaining separated safely and rebuilding a life detailing the support that many financial institutions are now offering as a result of greater understanding of this form of abuse. Learning outcomes:
    • Understanding the impacts of domestic abuse and specifically economic abuse through theory, research and survivor testimony
    • Knowledge of services to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support.
    • Knowledge of the initiatives and support being offered from financial institutions, employers and specialist domestic and economic abuse organisations in Scotland.
      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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Supporting Women Experiencing Domestic Abuse – Women’s Aid: Who We Are and What We Do

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Please note, the date of this training was changed from 11 June to 16 July 24. If you  booked for 11 June your booking has been transferred to the new date. Please let us know if you wish to cancel your place: booking@womensaid.scot) Men’s violence against women is an epidemic that still exists in every area of Scotland despite over 50 years of women’s’ aid activism, supporting and believing women, providing refuges, safety planning, recovery support and representation for women and children.  Even with new legislation, increased protection measures and dedicated strategies from the Scottish Government, domestic abuse still sees women unsafe, unprotected and often unsure where to go and who can help. Across Scotland, from Shetland to Stranraer and everywhere in between, there is a network of dedicated Women’s Aid groups who provide a wide range of dedicated specialist services to support women and children who are or who have experienced domestic abuse. In this session we will explore the services and support available from the women’s aid network, what happens when you call or visit women’s aid, how do you access support, what choices are available regarding safety planning, accommodation and refuge.  We will explore  what difference women’s aid have made to survivors and their children’s safety and recovery across Scotland and how your knowledge may help other women and children considering engaging with women’s aid. Learning outcomes
    • Awareness of the range of online, in person and community-based services available to support women and children experiencing or impacted by domestic abuse.
    • Understanding of the lived experience for women and children seeking support and accessing safety through the range of Women’s Aid confidential one to one, group work, online, text and telephone-based services.
    • Exploring and understanding Survivors perspectives and how lived experience from the Scottish Women’s Aid Survivors Reference Group informs and influences policy and practice improve women and children’s safety and protection in Scotland.
      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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    The session enables participants to gain an introductory understanding into the nature, impact and prevalence of domestic abuse highlighting abuse take many forms and does not always have to be physical.  It will enable participants to consider and reflect on the reasons why women experiencing domestic abuse face significant barriers to leaving including the implications and potential dangers of leaving or staying for women, their children and young people. It explores and explains the terminology and rationale of a gendered analysis of domestic abuse, and addresses the commonly asked questions, harmful myths and narratives relating to women’s experiences of domestic abuse.  Learning outcomes:
    • Understanding of domestic abuse and how it impacts on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Understanding the Scottish Government’s definition of domestic abuse and national policy response
    • Understanding the impacts of domestic abuse and economic abuse through theory, research and survivor testimony
    • Myth busting around common narratives about domestic abuse
    • Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, and what it means for practitioners and people experiencing domestic abuse
    • Knowledge of services to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Children & Young People’s Experience of Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Experiencing Domestic Abuse impacts every domain of a child’s life. Perpetrators actions are detrimental to a child’s educational and social experiences as well as their physical health and wellbeing. Understanding the impact of the perpetrator’s behaviour and the experiences and needs of children must extend beyond the measure of ‘did the children hear it, did they see it?’.  We need to frame domestic abuse as a conscious parenting choice holding perpetrators responsible for the trauma and disruption they cause to children’s emotional and physical health and wellbeing. This session explores how children and young people can experience domestic abuse, how this can impact on their lives and the coping strategies they can employ. The session highlights the importance of listening to children and young people and how difficult it can be for them to be heard.  This session also explores how the perpetrator can continue to exert power and control over children post separation and how this abuse can continue to be experienced by children and young people highlighting the need to ensure professionals and others understand the importance of ensuring any contact is safe, health and in the best interests of the child does not become a means for the continuation of abuse to the children and/or mother post separation. Learning Outcomes
    • Understand how children and young people experience domestic abuse
    • Understand how perpetrators of domestic abuse behaviours and actions directly and indirectly impact children and young people
    • Understand how experiencing domestic abuse can impact children’s relationships with friends, family and adults in their life
    • Be aware of some of the signs children may be experiencing domestic abuse
    • Understand the role of protective factors, who is supporting safety and who responsible for harm
    • Consider how to apply the knowledge to their own work in supporting children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Key Approaches in Asking & Responding to Domestic Abuse

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    Virtual Training Session

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    How do you provide a validating and supportive response to someone experiencing domestic abuse? What are the signs of abuse?  How do you ask and, importantly how do you respond if someone discloses it’s happening or has happened to them? Experiencing domestic abuse can be overwhelming.  Survivors responses describe feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment, being unsure of what is happening to them; where they can go and what help they can get, fearful of doing anything which might increase risk to their or their children’s safety. Women who feel able to disclose typically describe a history of long-standing, escalating abuse and violence, remarking on how much they wanted to be able to talk about what was going on, if only someone had asked them. This session explores the best practice in asking about abuse, potential indicators of abuse, the principles of safety planning and the importance of signposting to specialist services. Learning Outcomes:
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Have an enhanced understanding of the main issues in asking and responding to anyone experiencing domestic abuse
    • Have greater knowledge, skills confidence and motivation to recognise and respond to domestic abuse.
    • Have explored and practised the skills, knowledge and tools to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety for those experiencing domestic abuse.
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding Risk and Escalation

