Course content and objectives
The course consists of eight units, taught over 15 days, which aim to equip learners with practical skills and an understanding of the role and ethics of an IDVA. Considerable effort has been made in developing the programme to keep all the training focused on the practical application of the knowledge gained.
We equip learners with a clear understanding of how to assess risk, support high risk clients and address the issues that they face in a consistent and professional way, as well as improving their ability to work with other statutory agencies in responding to abuse. We believe that there are 4 main building blocks to achieving this all of which need to integrate the full range of diversity issues throughout.
Firstly, IDVAs need specific skills. They will need to have the skills to motivate and enable high risk clients to make changes in their lives. Motivational Interviewing forms the basis of the skills needed to engage with clients, many of whom may be reluctant to access support. They need to have a good grasp of what the recognised stages of change are that any individual will have to go through in order to address their situation effectively. We also expect IDVAs to work in a pro-social way in their dealings with other agencies, colleagues, clients and even CAADA! Throughout the course we will consider how diversity may affect a client’s safety, it is crucial that IDVAs can work in a way that pro-actively supports groups with diverse needs.
Secondly, IDVAs need a clear understanding of risk assessment and risk management. This includes an understanding of how risk in domestic violence situations is linked to the key areas of public protection including child abuse and homicide. IDVAs need to be familiar with risk management strategies both individually and in a multi-agency setting such as with the MARACs. They need to be confident in analysing the degree of risk faced by a client, in safety planning and in determining when to access other support services.
Thirdly, IDVAs need a thorough practical knowledge of the full range of options available to survivors of domestic violence. This includes the criminal and civil justice systems as they relate to personal safety, housing, support for vulnerable adults and children and financial independence. They need to be able to support an individual so that they are able to access all appropriate services to reduce their risks.
Finally, IDVAs need to recognise that their role does not end with a range of tangible interventions such as outlined in the two paragraphs above. Without working with a survivor to build, or re-build her local support network, or social capital, these tangible interventions will inevitably be less effective. |
