Training

An abused woman goes to up to ten different agencies before receiving the help she needs. (Dominy and Radford 1996)

Many professionals do take domestic violence seriously, responding appropriately and with understanding. We know that many professionals are concerned about their service to women and children, but lack sufficient training and support to be confident about their practices. Refuge can support professional organisations by assisting with domestic violence training.

Refuge works with the professionals and agencies that come into contact with abused women and children to raise their awareness of the issue. We help them respond effectively when a woman or child turns to them for support, and to respect rather than judge.

When abused women and children receive appropriate responses based on an understanding of domestic violence, we move closer to better protection and empowering them towards safety.

Training the professionals

Refuge has provided training for the police, primary healthcare workers, midwives, psychiatrists, education professionals, social services, housing and welfare officers, the clergy and voluntary sector agencies.

Conferences and events

Refuge regularly speaks at conferences and events to raise awareness of the issue, educate and inform professionals and agencies working with abused women and children. Recent speaking events include:

• Domestic Violence - policing, prosecution & support beyond the Bill. Focus on women with no recourse to public funds. July 2004
• Northern Domestic Violence Platform for South Asian Women, Refuge chair. June 2004
• Community Care Live 2004 conference. June 2004
• Police Federation Annual 2004 conference. June 2004
• Tackling Domestic Violence 2004 conference, Neil Stewart Associates. May 2004

Internationally Refuge is looked to as a model of excellence. Refuge regularly advises foreign governments on domestic violence policy. Recent visits include Portugal, South Korea, Malawi, Spain, Canada, amongst others.