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    Virtual Training Session

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    This session will look at key principles and practice approaches to identifying risk where someone is experiencing domestic abuse, strategies for engaging with women, promoting safety planning, understanding risk and escalation triggers.  It will explore risk and escalation, centring women’s experiences and exploring  theoretical frameworks to predict risk such as the 8 Stage Domestic Abuse Timeline and other risk management tools.  It will end by considering how best to respond to risk and highlight pathways to support. Participants can expect to:
    • Develop an appreciation and understanding of the impact of coercive control and domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Explore and discuss the benefits and limitations of risk assessment tools and strategies
    • Be better placed to identify signs of risk and escalation of abuse in people’s relationships and respond to it appropriately
    • Develop understanding of the main issues of providing a sensitive and appropriate service to women experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control
    • Develop confidence and knowledge to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety.
    • Consider how intersectionality may further impact women experiencing abuse to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding and Working with Vicarious Trauma

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    Learning Outcomes:
    • Define different forms of vicarious trauma and how they might arise within our work as practitioners regularly engaging with people experiencing their own traumas
    • Identify ways to create space for and move with vicarious trauma(s)
    • Examine options on how to promote holistic wellness for ourselves and others as we partake in conversations involving trauma
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is the National Training Manager with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Technology Related Abuse – Identifying Risk & Keeping Survivors Safe

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Learning Outcomes:
    • Understand what technology-facilitated abuse is and how perpetrators of domestic abuse can misuse technology.
    • Understand the emerging trends of these forms of abuse.
    • Identifying risks survivors face online and how to safely support survivors including initial contact and safety planning.
    • Learning how to support survivors of technology-facilitated abuse with securing accounts.
    • Understanding the barriers survivors face to accessing support and how to combat these.
    • Further guidance and resources to support professionals and survivors.
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is the National Training Manager with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Domestic Abuse as an HR Issue

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    Virtual Training Session

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    Learning Outcomes:
    • Context to supporting the responses to domestic abuse – legislatively and from a human rights perspective
    • Exploring changing the discourse:  how as decision makers we can encourage, role model and motivate culture shift
    • A guide to developing internal and external policy and guidance, and how to implement
    • Exploring what consistency, confidentiality and risk management around domestic abuse looks like
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is the National Training Manager with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    The session enables participants to gain an introductory understanding into the nature, impact and prevalence of domestic abuse highlighting abuse take many forms and does not always have to be physical.  It will enable participants to consider and reflect on the reasons why women experiencing domestic abuse face significant barriers to leaving including the implications and potential dangers of leaving or staying for women, their children and young people. It explores and explains the terminology and rationale of a gendered analysis of domestic abuse, and addresses the commonly asked questions, harmful myths and narratives relating to women’s experiences of domestic abuse.  Learning outcomes:
    • Understanding of domestic abuse and how it impacts on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Understanding the Scottish Government’s definition of domestic abuse and national policy response
    • Understanding the impacts of domestic abuse and economic abuse through theory, research and survivor testimony
    • Myth busting around common narratives about domestic abuse
    • Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, and what it means for practitioners and people experiencing domestic abuse
    • Knowledge of services to ensure people experiencing domestic abuse are able to be signposted to appropriate support
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • CYP Experiences of Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    This session explores how children and young people can experience domestic abuse, how this can impact on their lives and the coping strategies they and the non-abusing parent can employ. This session also explores how abuse can continue to be experienced by children and young people post-separation highlighting the need to ensure any contact is safe contact and does not become a means for the continuation of abuse to the children and/or non abusing parent, usually the mother.  The session will also highlight the importance of listening to children and young people and how difficult it can be for them to be heard and their views acted upon. Learning outcomes:
    • Understand how perpetrators abusive actions and negative parenting choices can impact on a child or young person’s educational and social experiences as well as their physical health and wellbeing.
    • Explore how children and young people directly and indirectly experience domestic abuse and the coping strategies they can employ and the role of resilience.
    • Build upon practice skills and approaches that work with women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.
    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.
    £15.00 – £30.00

  • Introduction to Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

    Teams

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    Join us for a one-hour lunchtime webinar introducing Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline. Marking Helpline Awareness Day 2025, this session will cover the support we offer and how you can signpost individuals to our service. Ideal for frontline professionals in any setting who may encounter people experiencing domestic abuse or forced marriage, this webinar will give you the knowledge and confidence to direct individuals to the helpline for support. Book your place through Eventbrite  

  • Children & Young People’s Experiences of Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    Domestic abuse can have a profound effect on children and young people that goes beyond witnessing abuse. This session explores how children and young people are exposed to and experience domestic abuse, how this can impact on all areas of their lives and the coping strategies they may employ. This session also highlights how abuse can continue to be experienced by children and young people post-separation, demonstrating the importance that any contact is safe contact and does not become a means for the continuation of abuse to the children and/or non abusing parent, usually the mother.  The session will also highlight the importance of listening to children and young people and how difficult it can be for them to be heard and their views acted upon. Learning outcomes:
    • Identify how perpetrators abusive actions and negative parenting choices can impact on a child or young person’s educational and social experiences as well as their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
    • Describe how children and young people directly and indirectly experience domestic abuse and the coping strategies they can employ and the role of resilience.
    • Build upon best and practice skills and approaches for working with children who have experienced domestic abuse.
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Why Doesn’t She Just Leave?

