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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261005T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261005T120000
DTSTAMP:20260626T130040Z
CREATED:20260626T130040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T130040Z
UID:10000634-1791194400-1791201600@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Women and Gambling Related Harm
DESCRIPTION:This recommended course for support workers aligns with National Quality Service Standards 4.1\, 4.2\, 4.3 and completing the course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nThis training aims to increase confidence in identifying signs of gambling-related harm and how to respond and signpost for support. \nBy the end of the session participants will be able to: \n\nDescribe what gambling harm is and identify its different forms.\nRecognise the risk factors and drivers of gambling harm.\nSpot the signs of gambling harm.\nUnderstand the impacts of gambling harm for women who gamble or who are an affected other.\nDetermine appropriate referral pathways for help and support.\n\nThis training will be delivered by Gamcare\, a charity providing information\, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/women-and-gambling-related-harm/
LOCATION:Online (Teams)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261006T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261006T160000
DTSTAMP:20260827T111926Z
CREATED:20260827T111835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T111926Z
UID:10000653-1791295200-1791302400@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Network Discussion Session on SGov Consultation on Legal Aid Reform
DESCRIPTION:SWA would like to invite you to a discussion session on the latest Scottish Government consultation\, which is focussing on Legal Aid Reform \nThey are consulting on proposals for a new Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill \, “to modernise the legal aid system and create a simpler\, more sustainable and user-focused framework for publicly funded legal assistance. While Scotland’s legal aid system remains broad in scope and demand-led\, concerns have been raised about accessibility\, complexity\, sustainability and the system’s ability to respond to changing need. The reforms seek to move legal aid from a predominantly reactive\, process-driven model towards a modern public service that is easier to access\, simpler to administer\, more accountable\, and better able to meet Scotland’s future legal needs while remaining financially sustainable. \nConsultation paper available here  https://consult.gov.scot/justice/reforming-legal-aid-in-scotland/- closing date 13th October 2026. \nKey Reform Proposals \nClear Purpose and Strategic Direction \nThe Bill would establish a clear purpose for legal aid\, supported by principles and periodically updated objectives set by Scottish Ministers. This would provide stronger strategic direction and clearer accountability for delivering outcomes. \nSimplifying the System \n Proposals include: \n\nStreamlining existing legal aid categories.\nSimplifying eligibility\, contributions and repayment arrangements.\nImproving data sharing to support passporting and reduce administrative burdens.\nCreating a voluntary accredited “high-trust” model\, giving approved solicitors greater autonomy and reducing unnecessary approvals and delays.\n\nDiversifying Service Delivery \nWhile retaining judicare as the core delivery model\, the Bill would provide greater flexibility to: \n\nCommission services through grants or contracts.\nUse directly employed solicitors where appropriate.\nTarget resources to areas of unmet need.\nSupport innovative and preventative approaches to legal service delivery.\n\n Strengthening Planning and Accountability \nScottish Ministers would set priorities and budgets\, the Scottish Legal Aid Board would produce strategic delivery plans to meet those priorities\, and Parliament would have a greater role in scrutiny and oversight. The aim is a more planned and accountable system linked to clearly defined outcomes. \nWhat Will Stay the Same? \nThe consultation is based on the principle that: \n\nLegal aid should continue to be broadly available across Scots law.\nCore judicare legal aid should remain demand-led.\nSupport should remain targeted towards those least able to pay.\nThose who can reasonably contribute to costs should continue to do so.\n\nFacilitator: Louise Johnson\, SWA National Policy Lead – Legal Issues
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/network-discussion-session-on-sgov-consultation-on-legal-aid-reform/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T130000
DTSTAMP:20260521T080339Z
CREATED:20260515T074931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T080339Z
UID:10000628-1791367200-1791378000@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Professional Boundaries
DESCRIPTION:This recommended course for all staff & volunteers and mandatory course for support workers aligns with National Quality Service Standards  6.3 and completing the course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nMore info:  \nProfessional boundaries are an essential part of being an effective Women’s Aid worker. Developing and maintaining boundaries helps to: protect vulnerable individuals; uphold the professional and ethical integrity of Women’s Aid organisations; and prevent staff burnout. However\, it can be challenging to achieve the right balance between maintaining professional boundaries and building trust and rapport with those we support.  In our work with women\, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse\, it is inevitable that we will be faced with boundary challenges and dilemmas. This course aims to provide participants with a stronger understanding of professional boundaries and equip them with the knowledge\, understanding and skills to navigate boundary challenges in the professional context. \nBy the end of the session\, participants will be able to: \n\nDefine boundaries and explain why they are important in the context of working with survivors of domestic abuse\nExplain the types of boundaries in a professional context\nIdentify personal strengths and areas for improvement in maintaining professional boundaries\nRecognise the power imbalance within the professional/service user relationship and how this impacts the negotiation of boundaries\nUse key good practice questions to reduce the risk of crossing boundaries\nApply good practice in reducing risk and maintaining boundaries\nExplain how to escalate concerns and the process of whistleblowing\n\nFacilitator: Roseanna Macdonald is the Learning and Development Coordinator at Scottish Women’s Aid. She has over 12 years’ experience of working on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) and human rights issues. Her most recent roles included working as the CYP Policy Worker at Scottish Women’s Aid and for the United Nations\, providing capacity-building on preventing and responding to VAWG across the Middle East and North Africa.  
