The format of DA Matters
DA Matters is firmly rooted in a gendered analysis of domestic abuse and represents the experiences of women, children, men, LGBT+ people and Black, Asian, and racially minoritised communities. It also includes analyses of the tactics perpetrators use to manipulate victims and responders, as well as the impact of domestic abuse and coercive control on the whole family.
There are two different training sessions: one for first responders and one for newly appointed Domestic Abuse (DA) Champions.
Our first responders training was delivered to over 14,000 officers and staff, representing a significant percentage of Police Scotland personnel. This included those who have contact with adult and child victims and perpetrators, front counter personnel, staff who take emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and control room staff.
We went on to train a further 700 officers and staff to become DA Champions, embedding practice and attitudinal change long term, in addition to the below:
- several lead-in and follow-up tasks to guide the content, sustaining the change into the future
- an interactive e-learning package designed to inform every police officer and member of police staff in Scotland about the legislation change and what it means to them
- training to the Strategic Leadership Board, executive level officers and staff to consolidate the messages at the highest level
Looking ahead
Between 2021 and 2022 SafeLives continue to work with Police Scotland to develop an interactive eLearning package for the Domestic Abuse Champions network. The eLearning will develop Champions’ knowledge on the different experiences of domestic abuse, how to safely respond and sustain the culture change.