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    One of the most common questions when discussing domestic abuse is the age-old ‘‘Why doesn’t she just leave?”.  Well intentioned and often founded on the belief that there are numerous laws to protect you, safe, accessible refuges for you to flee to, and surely the best thing, the only thing to do is to pack your bags and leave?   Yet survivors, practitioners, academics and statistics tell us leaving is actually one of the most dangerous points, when behaviour very often escalates and violence may be introduced for the first and fatal time. This session explores the many concerns and challenges to leaving for women experiencing domestic abuse and seeks to explore and address the victim blaming attitudes and misinformation which create barriers to support and services for women and children impacted by the behaviours of a domestic abuse perpetrator. Participants can expect to:
    • Be able to describe how women experiencing domestic abuse face significant barriers to leaving and consider the implications and potential dangers of leaving or staying for women, their children and young people
    • Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their behaviour and choices during and after the relationship.
    • Explore and explain the terminology and rationale of the gendered analysis of domestic abuse
    • Consider how to apply the knowledge to their own work in supporting women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics Of Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

    View Details

    Course rescheduled from 25 Feb 25 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 affected 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. 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.  Learning outcomes 
    • 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
    • Have increased confidence in asking 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.
    • Feel more confident 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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Safety Planning and Support for Women Experiencing Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    Women experiencing domestic abuse do not have any control over their partner’s or ex-partners abuse, but they can have agency and choices about how to respond to situations and how they can act and develop a safety plan with the aim of keeping themselves (and their children) as safe as possible. Whether or not women wish to leave the abuser or remain in the relationship– there are tools and techniques they can use to maintain a sense of control and work towards increasing their safety addressing risks the perpetrator may pose. The session will explore safety planning techniques women may find helpful, increasing workers knowledge of how to support women to develop and manage a safety plan and what additional tools and resources they can use to assess risk and help women feel safer. The session will also explore approaches focussing on both Domestic Abuse Informed Practice and Trauma Informed Practice to help us to assess how we can adapt our practice and engage with, and support individuals impacted by domestic abuse in a sensitive and survivor centred manner. Learning Outcomes:
    • Understanding and awareness of safety planning techniques and how to support women to develop and manage a safety plan.
    • Understanding of risk assessment tools and frameworks that aim to increase safety and manage risk for women impacted by domestic abuse.
    • Understanding how to enhance their practice to ensure best and safe practice in working with people who may have been impacted by domestic abuse.
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Understanding Risk and Escalation in Young People’s Relationships

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    “We learned we could say no, but we were never taught what to do if they ignored that.” The Rise Report commissioned by Scottish Women’s Aid (SWA) for YWCA Scotland – the Young Women’s Movement – found 36 per cent of young women had been in an intimate relationship with someone who harmed them physically or emotionally.  57 per cent of respondents said they did not learn about unhealthy relationships or domestic abuse in school.   Whilst services such as Women’s Aid exist evidence shows, regardless of whether they can access adult support, young women are not accessing support from services, turning instead to peers and suggests that young people need a different response to adults. This session will look at key principles and practice approaches to identifying risk in young people's relationships, strategies for engaging with young women, promoting healthy relationships and pathways to support. Participants can expect to:
    • Develop an appreciation and understanding of the impact of coercive control and domestic abuse on young people and how it affects their behaviour and choices
    • Be able to identify signs of coercive control and abuse in young people’s relationships and respond to it appropriately
    • Develop understanding of the main issues of providing a sensitive and appropriate service to young women experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control
    • Develop confidence and knowledge to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety.
    • Consider how intersectionality may further impact young women experiencing abuse to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics Of Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

    View Details

    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.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • The Tyranny of Distance? – Domestic Abuse in Remote, Rural and Island Scotland

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    What is it like living with domestic abuse on Scotland’s rugged west coast and islands? How easy is it to escape abuse and find support in these picture-postcard places?   This webinar explores rural and island women’s experiences of domestic abuse, its dangers and impact and the challenges of implementing domestic abuse- informed practices (DA-I) in these areas. Facilitator: Dr Anni Donaldson is an independent scholar, feminist oral historian and journalist. She is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, and Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.  She specialises in research into women’s lives in the nineteen, twentieth and twenty-first centuries with a particular focus on domestic abuse and sexual violence in Scotland. Once this event is fully booked you can add your name to a waiting list here.    
    Free

