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Learn Together

We are proud to deliver a programme of practice-informed training for professionals across England and Wales. 

Over 8,000 people train with us each year, working across sectors including health, education and local authorities. Our learning ranges from 40-minute bite-size online sessions and in-person workshops to comprehensive accredited programmes, including our Ofqual-regulated IDVA qualification.

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Accredited IDVA training

Train to become a skilled and confident Independent Domestic Violence Advisor with IDAS. This Ofqual-regulated programme combines expert teaching with real-world insight to prepare you for frontline practice supporting people affected by domestic abuse.

Find out more

Training for all

Sep
8
Worried woman looking out of her window discretely
Domestic Stalking and Harassment: Relentless Harm
Sep
15
Woman sitting at a laptop
IDAS Champions Training- Online Event
Sep
30
A hand palm painted with rainbow colours with a heart drawn on top
Supporting LGBT+ Victims of Domestic Abuse: Breaking the Silence
Oct
7
Safeguarding Children and Young People Affected by Domestic Abuse: Hidden Harm – CPD Accredited
Oct
22
Anxious young woman sitting at home
Understanding Coercive Control: The Pattern of Power – CPD Accredited
Nov
4
Two women in conversation in a cafe. One of them is an IDAS worker
Domestic Abuse Awareness for Professionals: Seeing the Whole Picture – CPD Accredited
Sep
8
Worried woman looking out of her window discretely
Domestic Stalking and Harassment: Relentless Harm
Sep
15
Woman sitting at a laptop
IDAS Champions Training- Online Event
Sep
30
A hand palm painted with rainbow colours with a heart drawn on top
Supporting LGBT+ Victims of Domestic Abuse: Breaking the Silence
Oct
7
Safeguarding Children and Young People Affected by Domestic Abuse: Hidden Harm – CPD Accredited
Oct
22
Anxious young woman sitting at home
Understanding Coercive Control: The Pattern of Power – CPD Accredited
Nov
4
Two women in conversation in a cafe. One of them is an IDAS worker
Domestic Abuse Awareness for Professionals: Seeing the Whole Picture – CPD Accredited
View all upcoming training
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Sheffield and Barnsley funded training

These sessions are fully funded by Sheffield and Barnsley Councils and are available exclusively to professionals working in these areas.

Sheffield workers

Sep
9
Hidden Harm: Domestic Abuse and the Safeguarding of Children and Young People – CPD Accredited (Sheffield Workers)
Sep
16
Young Love, Real Risk: Understanding Domestic Abuse in Adolescent Relationships – CPD Accredited (Sheffield Workers)
Sep
17
Two women in conversation in a cafe. One of them is an IDAS worker
Seeing the Whole Picture: A Professional Response to Domestic Abuse – CPD Accredited (Sheffield Workers)
View all Sheffield training

Barnsley workers

There are no upcoming training events.
View all Barnsley training

Volunteers

We run a comprehensive programme of training to support our volunteers. Sign-in to access core training and our rolling programme of volunteer training sessions. 

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“I found the training really helpful, and it’s reminded me to be more mindful during visits and consider any barriers that might prevent someone from making a disclosure.”

Kay, Mental Health Housing Support Officer

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‘Hysterical’

Calling women ‘hysterical’ if they appear distressed, upset or disturbed often discounts their experiences. Other labels used can include, but are not limited to, “unstable” or “over-reacting”, “unable to keep their emotions in check”.  These statements are routed in sexism.

Another thing to note is that the description of being hysterical is provided by the alleged abuser. Often abusers will try to manipulate professionals in a bid to sabotage the victims’ credibility and to minimise or detract from the abuse.

Language is extremely important in documentation as the documentation will provide a narrative of what is happening and will often determine what course of action will be needed next.

Documentation may be called for as evidence in both civil and criminal cases, including family court for protective orders or child contact arrangements.

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‘Male appeared calm and assisted with enquiries’
We cannot assume that because one party displays anger and aggression or is less in control of their emotions that they are a primary perpetrator. It is a myth that perpetrators “lose control” or have anger management issues when they abuse their partners. Domestic violence is the most often, the opposite of losing control; perpetrators know what they are doing and use their abusive tactics of choice to maintain dominance in the relationship.
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Verbal argument only
It is important to remember that many couples argue, but for an argument to escalate to the point that the neighbours fear for a person’s safety that they phone the police on the emergency number, this should warrant further in-depth investigation. Statements such as “verbal argument only” will minimise harm and fear caused by verbal abuse. In turn it will also minimise the victims experience of the incident. The danger of using language that may minimise an abusive incident is that it will send a message to victims that the act was not abusive and if the victim felt it was abusive then they are over-reacting. Over time, this can lead to an escalation of abuse if the warning signs are not spotted, or intervention is not offered at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, the statement ‘Verbal Argument Only’ suggests that only physical violence is worthy of investigation. However, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as:  Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following—
  • (a)physical or sexual abuse;
  • (b)violent or threatening behaviour;
  • (c)controlling or coercive behaviour;
  • (d)economic abuse (see subsection (4));
  • (e)psychological, emotional or other abuse;
The act makes it clear that verbal abuse is part of domestic abuse.
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