The level of training and awareness you require about domestic abuse is dependent on your role within the BFC community and what type of response is expected of you. There are two types of response universal and specialist and two levels within each response;
Universal: Level 1 & 2
Awareness training for universal responses can be accessed online via IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Service) and takes between 1-2 hours to complete resulting in a certificate of completion. To open a free account and access the online IDAS course, go to, or copy this link into your web browser: https://courses.idas.org.uk/ and follow instructions to set up a free training account. There is no cost to the training.
If you have access to MODNet you can complete the Domestic Abuse Awareness course on the Defence Learning Environment (DLE). Additionally there is course on Domestic and Partner Abuse Against Men.
Specialist Level 3 Training
This course will equip staff with a more detailed understanding of domestic violence and abuse and more specialist skills in risk identification and assessment, safety planning and liaison with specialist support services. The course will also be an introduction to the Safe and Together Model (best practice model for those working with domestic abuse). The course is aimed at child safeguarding social workers, GP’s, safeguarding nurses, midwives and health visitors, multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC) representatives and adult safeguarding staff including, personal family support workers and unit welfare staff.
The next dates (subject to COVID) for level 3 are TBC
Specialist Level 4 Training
This course is for staff who are required to give expert advice and support to people experiencing domestic abuse. This is for specialist staff such as social workers & personal family support workers. BFSWS commissions training for its own staff at this level and where possible opens this up to other specialist staff such as the Police. Staff who require training at this level should discuss with their line manager.
BFC Domestic Abuse Briefing
Alongside the above training, unit leads can request a BFC Domestic Abuse Briefing that covers the local referral pathways and resources within BFC. This briefing (lasting 60 minutes) is intended for those providing a universal or specialist response. It can be delivered to Medical Centre staff, Unit Welfare Teams and other groups that need to be aware of local responses to domestic abuse. Briefs will be delivered to units / agencies as identified or at request.
REGISTRATION & BOOKINGS
For the latest information about courses in your location (book a place, register your interest or book a briefing), please contact Gaynor Thompson (BFSWS Business Support) on:
E: safeguardingcyprus@forcessocialwork.com
T: (00 357) 2596 3318