  • Children’s Experiences of Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

    View Details

    Domestic abuse can have a profound effect on children and young people that goes beyond witnessing abuse. This session explores how children and young people are exposed to and experience domestic abuse, how this can impact on all areas of their lives and the coping strategies they may employ. This session also highlights how abuse can continue to be experienced by children and young people post-separation demonstrating the importance that any contact is safe contact and does not become a means for the continuation of abuse to the children and/or non abusing parent, usually the mother.  The session will also highlight the importance of listening to children and young people and how difficult it can be for them to be heard and their views acted upon.  By the end of the session you will be able to :
    • Identify how perpetrators abusive actions and negative parenting choices can impact on a child or young person’s educational and social experiences as well as their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
    • Describe how children and young people directly and indirectly experience domestic abuse and the coping strategies they can employ and the role of resilience.
    • Reflect and build upon best and practice skills and approaches for working with children who have experienced domestic abuse.
    • Consider how to apply the learning to better support children and young people experiencing or impacted by domestic abuse.
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Understanding Domestic Abuse: How to Ask, How to Respond

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    In Scotland, there are more than 65,000 incidents of Domestic Abuse recorded by Police each and every year.  However, with only 1 in 5 reporting to the police we know far more people are affected than we may be aware of and many of us will have friends, family and people we work with who are or who have been impacted by domestic abuse. Supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse is often a challenging and complex area and spotting the signs and offering support isn’t always easy.  Over recent years we have developed our understanding of domestic abuse, and we now know it can take many forms not just physical abuse.  We also know it impacts people in many different ways and disclosing abuse can be difficult. How would you recognise if someone was impacted by domestic abuse, how would you respond and what could be done to maximise safety for someone experiencing domestic abuse? Where would you refer and what else could you do? This workshop will equip you with the skills to spot the signs of domestic abuse and the knowledge and confidence to offer support and signposting enabling individuals and organisations to be better placed to be alert to the signs of domestic abuse and to respond safely and effectively.  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 how domestic abuse can have on an individual and the actions and decisions they make
    • 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.
    • Explain why signposting someone to specialist domestic abuse services is the most appropriate course of action
    • Know where to signpost to specialist support and resources.
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Understanding Vicarious Trauma

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    Working with individuals who have experienced trauma can be emotionally demanding and challenging. The empathic nature of this work often means absorbing and processing the distress of those we seek to support. Vicarious trauma is a process of change resulting from empathetic engagement with trauma survivors. In this session we will explore the different types of vicarious trauma and reflect on how it may affect individuals differently.  The session will highlight best practice approaches to managing working with people impacted by trauma promoting self-care and a supportive workplace culture as an essential part of how we support people supporting people where trauma is a feature.  Learning Outcomes:
    • Define different forms of vicarious trauma and how they might arise within our work as practitioners regularly engaging with people experiencing their own traumas
    • Identify ways to create space for and move with vicarious trauma(s)
    • Examine options on how to promote holistic wellness for ourselves and others as we partake in conversations involving trauma 
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is the National Training Manager with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • What do we know about Domestic Abuse in Deaf Communities?

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    Whilst public awareness of domestic abuse has increased over the years and new legislation has been introduced making coercive control criminal offence, research tells us the only 1 out of 5 survivors report to the police.  Research has also found that deaf women are 2-3 times more likely to experience domestic abuse than their hearing peers (Crowe, 2017). Why might this be?  What can be done to improve understanding of and support to deaf women experiencing domestic abuse? This webinar will provide a general overview of the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority and highlight what we know about domestic abuse in deaf communities.  It will enable anyone working in general or specialist services to reflect on how they can use this knowledge to improve accessibility and support for this group. The webinar will:
    • Provide a general overview of the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority
    • Reflect on what we know about domestic abuse in deaf communities.
    • Increase participants understanding and awareness around the specific issues and challenges facing deaf women and girls who have experienced GBV
    • Identify how general and specialist services can improve accessibility for this group.
    • Reflect on key approaches for working with British Sign Language interpreters
    Facilitators: Professor Jemina Napier, Heriot Watt University and Lucy Clark, Project Officer The webinar will be fully supported and accessible with a BSL Interpreter. Please note, if you work within the SWA network you can book a free place through the Members Training Calendar.  
    £17.00 – £22.50

  • Invisible Chains: Unwinding Economic Abuse and Promoting Financial Empowerment

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    **Please note, start time moved from 1pm to 12pm To kick off our 16 Days of Action Empowerment Series, we are offering this free training session to support practitioners to understand economic abuse, and with practical tips to promote financial empowerment. “Reclaiming your finances is part of reclaiming your life.  You are not bad with money — someone took that power away. But you can take it back.” Economic abuse is a powerful and often hidden form of control that can trap individuals in unsafe situations and limit their independence. This training equips participants with the knowledge to identify the signs of economic abuse, understand its impact on survivors, and explore practical strategies for support, intervention and financial empowerment. Whether you're a frontline worker, advocate, or community leader, this session will deepen your understanding and enhance your capacity to respond effectively and empathetically. Learning outcomes:
    • Define economic abuse and understand how it fits within the broader spectrum of domestic abuse.
    • Identify signs and risk indicators of economic abuse.
    • Understand short- and long-term impact on survivors
    • Respond appropriately using a trauma-informed approach.
    • Explore pathways for support and safety planning that address economic control.
    • Learn practical tools to regain control over finances.
    • Explore budgeting, credit repair, and financial safety planning.
    • Identify support services and resources for long-term financial recovery.
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    Free