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/professional-boundaries-5/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T113000
DTSTAMP:20260807T142030Z
CREATED:20260807T142030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T142030Z
UID:10000638-1791453600-1791459000@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Tips on Best Practice Website Design and Content
DESCRIPTION:Your website is often the first place someone goes when they need support\, information\, or to find out more about your organisation. This module introduces the principles of effective website content and design\, helping you create clear\, accessible and user-focused pages that meet the needs of your audiences. It also explores how people are finding information online today\, including through AI and social media\, and what this means for your website. \nThis training is designed for staff working in Women’s Aid local services who are responsible for updating or managing website content. No communications or technical expertise is required. \nBy the end of this module\, you will be able to: \n\nUnderstand the principles of user-focused website content.\nIdentify what makes an effective homepage and content page.\nWrite clear\, accessible content that helps users quickly find the information they need.\nApply simple best practice techniques to improve your website’s visibility in search and AI-generated results.\nRecognise common website content issues and identify practical improvements you can make.\nUse a simple checklist to review and maintain your website content over time.\n\nFacilitator: Kaylia Dunstan \nKaylia is a Communications Lead at Scottish Women’s Aid and has over two decades of experience in communications\, media and marketing\, including driving successful national campaigns across the public\, private and non-profit sectors.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/tips-on-best-practice-website-design-and-content/
LOCATION:Online (Teams)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T130000
DTSTAMP:20260831T082847Z
CREATED:20260212T151603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T082847Z
UID:10000611-1791972000-1791982800@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Networked Misogyny: Incels\, Tradwives and the Violent Fringe of the Manosphere
DESCRIPTION:This recommended course for frontline practitioners aligns with the National Quality Service Standards\,1.5\, 1.7\, 2\, 4.1\, 4.5 and 6.2. Completing this course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nThis training explores the growing influence of networked misogyny and its relevance to violence against women and girls. Focusing on online cultures such as incel communities\, men’s rights activism\, and trad-wife ideologies\, the course examines how misogynistic beliefs are produced\, shared\, and normalised through digital networks—and how these narratives can shape attitudes\, behaviours\, and risks in women’s lives. \nDesigned for frontline practitioners\, the training connects online misogyny to offline harm\, including coercive control\, harassment\, stalking\, and intimate partner abuse. Participants will develop practical skills to recognise warning signs\, assess risk\, respond safely to disclosures\, and maintain survivor-centred\, trauma-informed practice. The course also addresses practitioner wellbeing and professional boundaries when working with misogynistic narratives. \nThis training supports frontline workers to better understand emerging forms of gendered harm and strengthen responses that prioritise women’s safety and dignity. \nLearning Outcomes \nBy the end of this training\, frontline workers will be able to: \n\nIdentify and describe key forms of networked misogyny—including incel communities\, men’s rights activism\, and trad-wife ideologies—and explain their relevance to violence against women and girls.\nRecognise how online misogynistic cultures shape attitudes\, behaviours\, and justifications for coercive control\, harassment\, sexual violence\, and intimate partner abuse.\nUnderstand pathways between online misogyny and offline harm\, including escalation from grievance-based narratives to entitlement\, hostility\, and violence.\nAssess risk more effectively by incorporating awareness of networked misogyny into existing VAW risk assessment and safety-planning frameworks.\nApply an intersectional understanding of how misogyny intersects with racism\, migration status\, disability\, sexuality\, and economic dependency in shaping women’s experiences of harm.\nRecognise the emotional and professional impact of exposure to misogynistic content on frontline workers and implement strategies for supervision\, boundaries\, and self-care.\n\nTrainer: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid\, managing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland. Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid\, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid\, as well as an extensive background in L&D and child protection – both within statutory and third sector services.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/networked-misogyny-incels-tradwives-and-the-violent-fringe-of-the-manosphere-2/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261022T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261022T123000
DTSTAMP:20260702T080259Z
CREATED:20260626T100542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T080259Z
UID:10000618-1792661400-1792672200@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Understanding the Link Between Suicide and Domestic Abuse
DESCRIPTION:This recommended course for support workers aligns with National Quality Service Standards  2.6\, 3.5 and completing the course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nSession overview: \nPerpetrators of domestic abuse employ a wide range of tactics to control and abuse their partners or ex -partners. Victim/survivors frequently report a wide range of controlling\, emotional and destructive tactics all of which can have devastating effects on their physical and psychological safety and wellbeing. \nIn the UK the number of known victims of domestic abuse who have died by suicide now outnumbers the number of women killed by their partner or ex-partner.  