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Combat Domestic Abuse for IDVAs and Domestic Abuse Specialists

Sponsored by the Army Benevolent Fund, this specialist training is for domestic abuse professionals supporting victims/survivors in the armed forces.

Key course features

Our 'Combat DA for IDVAs and Domestic Abuse Practitioners' training will enable you to:

  • Understand the structure, culture, and lived experiences of the armed forces community
  • Identify unique risk factors and vulnerabilities of military victims/survivors
  • Address housing, immigration, and veteran benefit challenges
  • Recognise military-specific perpetrator behaviours and tactics
  • Gain insight into internal military support systems and inter-agency collaboration
  • Explore intersectional experiences within military contexts, including minoritised groups and LGBT+ individuals.

Course overview

This specialist training course is designed for frontline domestic abuse practitioners – including IDVAs/IDAAs, YPVAs, ISVAs, and DA professionals – working with military serving and veteran communities – including the Army, RAF and Navy. It provides in-depth understanding of how military life can affect the dynamics of domestic abuse, shape perpetrator behaviours, and limit access to support for victim-survivors.

 

Drawing on findings from the Military Spotlight Report which will be published before the end of the year – the course explores trauma-informed, multi-agency approaches tailored to military-specific challenges and systems.

14 October Combat DA for IDVAs and Domestic Abuse Specialists

Wednesday 14 October 2026
Online Zoom
09:30 - 16.30

Register Now

21 October Combat DA for IDVAs and Domestic Abuse Specialists

Wednesday 21 October 2026
Online Zoom
09:30 - 16.30

Register Now

Time commitment

The course is delivered as a focused training session, designed to build on existing domestic abuse knowledge. It will take place over one full day, allowing attendees to engage deeply with the content without a long-term time commitment.

Eligibility

This course is suitable for professionals in frontline domestic abuse roles, including IDVAS/IDAAS, YPVAs, ISVAs, and DA practitioners. While attendees do not need to have completed an accredited IDVA course, they should have a foundational knowledge of domestic abuse issues. The training is especially valuable for those working with, or looking to better support, military-connected clients.

Price

Thanks to the generous support of the Army Benevolent Fund, this course is fully funded and free to attend.

Can’t make the date?

Register your interest for future courses

[The abuse] was escalated, and escalated, and escalated through his, like, chain of command, and they did absolutely nothing… He’s not a Trooper or a Lance Corporal, he’s a Sergeant. And his behaviours were really bringing the Army into disrepute, but they never really got a grip of him.

Survivor

I have been employed as an IDVA since 2009 and this is the first training i have undertaken regarding domestic abuse within the forces and in my professional opinion is much needed. . Whilst I am confident in recognising types of abuse and the tactics used by offenders i had limited knowledge of what support could be accessed . I was aware of services however not educated in what could be offered and at what point. Most importantly i am now aware of the barriers to accessing support and also the additional risks that could present once support has been accessed if the correct safety plan has not been implemented and information sharing hasn't taken place.

Previous Learner

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About training with SafeLives

Our training supports professionals to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, understand the issues, and respond quickly and effectively when a victim needs help.
A group of army veterans talking.

Domestic abuse and the military

SafeLives and the Army Benevolent Fund partner to improve the response to domestic abuse in military families through the creation of a spotlight report, specialist training and a toolkit for professionals.

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