  • 16 Days Event – Beyond the Screen: Technology and AI Facilitated Domestic Abuse

    Teams

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    16 Days of Action – Free Training Opportunity In honour of the 16 Days of Activism, we’re offering this free training opportunity to empower our community, raise awareness, and inspire action. Don’t miss this chance to learn, grow, and make a difference—together! Sign up today and be part of the change. This training course equips practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in abuse and safeguarding. As digital tools become more integrated into daily life, they can both empower survivors and present new risks, from tech-facilitated harassment to surveillance and manipulation through smart devices and AI. Through practical examples, case studies, and guided discussion, this course will help workers understand how technology can be misused, identify warning signs, and develop strategies to support and protect those affected. Participants will also explore how technology and AI can be harnessed as tools for safety, advocacy, and recovery, ensuring their practice remains both current and survivor-focused. By the end of the training, frontline workers will be able to support individuals experiencing technology-facilitated domestic abuse by creating a practical safety plan that includes identifying digital risks, strengthening privacy and security settings, and guiding safe use of devices and online platforms. By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Knowledge
    • Define technology- and AI-facilitated domestic abuse and understand how it intersects with coercive control
    • Recognize how perpetrators misuse everyday technologies (smartphones, GPS, smart home devices, social media, spyware) and emerging AI tools (deepfakes, voice cloning, automated harassment)
    • Understand the risks these abuses pose to survivor safety, wellbeing, and confidentiality
    • Be aware of relevant safeguarding duties, organisational policies, and legal frameworks (e.g., coercive control laws, stalking legislation, digital evidence handling)
    Skills
    • Identify warning signs and red flags of tech-enabled abuse during client interactions and risk assessments
    • Support survivors in practical steps to improve digital safety without escalating risk (e.g., safe device checks, account security, documenting evidence)
    • Incorporate questions about technology and AI misuse into safety planning
    • Collaborate with specialist agencies (e.g., digital security experts, police cybercrime units) to strengthen survivor protection
    • Respond to disclosures about tech abuse in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental way that prioritises survivor autonomy and safety
    • Develop technology specific safety planning in a domestic abuse context
    Attitudes
    • Recognise technology and AI misuse as integral to patterns of domestic abuse, not as separate or “secondary” issues.
    • Approach survivors’ concerns about technology with empathy and validation, avoiding minimisation.
    • Stay open to continuous learning, acknowledging that abuse tactics evolve alongside new technologies.
    • Value survivor-led safety planning, respecting their choices around technology use (e.g., staying online to maintain social networks or work).
    This is a cameras-on training – participants will be expected to be present and interactive throughout the session
    • Research from Penn State found that learners who had their cameras on reported better engagement, interaction, and satisfaction. Also, when more learners had cameras on, the group as a whole experienced improved attention, focus, learning performance, etc.  “Peers turning on cameras promotes learning in video conferencing” – Penn State, 2024
    • The qualitative study “Should I Turn on My Video Camera? Perceptions of the use of Video Cameras in Synchronous Distant Learning” found that learners perceive cameras on as improving cooperation, self-discipline, self-control, interaction, being part of the process. Learners felt that video on supports dialogue and builds trust/rapport with facilitators and peers. - Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 2022
    Facilitators: Jodie McVicar & Aisha Malik Aisha Malik joined SWA in April 2023 as Member Services Development Lead.  Prior to joining the team, Aisha worked across the VAWG sector and has a background in service delivery, specialist CYP support, honour-based abuse, forced marriage and autism. Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.    
    Free

  • Hidden Homicides – The Role of Suicide in Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    Perpetrators of domestic abuse employ a wide range of tactics to control and abuse their partners or ex -partners. Survivors report a range controlling, emotional and destructive tactics all of which can have devastating effects on their emotional and mental well-being and without effective support, risk assessment and safety management many women feel there is no escape and are dying by suicide due to the actions of their abusive partner or ex partner. Research by Professor Jane Monckton-Smith and other academics have highlighted many suicides are in fact the ‘hidden victims’ of domestic abuse with Professor Monckton - Smith developing an 8 Stage Suicide Timeline to aid risk assessment and safety management. This session seeks to explore the literature and emerging research in this area, enabling consideration as to how best safety and risk can be considered in this context, potential indicators, the principles of safety planning and the importance of signposting to specialist services.  By the end of the session you will be able to:
    • Identify the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their physical and emotional health.
    • Recognise the relationship between suicide and experiencing domestic abuse.
    • Describe the main issues in asking and responding to anyone experiencing domestic abuse where suicide may be a concern.
    • Reflect and build upon the skills, knowledge and tools to better identify risk, assess protective factors and increase safety for those experiencing domestic abuse.
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

    View Details

    More info: 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, participants 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 respond 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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Invisible Chains:  Unwinding Economic Abuse & Promoting Financial Empowerment

