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Independent domestic abuse advocate (Idaa) training

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

Key course features

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:

  • Feel equipped to increase the safety of victims of domestic abuse
  • Increase your confidence levels through group work
  • Improve your career prospects with a professional development award on completion
  • Share experience and best practice with other Scottish domestic abuse practitioners in a learning environment.

Course overview

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.

Extremely 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.

Previous learner - 2023 cohort

Time commitment

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.

Eligibility

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:

  • Currently working as an independent domestic abuse advocate or domestic abuse practitioner
  • About to start work as an independent domestic abuse advocate or domestic abuse practitioner
  • Managers of a domestic abuse service with a caseload.

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.

Price

£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.

How to apply

Applications for the next Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (Idaa) training are closed.

Register your interest in future training

Additional information about the application process can be found in our FAQs

Accessibility

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.

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