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Specialist: Responding to victims of sexual violence (RSV) training

Build your skills, knowledge and confidence, to improve your professional response to victims of sexual violence or abuse.

Key course features

Just some of what the ‘Responding to victims of sexual violence’ course covers includes:

  • The short- and long-term effects of sexual violence and abuse, including the impact of adverse childhood experiences, mental health and responses to trauma.
  • Key skills and approaches for working with victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
  • Relevant legislation, and how to apply it in practice.
  • The workings of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and the services and support such centres can offer.
  • A case study taking you through the entire criminal justice process – from police investigation to court – with support from an expert police trainer.

Course overview

SafeLives Responding to Sexual Violence (RSV) specialist course is made up of Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) content focusing on supporting victims of sexual abuse. 

 

This course is one of our specialist-level courses. Please see further information about eligibility for this course below. The course is designed as further development following the foundation IDVA course, which covers the core domestic abuse knowledge you would want as an ISVA.  

 

This course has been developed in conjunction with Ynys Saff Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Cardiff and approved by the Home Office.

 

Successful completion of this accredited course and the IDVA foundation course will give you the title of OCN Qualified ISVA. 

 

Topics covered in this course include:

  • Current legislation for consent and sexual offences under Sexual Offences Act, Domestic Abuse Act and Online Safety Act.
  • Prevalence, impact of sexual violence and trauma responses.
  • Practical strategies to promote disclosure of sexual violence and guidance on how to respond.
  • Criminal justice process from reporting to police, CPS decision making and attending court.
  • Insight into police investigation and interview strategies.
  • Needs assessments for ISVAs, practical and emotional safety planning.
  • Details of sexual health provision and SARC
  • Advocacy and challenging rape myths with clients and other professionals.

Very informative - covers the different aspects of the ISVA role. Although online, it's interactive and the groups in the breakout rooms work well. Lots of information prior to the course so you feel somewhat prepared for what is to come.

Previous learner

Time commitment

The RSV specialist course comprises five days of online training over two blocks; eLearning modules which must be completed prior to attending each block of training; and the completion of one assessed worksheet that is submitted online.

 

You must attend all five days.

 

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

  • Guided learning (training blocks, pre-course reading and eLearning modules) – 40 hours
  • Worksheets – 15 hours
  • Notional study – 40 hours

Total course time requirement – 95 hours

 

Eligibility

Our responding to victims of sexual violence course is one of our specialist-level courses. It is designed for learners who have already qualified as an IDVA (or equivalent role) or YPVA and want to top up their knowledge by attending a shorter (five day) course in a new subject.

 

To be classed as a qualified ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) you must have completed the IDVA foundation and this responding to victims of sexual violence specialist course.

 

Learn more about our IDVA foundation course

 

Please note that this course is tailored to practitioners in England and Wales. If you are living in Scotland, please get in touch with our team via email: [email protected].

I now feel more able to provide information and support to victims to enable them to make choices in how they would want to progress, by having more understanding of the processes and what they can expect to happen.

Previous learner

Price

£845 per learner

Subsidies

A limited number of subsidised places are available specifically for by-and-for services. These reduced-fee places will be allocated through a random selection process from the pool of successful applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

Please ensure your application is completed as fully as possible, as the information provided will be used to determine eligibility.

 

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 [email protected].

Available training

RSV2601

Dates
  • Block 1 Part 1: 13 & 14 October
  • Block 1 Part 2: 20, 21 & 22 October

You must attend all 5 days

Time

09:30 – 16:30

Online

Zoom

Apply here

A few words from our trainer

Learn how to respond to a disclosure of sexual violence.

In this short video, ISVA and former manager of Ynys Saff (Cardiff SARC) discusses how this course helps practitioners feel more confident in responding to a disclosure of sexual violence.

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