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    This training has been resheduled from 2nd Dec 25. “Reclaiming your finances is part of reclaiming your life.  You are not bad with money — someone took that power away. But you can take it back.” Economic abuse is a powerful and often hidden form of control that can trap individuals in unsafe situations and limit their independence. This training equips participants with the knowledge to identify the signs of economic abuse, understand its impact on survivors, and explore practical strategies for support, intervention and financial empowerment. Whether you're a frontline worker, advocate, or community leader, this session will deepen your understanding and enhance your capacity to respond effectively and empathetically.
    1. Define economic abuse and understand how it fits within the broader spectrum of domestic abuse.
    2. Identify signs and risk indicators of economic abuse.
    3. Understand short- and long-term impact on survivors
    4. Respond appropriately using a trauma-informed approach.
    5. Explore pathways for support and safety planning that address economic control.
    6. Learn practical tools to regain control over finances.
    7. Explore budgeting, credit repair, and financial safety planning.
    8. Identify support services and resources for long-term financial recovery.
    Trainer: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, managing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland. Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid, as well as an extensive background in L&D and child protection – both within statutory and third sector services.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Children & Young People’s Experiences of Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    More info: Domestic abuse can have a profound effect on children and young people that goes beyond witnessing abuse. This session explores how children and young people are exposed to and experience domestic abuse, how this can impact on all areas of their lives and the coping strategies they may employ. This session also highlights how abuse can continue to be experienced by children and young people post-separation demonstrating the importance that any contact is safe contact and does not become a means for the continuation of abuse to the children and/or non abusing parent, usually the mother.  The session will also highlight the importance of listening to children and young people and how difficult it can be for them to be heard and their views acted upon. By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
    • Identify how perpetrators abusive actions and negative parenting choices can impact on a child or young person’s educational and social experiences as well as their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
    • Describe how children and young people directly and indirectly experience domestic abuse and the coping strategies they can employ and the role of resilience.
    • Reflect and build upon best and practice skills and approaches for working with children who have experienced domestic abuse.
    • Consider how to apply the learning to better support children and young people experiencing or impacted by domestic abuse
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Key Principles in Asking and Responding to Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    More Info: Supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse is often a challenging and complex area, spotting the signs and offering support isn’t always easy.  Over recent years we have developed our understanding of domestic abuse, and we now know it can take many forms not just physical abuse.  We also know it impacts people in many different ways and disclosing abuse can be difficult. How would you recognise if someone was impacted by domestic abuse, how would you respond and what could be done to maximise safety for someone experiencing domestic abuse? Where would you refer and what else could you do? This workshop will equip you with the skills to spot the signs of domestic abuse and the knowledge and confidence to offer support and signposting enabling individuals and organisations to be better placed to be alert to the signs of domestic abuse and to respond safely and effectively. 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 how domestic abuse can have on an individual and the actions and decisions they make
    • 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.
    • Explain why signposting someone to specialist domestic abuse services is the most appropriate course of action
    • Know where to signpost to specialist support and resources.
    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 works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Improving the Safety Of Children and Mothers In Child Contact Court Hearings

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    Scottish Women's Aid online event on Thursday 26 March 12.30-3.00 We have copious evidence that child contact decisions are a critical risk point for survivors, and this conference looks at what and how to improve court processes. Join us as we explore how outcomes for children and their mothers can be improved within the civil courts when domestic abuse is present. This half-day conference will look at court processes through the lenses of trauma, human rights, and system improvement. We're excited to be joined by:
    • A young woman with experience of asserting her rights within the civil court system as a child.
    • Dr Fiona Morrison, Reader in Childhood Studies, University of Edinburgh.
    • Dr Emma Forbes, National Lead on Domestic Abuse, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
    • We'll also be sharing video clips from Judge Kylie Beckhouse, Chair of the Family Law Committee in Australia who offers us a vision of innovation and change. 
    This half-day conference is free to attend.
    Free

