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Independent domestic abuse advocate (Idaa) training aims to equip managers or practitioners in domestic abuse services in Scotland with the knowledge and skills to offer a consistent, safe and effective response to high risk victims of domestic abuse
Our Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy (Idaa) Training is co-delivered by ASSIST and Scottish Woman's Aid, along with contributions by specialist guest speakers. Through these expert speakers and relevant topics, this course aims to help you:
ASSIST, Scottish Women’s Aid and SafeLives are working in partnership to deliver a professional development award (PDA) in domestic abuse advocacy for practitioners working in Scotland.
Our Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy (Idaa) training is designed to equip managers or practitioners in domestic abuse services in Scotland with the knowledge and skills to offer a consistent, safe and effective response to high risk victims of domestic abuse.
The professional development award (PDA) for Scotland has been tailored to meet the needs of a Scottish audience and validated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Previous learner - 2023 cohortExtremely well organized. Incredible dedication of the facilitating and assessment team. High standards for learning. Found a really accepting and understanding group of people all dedicated to the same cause.
Training schedule:
Block 1: 4th Sept (10am – 11:30am), 11th Sept, 18th Sept, and 25th Sept (9:30am-4:30pm)
Block 2: 9th Oct, 23rd Oct, and 30th Oct (9:30am-4:30pm)
Block 3: 13th Nov, 20th Nov, and 27th Nov (9:30am-4:30pm)
Block 4: 15th Jan 2025, 22nd Jan 2025, 29th Jan 2025 (9:30am-4:30pm)
This training is delivered online, across four different blocks with a total of 12 training days. Each training is on a Wednesday from 9:30am – 16:30pm
Further information including details about the course structure can be found in our FAQs about Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy (Idaa) training.
The Idaa course is specifically tailored to those practising within Scotland. The broad range of topics covered on this course means it is suitable for experienced practitioners and those who are new to the role. This includes those who are:
If you are providing support to victims in a voluntary capacity, this course is unlikely to be suitable for you. If you have any doubts about whether you are eligible for the training, please get in touch with our training team.
£1,652 per learner (includes registration fees with SQA).
There are not currently any subsidies available for the Idaa training course.
For more information about the price and decision to not have subsidies, please see the joint statement from the Professional Development Award in Domestic Abuse Advocacy Steering Group.
Applications for the next Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (Idaa) training are open now, you can apply through the link above.
Please note, you will need to attend all 12 training days in full (as well as the introductory assessment and resource session on Weds 4th Sept), in order to receive accreditation and will need to participate throughout.
If you cannot make the above dates but are interested in a future course, please submit your name and email here. We will be back in touch once we have further dates – likely for Spring 2025.
Register your interest in future training
Please note, spaces are not first come, first serve and applications will be judged on a case by case basis. Please only apply for yourself and not on behalf of somebody else. When completing your application form, please ensure that you answer every question in full.
Additional information about the application process can be found in our FAQs
We welcome learners of all backgrounds and abilities. 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 training@safelives.org.uk.
Keep up to date with our latest work, research and training opportunities in Scotland.
