Understanding & Responding to Domestic Abuse

1 in 4 women in the UK will be subjected to domestic abuse in their lifetime, a figure which is mirrored in our churches
Around 84% of women who are part of faith communities choose to disclose abuse to a leader in the community.
Would you know what to do if someone in your church disclosed that they were being abused? Do you feel equipped to support them?

We are delighted to be working with Restored UK to deliver their established training programme for ministers, leaders and key volunteers. The three-level training pathway is designed to equip churches and faith-based communities with increasing confidence, understanding and practical skills when responding to domestic abuse, with each level building on the previous one.

Level 1 is an introductory course is designed to help churches feel more confident in recognising domestic abuse and responding safely to disclosures.

On the day, we will explore:

What domestic abuse is, using the UK government definition, with particular emphasis on coercive and controlling behaviour
How to recognise signs of abuse by understanding the beliefs that underpin abusive behaviour and their impact on victims and survivors
Why domestic abuse happens, including common myths, misuse of power, and a theological reflection on broken relationships
Why victims/survivors may not leave abusive relationships, and the barriers they face
Who is most affected by domestic abuse, including prevalence in society and within church communities
How to offer appropriate, safe and compassionate support, recognising the limits of our role and responsibilities

To sign up, please click here.

Level 2 builds on Level 1 by deepening understanding and helping churches know what to do when abuse is disclosed.

It focuses on:

The root causes of domestic abuse and its impact on victims and survivors
How faith and theology can both challenge and, at times, unintentionally reinforce abuse
Coercion and control, explored in more depth
Using the Duluth Model to understand patterns of abusive behaviour
Trauma-informed responses that prioritise safety, dignity and empowerment

To sign up, please click here.

Level 3 is a more practical course, designed to equip churches and faith-based organisations to walk alongside survivors in safe, informed, and appropriate ways.

This level covers:

An introduction to trauma and how it should shape our responses
How to handle disclosures of abuse safely and well
A reflection on boundaries and roles, including what churches can and cannot offer
An overview of how the UK safeguarding and support system works, and how to signpost effectively
Supporting survivors over time while avoiding harm, over-involvement or retraumatisation

To sign up, please click here.

Level 1: Domestic Abuse Awareness

Level 2: Domestic Abuse Understanding

Level 3: Domestic Abuse Response