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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

Available training

Idaa 12-day accredited training

  • 4 blocks
  • 3 days of learning per block
  • 9.30 am-4.30 pm per day
  • Online, Zoom 

 

Assessment input 
Wed 5 March (10 am-11.30 am)

 

Block 1 
Day 1: Wed 12 March
Day 2: Wed 19 March
Day 3: Wed 26 March

 

Block 2
Day 1: Wed 16 April
Day 2: Wed 23 April
Day 3: Wed 30 April

 

Block 3
Day 1: Wed 14 May
Day 2: Wed 21 May
Day 3: Wed 28 May

 

Block 4
Day 1: Wed 11 June
Day 2: Wed 18 June
Day 3: Wed 25 June

You must have at least six months of experience working with those affected by domestic abuse to apply for this course.

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 practicing within Scotland with the relevant knowledge and experience.

 

This is not an entry level course and the broad range of topics covered means it is only suitable for practitioners with at least six months of experience.

 

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 but have previous experience of working with those who are experiencing DA.
  • Managers of a domestic abuse service who have experience of managing a caseload or managing those with a caseload.

 

If you are new to supporting people experiencing domestic abuse, an application should not be made until you have at least six months experience.

 

If you are providing support to victims in a voluntary capacity, this course is unlikely to be suitable for you, but if you have any doubts about whether you are eligible for the training, please get in touch with our team via [email protected].

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 are now open!

 

Deadline for applications = Friday 17 January 2025.

 

Apply now

 

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 [email protected].

Learner expectations

In order to receive the accreditation, learners must:

  • Attend all 12 training days in full
  • Complete all 4 adjoining assessments (taking on average 2.5 days per assessment) *
  • Train online with cameras on and contributing throughout.

 

*We do not allow learners to only attend the training and opt out of the qualification. By signing up, learners are committing to attending the full 12 days, as well as completing the four adjoining assessments to receive their accreditation.

Manager expectations

If you are Line Manager thinking of putting someone forward for the training, it is important to understand that:

  • Learners must not be interrupted during training
  • Study time should be provided (1 day minimum per assessment – 4 in total)
  • Support should be offered throughout to ensure that workload and training is balanced.

Available training

Idaa 12-day accredited training

  • 4 blocks
  • 3 days of learning per block
  • 9.30 am-4.30 pm per day
  • Online, Zoom 

 

Assessment input 
Wed 5 March (10 am-11.30 am)

 

Block 1 
Day 1: Wed 12 March
Day 2: Wed 19 March
Day 3: Wed 26 March

 

Block 2
Day 1: Wed 16 April
Day 2: Wed 23 April
Day 3: Wed 30 April

 

Block 3
Day 1: Wed 14 May
Day 2: Wed 21 May
Day 3: Wed 28 May

 

Block 4
Day 1: Wed 11 June
Day 2: Wed 18 June
Day 3: Wed 25 June

The DACA standards are a world first!  

The Domestic Abuse Court Advocacy website offers lots of useful insights for learners and professionals. From information about the DACA standards themselves, to accreditations, news, background materials, reports, and important resources.

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The Domestic Abuse Court Advocacy (DACA) standards

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