  • Networked Misogyny: Incels, Tradwives and the Violent Fringe of the Manosphere

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    This training explores the growing influence of networked misogyny and its relevance to violence against women and girls. Focusing on online cultures such as incel communities, men’s rights activism, and trad-wife ideologies, the course examines how misogynistic beliefs are produced, shared, and normalised through digital networks—and how these narratives can shape attitudes, behaviours, and risks in women’s lives. Designed for frontline practitioners, the training connects online misogyny to offline harm, including coercive control, harassment, stalking, and intimate partner abuse. Participants will develop practical skills to recognise warning signs, assess risk, respond safely to disclosures, and maintain survivor-centred, trauma-informed practice. The course also addresses practitioner wellbeing and professional boundaries when working with misogynistic narratives. This training supports frontline workers to better understand emerging forms of gendered harm and strengthen responses that prioritise women’s safety and dignity. Learning Outcomes By the end of this training, frontline workers will be able to:
    • Identify and describe key forms of networked misogyny—including incel communities, men’s rights activism, and trad-wife ideologies—and explain their relevance to violence against women and girls.
    • Recognise how online misogynistic cultures shape attitudes, behaviours, and justifications for coercive control, harassment, sexual violence, and intimate partner abuse.
    • Understand pathways between online misogyny and offline harm, including escalation from grievance-based narratives to entitlement, hostility, and violence.
    • Assess risk more effectively by incorporating awareness of networked misogyny into existing VAW risk assessment and safety-planning frameworks.
    • Apply an intersectional understanding of how misogyny intersects with racism, migration status, disability, sexuality, and economic dependency in shaping women’s experiences of harm.
    • Recognise the emotional and professional impact of exposure to misogynistic content on frontline workers and implement strategies for supervision, boundaries, and self-care.
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Beyond the Screen: Technology and AI Facilitated Domestic Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    This training course equips practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in abuse and safeguarding. As digital tools become more integrated into daily life, they can both empower survivors and present new risks, from tech-facilitated harassment to surveillance and manipulation through smart devices and AI. Through practical examples, case studies, and guided discussion, this course will help workers understand how technology can be misused, identify warning signs, and develop strategies to support and protect those affected. Participants will also explore how technology and AI can be harnessed as tools for safety, advocacy, and recovery, ensuring their practice remains both current and survivor-focused. By the end of the training, frontline workers will be able to support individuals experiencing technology-facilitated domestic abuse by creating a practical safety plan that includes identifying digital risks, strengthening privacy and security settings, and guiding safe use of devices and online platforms. By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Knowledge
    • Define technology- and AI-facilitated domestic abuse and understand how it intersects with coercive control
    • Recognize how perpetrators misuse everyday technologies (smartphones, GPS, smart home devices, social media, spyware) and emerging AI tools (deepfakes, voice cloning, automated harassment)
    • Understand the risks these abuses pose to survivor safety, wellbeing, and confidentiality
    • Be aware of relevant safeguarding duties, organisational policies, and legal frameworks (e.g., coercive control laws, stalking legislation, digital evidence handling)
    Skills
    • Identify warning signs and red flags of tech-enabled abuse during client interactions and risk assessments
    • Support survivors in practical steps to improve digital safety without escalating risk (e.g., safe device checks, account security, documenting evidence)
    • Incorporate questions about technology and AI misuse into safety planning
    • Collaborate with specialist agencies (e.g., digital security experts, police cybercrime units) to strengthen survivor protection
    • Respond to disclosures about tech abuse in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental way that prioritises survivor autonomy and safety
    • Develop technology specific safety planning in a domestic abuse context
    Attitudes
    • Recognise technology and AI misuse as integral to patterns of domestic abuse, not as separate or “secondary” issues.
    • Approach survivors’ concerns about technology with empathy and validation, avoiding minimisation.
    • Stay open to continuous learning, acknowledging that abuse tactics evolve alongside new technologies.
    • Value survivor-led safety planning, respecting their choices around technology use (e.g., staying online to maintain social networks or work).
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Tech Abuse

    Zoom

    View Details

    We are all using technology as part of our every day lives, however technology has become a tool in the perpetration of domestic abuse.  This course explores how abusers use technology to monitor, control and harass and will provide you with guidance and resources to support women and children. By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
    • Identify different forms of tech abuse and abuse of online spaces.
    • Recognise instances of misuse of technology and online spaces.
    • Describe emerging trends in tech abuse and how it impacts on survivors.
    • Assess for tech abuse related risk in a domestic abuse context.
    • Support survivors, of technology facilitated abuse / abuse of online spaces to protect themselves, using tools, techniques & signposting.
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.  
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Networked Misogyny: Incels, Tradwives and the Violent Fringe of the Manosphere

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

    View Details

    This training explores the growing influence of networked misogyny and its relevance to violence against women and girls. Focusing on online cultures such as incel communities, men’s rights activism, and trad-wife ideologies, the course examines how misogynistic beliefs are produced, shared, and normalised through digital networks—and how these narratives can shape attitudes, behaviours, and risks in women’s lives. Designed for frontline practitioners, the training connects online misogyny to offline harm, including coercive control, harassment, stalking, and intimate partner abuse. Participants will develop practical skills to recognise warning signs, assess risk, respond safely to disclosures, and maintain survivor-centred, trauma-informed practice. The course also addresses practitioner wellbeing and professional boundaries when working with misogynistic narratives. This training supports frontline workers to better understand emerging forms of gendered harm and strengthen responses that prioritise women’s safety and dignity. Learning Outcomes By the end of this training, frontline workers will be able to:
    • Identify and describe key forms of networked misogyny—including incel communities, men’s rights activism, and trad-wife ideologies—and explain their relevance to violence against women and girls.
    • Recognise how online misogynistic cultures shape attitudes, behaviours, and justifications for coercive control, harassment, sexual violence, and intimate partner abuse.
    • Understand pathways between online misogyny and offline harm, including escalation from grievance-based narratives to entitlement, hostility, and violence.
    • Assess risk more effectively by incorporating awareness of networked misogyny into existing VAW risk assessment and safety-planning frameworks.
    • Apply an intersectional understanding of how misogyny intersects with racism, migration status, disability, sexuality, and economic dependency in shaping women’s experiences of harm.
    • Recognise the emotional and professional impact of exposure to misogynistic content on frontline workers and implement strategies for supervision, boundaries, and self-care.
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Hidden Battles: Domestic Abuse in Military Life

