Half-day interactive, online course
Professionals supporting those affected by domestic abuse often encounter a complex landscape of co-existing needs, particularly when mental health challenges and substance misuse are involved. This course explores the “trio of vulnerabilities” that can increase risk, complicate disclosure, and impact service engagement.
Through interactive discussion, case examples and guided reflection, you’ll explore how these three issues intersect and how to respond without blame, stigma, or assumptions.
You’ll develop greater confidence in recognising overlap between client groups, working with disclosure, and recording information appropriately, while ensuring trauma-informed, person-centred support.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the definitions and legal context of domestic abuse
- Recognise the added complexity when mental health and substance misuse are involved
- Explore how these factors overlap and increase vulnerability or risk
- Identify the barriers to support and engagement for clients experiencing multiple challenges
- Use effective, respectful questioning techniques in practice
- Understand your responsibilities in recording, safeguarding, and referral
- Take a non-judgemental, holistic approach when working with adults in these situations
When issues overlap, the risks escalate. This course helps professionals untangle complexity and provide safe, supportive responses.
This half day course is free to all Sheffield workers because we have funding from SCC. If you do not work in Sheffield, please see our national training programme which can be accessed by everybody.
We have limited places and it is therefore important that you only register for a course if you intend to attend. If you are unable to attend your course for any reason, you must unregister so someone else can take your place. IDAS will report repeat incidents of non-attendance to your direct report.
We operate a three strikes policy and non-attenders who miss three sessions will be blocked from registering for future IDAS training.
