Hafan Cymru and SafeLives awarded Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence training contract
Hafan Cymru and SafeLives are delighted to announce they have been jointly commissioned by the Welsh government to deliver a range of domestic abuse and gender-based violence training.
Each year over two million people in the UK experience domestic abuse. In Wales alone, the number of cases where victims of domestic abuse are at high risk and in imminent danger of serious harm or murder has been increasing by 10% year on year.
The Welsh government has commissioned a range of accredited training to upskill and educate professionals so that they can identify victims of domestic abuse and gender-based violence more quickly; provide responsive, person-centred support that will meet the needs of victims and their families; and tackle the behaviour of perpetrators.
The Hafan Cymru and SafeLives partnership will deliver three training programmes, including the widely respected accredited training for independent domestic violence advisors (Idva), who play a vital role in supporting victims and their families; and accredited training for managers who deliver frontline gender-based services.
The partnership will also be developing and delivering a new modular training programme for multi-agency professionals covering topics that include the effects of domestic abuse on children and young people (DACYP), male victims, LGBT+ victims, stalking, and street harassment. Courses will start in the autumn. Registration for the first two courses is now open:
Sign up here for the effects of domestic abuse on children and young people (DACYP)
Sign up here for the effects of domestic abuse on male victims.
Survivors of domestic abuse, experts by experience, will be involved in creating training resources, and the partnership will work with other services to bring in additional expertise.
In total, the training aims to reach a total of 2500 learners.
Suzanne Jacob OBE, Chief Executive of SafeLives said:
“We are pleased that the Welsh government is continuing to invest in tackling domestic abuse, and we are delighted to be working with Hafan Cymru in Wales again, to deliver this training that will make a real difference to the outcomes and experience of victims of domestic abuse and their families.
“No one should have to reach crisis point before we pay attention. Every single person at risk of abuse needs an effective, empathetic response that is tailored to their particular circumstances and helps them become safe and well in the long-term, in a way that is right for them.
“We know that Idvas and domestic abuse services go above and beyond every single day. Our latest Idva Insights national dataset showed that risk was reduced for nearly three quarters of clients following support from an Idva. That’s life changing, crucial support. But we know that Idvas and domestic abuse services remain over-worked and under-funded. This training is so important and we’re really looking forward to working with Hafan Cymru and partners on the delivery.
“We are also excited to be working with Hafan Cymru on designing a new course that will provide detailed learning on a range of topics, expanding professionals’ understanding of how domestic abuse affects different groups. This will ensure provision of more tailored, person-centred support that truly meets people’s needs.”
About SafeLives
We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.
We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.
Last year alone, 8,577 professionals received our training. Over 75,000 adults at risk of serious harm or murder and more than 95,000 children received support through dedicated multi-agency support designed by us and delivered with partners. In the last six years, almost 3,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change by interventions we created with partners, and that’s just the start.
Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.
For more information, contact training@safelives.org.uk, call 0117 403 3220, or visit www.safelives.org.uk.
About Hafan Cymru
We have been helping people who have found themselves in vulnerable situations for over 30 years. We offer a holistic approach to the provision of support for women, men and families who have experienced domestic abuse. We help them to become safe, find their feet, reach goals, find independence and to build the confidence to make the changes they need to, so that they can lead the positive life everyone has a right to hope for.
For more information, contact training.services@hafancymru.co.uk, call 01267 225569, or visit www.hafancymru.co.uk.