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    Members of the armed forces can access this training for free by entering discout code ‘MILITARY’ on checkout. Domestic abuse within military communities presents both familiar and distinct challenges. While the dynamics of coercive control, risk and harm remain consistent, the context of military life — including mobility, hierarchy, deployment, and close-knit communities — can create additional barriers to disclosure, support, and safety. This training is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and confidence to effectively support survivors who are serving personnel or military spouses/partners.  It explores how domestic abuse manifests within military settings, the impact of military culture on help-seeking, and the specific risks associated with service life, including isolation, reputational concerns, and the overlap between personal and professional environments. Through practical scenarios and applied learning, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to recognise abuse, respond safely and appropriately, and navigate both civilian and military support pathways.  The training emphasises a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach while strengthening multi-agency and cross-sector working. Learning Outcomes By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
    • Understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and how these intersect with military life
    • Identify how factors such as deployment, relocation, and service hierarchy can influence both abuse and access to support
    • Recognise barriers to disclosure unique to military families
    • Identify appropriate civilian and military support services and referral pathways
    • Understand how to work within and alongside military systems and structures
    • Identify opportunities to strengthen support within military contexts
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Tech Abuse

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

    View Details

    We are all using technology as part of our every day lives, however technology has become a tool in the perpetration of domestic abuse.  This course explores how abusers use technology to monitor, control and harass and will provide you with guidance and resources to support women and children. By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
    • Identify different forms of tech abuse and abuse of online spaces.
    • Recognise instances of misuse of technology and online spaces.
    • Describe emerging trends in tech abuse and how it impacts on survivors.
    • Assess for tech abuse related risk in a domestic abuse context.
    • Support survivors, of technology facilitated abuse / abuse of online spaces to protect themselves, using tools, techniques & signposting.
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

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    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 victims 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, participants 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 respond 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 Ferguson 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.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • Networked Misogyny: Incels, Tradwives and the Violent Fringe of the Manosphere

    Zoom
    Virtual Training Session

    View Details

    This training explores the growing influence of networked misogyny and its relevance to violence against women and girls. Focusing on online cultures such as incel communities, men’s rights activism, and trad-wife ideologies, the course examines how misogynistic beliefs are produced, shared, and normalised through digital networks—and how these narratives can shape attitudes, behaviours, and risks in women’s lives. Designed for frontline practitioners, the training connects online misogyny to offline harm, including coercive control, harassment, stalking, and intimate partner abuse. Participants will develop practical skills to recognise warning signs, assess risk, respond safely to disclosures, and maintain survivor-centred, trauma-informed practice. The course also addresses practitioner wellbeing and professional boundaries when working with misogynistic narratives. This training supports frontline workers to better understand emerging forms of gendered harm and strengthen responses that prioritise women’s safety and dignity. Learning Outcomes By the end of this training, frontline workers will be able to:
    • Identify and describe key forms of networked misogyny—including incel communities, men’s rights activism, and trad-wife ideologies—and explain their relevance to violence against women and girls.
    • Recognise how online misogynistic cultures shape attitudes, behaviours, and justifications for coercive control, harassment, sexual violence, and intimate partner abuse.
    • Understand pathways between online misogyny and offline harm, including escalation from grievance-based narratives to entitlement, hostility, and violence.
    • Assess risk more effectively by incorporating awareness of networked misogyny into existing VAW risk assessment and safety-planning frameworks.
    • Apply an intersectional understanding of how misogyny intersects with racism, migration status, disability, sexuality, and economic dependency in shaping women’s experiences of harm.
    • Recognise the emotional and professional impact of exposure to misogynistic content on frontline workers and implement strategies for supervision, boundaries, and self-care.
    Facilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid, overseeing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland.  Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid. Jodie also has experience working within child protection, including leading CLD and assessing practice of safeguarders via the National Safeguarders Panel team with Children 1st.  Jodie is also an accredited Safe and Together trainer, and has extensive experience of embedding training and implementation into wider systems change – particularly in relation to domestic abuse and other human rights issues.
    £15.00 – £35.00

  • A Shared Commitment to Quality: Introducing the National Quality Service Standards 

    Teams
    Virtual Training Session

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    An event hosted by Scottish Women's Aid

    Join us for the launch of the National Quality Service Standards (NQSS), a new accreditation framework for specialist domestic abuse services. Developed by Scottish Women's Aid and shaped by the expertise of the Women's Aid network and survivors of domestic abuse, the standards set out what women, children and young people, and partner organisations should expect from specialist accredited services. Through the NQSS accreditation framework, Women’s Aid services can demonstrate their commitment to high-quality, survivor-centred support, accountability and continuous improvement. During this event, attendees will hear from strategic leaders, survivors and specialist Women's Aid services about the impact of the standards and how they can strengthen quality, consistency and accountability across the sector. We will also explore the role that funders, commissioners and partners can play in supporting implementation and improving outcomes for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Who should attend?
    • Funders and service commissioners
    • Local Authorities
    • Health and Social Care Partnerships
    • Community Planning Partnerships
    • Violence Against Women Partnerships
    • Scottish Government stakeholders
    • Regulators and quality assurance partners
    • Third sector partners
    Free
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