Father and Son holding hands, zoomed in image

Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (Chidva) training

An OCNLR Level 3 Certificate in Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (Chidva) training will equip you with the knowledge, tools and strategies essential for working with child victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Coming soon...

Course overview

 

This qualification offers practitioners the opportunity to work to break the cycle of domestic abuse, by developing the core skills required to support child victims and survivors.

 

This qualification is designed to respond to the lack of training provision for frontline workers and professionals supporting children and families affected by the trauma of domestic abuse and coercive control.

 

This domestic abuse training course for children has two units, each will enable learners to develop the knowledge and skills required to become an impactful children’s domestic abuse practitioner, officially titled: Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (Chidva).

Successful completion of this accredited course will give you an OCNLR Level 3 certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention and Intervention. 

 


Unit 1: Understanding children’s experiences of domestic abuse

 

  • Understand children’s experiences of domestic abuse.
  • Understand the impact and trauma of domestic abuse on children and how to support them.
  • Understand professional responses to children and young people affected by domestic abuse and their families.
  • Understand the importance of multi-agency working when supporting children affected by domestic abuse.
  • Understand the role of The Family Court in domestic abuse cases involving children.

 


Unit 2: Understanding the role of a Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (Chidva)

 

  • Understand how to effectively assess needs of children affected by domestic abuse. 
  • Be able to plan and support children affected by domestic abuse and their families. 
  • Understand the importance of reflection in own practice. 

 

Time commitment

The Chidva course comprises 6 days (in-room, online, or hybrid) training, delivered in two blocks; e-learning modules which must be completed prior to attending each block of training; and the completion of two assessed worksheets that are submitted online.

The list below provides guidance on recommended study time you should allow:

  • Guided learning (training blocks, pre-course reading and e-learning modules) – 112 hours
  • Worksheets – 48 hours
  • Total course time requirement – 160 hours

Price

£1,125 per learner. This training is tax exempt.

Subsidies

The reduced fee spaces are allocated by random selection from the pool of successful applicants who qualify. Please ensure that you complete the application as fully as possible as the answers provided on the application will be used to determine eligible learners. 

  • Subsidised space £900 - Learners from registered charities with an annual income of less than £1million. 
  • Super subsidised space £450 - Learners from registered charities with an annual income of less than £500,000. 

How to apply

Applications for the Chidva Spring 2026 course are now open. If you cannot make any of the courses currently on offer, please register your interest below, and we’ll contact you when future dates are confirmed.

Additional information about the application process can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Accessibility

We welcome everyone who values an inclusive and supportive learning space. 

We encourage you to share with us any details on accessibility and diversity needs so we can ensure the right support is in place. You can also contact us if you have any queries via [email protected].

We want you to feel proud and confident in your role as a highly qualified professional, which is why all of our England and Wales-based courses continue to be accredited by OCN London.

Learn more about OCN London

Eligibility

The OCNLR Level 3 Certificate in Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate qualification is suitable for professionals aged 18+ working in a role supporting children and their families from a wide range of backgrounds; and/or have a relevant experience. 

 


Register your interest today

Register your interest by submitting the following form, and we’ll contact you when future dates are confirmed. 

 

Register your interest

 


Get in touch

Contact our training team with any queries.

 

Email the training team

Available Training

CHI26A

Block 1: 20th – 22nd January 2026

Block 2: 24th – 26th February 2026


Time:
9:30 am – 4:30 pm


Location:
Online – Zoom

CHI26B

Block 1: 24th – 26th March 2026

Block 2: 28th – 30th April 2026


Time:
9:30 am – 4:30 pm


Location:
Online – Zoom

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