Training and development

Improving the way we deal with domestic abuse in Suffolk is a priority for the Community Safety Unit and for all District and Borough Council’s Community Safety Partnerships in Suffolk. One of the ways we are tackling this problem is through a programme of multi-agency training, annual conferences and other developmental opportunities that are open to staff from agencies in Suffolk.

Our programme is based on developing best working practice and forms an integral part of the County Council’s and our partner’s collective commitment to work together to address the causes and effects of domestic abuse in Suffolk. This is outlined in detail in the Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership Strategy for Suffolk 2008 - 2011 Staff in contact with and working with victims / survivors, including children, need to have a developed level of skills and knowledge to enable them to carry out their roles effectively. This includes:


Being able to recognise different forms of abuse; understand the nature and dynamics of abusive relationships and adopt safe practices at an appropriate level.

Being able to recognise domestic abuse as a significant factor in the safeguarding of children and adult safeguarding and identify those at risk of harm.

An awareness of the legislative framework surrounding domestic abuse including the role of specialist domestic violence courts, staff guidance and local services.

Being able to work effectively with others both within their own agency and across organisational boundaries.

Training is aimed at providing the building blocks for effective responses at all levels. The core module (level 1) broadly relates to a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Level 2 and 3 are intermediate and specialist modules aimed at those with defined and designated roles often working with challenging and complex situations.

Level

Course

Duration

 

E learning

Introduction to Domestic Abuse

 

In development for 2009/10

1

Domestic Violence Awareness

½ day

Multi-agency

2

Tools for Practitioners

(safety planning/risk assessment)

1 day

Multi/single agency

2

Domestic Abuse and Children

1 day

Multi-agency

2

Domestic Abuse: Overview of Law

½ day

Multi-agency

2

Domestic Abuse: Housing Issues

1 day

Single agency

3

MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conferencing)

½ day

Multi-agency

3

Freedom Programme: training for facilitators

1-2 days

Multi- agency

4

Training for Trainers

1-2 days

In development for 2009/10

Click on the links below for further information and courses available on the Domestic Violence and Abuse Training Programme 2008 – 2009, details of conferences and seminars available and application form.

Training Programme 08/09 (PDF 68KB) - Please contact : Jodie Rendell 01473 260777;
Jodie.Rendell@csu.suffolkcc.gov.uk

Domestic violence training and development programme annual report 06-07 (PDF 83.5 KB)

DVA Partnership Strategy 2008 – 2011 & action plan 2008 (under review)