Research by Professor Jane Monckton-Smith and other academics also highlight many women who die by suicide are  in fact  ‘hidden victims’ of domestic abuse with Professor Monckton – Smith developing an 8 Stage Suicide Timeline to aid risk assessment and safety management. \nThis session seeks to explore the literature and emerging research in this area\, enabling consideration as to how best safety and risk can be considered in this context\, potential indicators\, the principles of safety planning and the importance of signposting to specialist services. \nBy the end of the session you will be able to:  \n\nIdentify the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience it and how it affects their physical and emotional health.\nRecognise the relationship between suicide and experiencing domestic abuse.\nDescribe the main issues in asking and responding to anyone experiencing domestic abuse where suicide may be a concern.\nReflect and build upon the skills\, knowledge and tools to better identify risk\, assess protective factors and increase safety for those experiencing domestic abuse.\nIdentify support pathways and organisations to support women potentially at risk of suicide due to the actions of perpetrators of domestic abuse.\n\nTrainer: Judy Ferguson is the National Training Coordinator at Scottish Women’s Aid\, a certified Safe & Together Trainer and a qualified IDAA Judy spent nearly 10 years working in a specialist domestic abuse service and 5 years serving on the board of Scottish Women’s Aid. Judy works widely across a arrange of settings and is passionate about improving the understanding of\, and response to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/understanding-the-link-between-suicide-and-domestic-abuse/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261022T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261022T113000
DTSTAMP:20260807T142343Z
CREATED:20260807T142343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T142343Z
UID:10000639-1792663200-1792668600@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:An Introduction to Working with the Media
DESCRIPTION:Whether you work in communications\, administration\, frontline services or another role\, understanding how the media works can help your organisation communicate more effectively. This introductory training provides an overview of engaging with the media\, preparing your organisation and spokespeople\, and sharing messages that support survivors while protecting your organisation’s reputation. \nBy the end of this session\, you’ll be able to: \n\nUnderstand what journalists are looking for and what makes a story newsworthy.\nRecognise the different ways organisations communicate with the media\, including media releases and statements.\nUnderstand the basics of how to prepare your organisation and spokesperson for media enquiries.\nLearn the basics of writing clear\, effective media statements.\nGain an introduction to preparing for radio and television interviews\, including key messaging techniques.\nConsider how media activity connects with your organisation’s website and social media channels.\nUnderstand the importance of communicating in a way that is accurate\, survivor-centred and reduces the risk of harm.\n\n  \nFacilitator: Kaylia Dunstan \nKaylia is a Communications Lead at Scottish Women’s Aid and has over two decades of experience in communications\, media and marketing\, including driving successful national campaigns across the public\, private and non-profit sectors.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/an-introduction-to-working-with-the-media/
LOCATION:Online (Teams)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261027T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261027T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T141521Z
CREATED:20260827T095812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T141521Z
UID:10000652-1793095200-1793106000@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Supporting Survivors of So-Called 'Honour'-Based Abuse and Forced Marriage
DESCRIPTION:This course aligns with National Quality Service Standards 2.5 and 2.9 and completing the course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nMore info: \nThis training equips practitioners with the knowledge\, confidence and practical skills required to identify\, respond to\, and support individuals experiencing so-called ‘honour’- based abuse and/or forced marriage. \nBy the end of the session\, participants will be able to: \n\nDefine key terminology related to so-called “honour”-based abuse (HBA)\, forced marriage and related forms of abuse\nIdentify common indicators and warning signs of HBA and forced marriage\nRecognise the link between HBA and forced marriage\nRecognise the distinctions between forced marriage and arranged marriage\nIdentify barriers survivors may face when accessing support services\nDiscuss how intersections of culture\, faith\, migration status\, racism\, disability\, sexuality\, ageism and other factors may shape survivors’ experiences\nRespond to disclosures of HBA or forced marriage in a safe\, trauma-informed\, and survivor-centred way\nUse risk assessment and safety planning tools appropriately in cases involving HBA and forced marriage\n\nFacilitators: This training will be delivered by Ariana Zane\, Policy Officer at Shakti Women’s Aid\, and Sweety Sharma\, Outreach Team Leader at Shakti Women’s Aid.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/supporting-survivors-of-so-called-honour-based-abuse-and-forced-marriage/
LOCATION:Online (Teams)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T130000
DTSTAMP:20260928T124136Z
CREATED:20260928T095012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T124136Z
UID:10000656-1793613600-1793624400@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Equally Safe and Supported: making support and justice accessible to survivors with learning disabilities
DESCRIPTION:The Scottish Commission for Learning Disabilities (SCLD) has developed a toolkit to support organisations to make their services accessible for women with learning disabilities who have experienced gender-based violence. Through using the toolkit\, organisations can identify practical ways to: \n\nRemove barriers to support for women with learning disabilities.\nBuild staff confidence and awareness.\nTake forward an improvement plan based on real needs and actions.\n\nThis interactive session will provide an introduction on how to use the toolkit and associated training resources effectively. It will also provide space for discussion and questions on best practice in supporting survivors with learning disabilities. \nFacilitators:  \nMichelle Mair: Michelle is SCLD’s Gender-Based Violence Project Adviser. She leads on all SCLD’s gender-based violence and learning disability projects and is Co-chair of the Scottish Government Gender-Based Violence and Learning Disability Steering Group. Michelle is also a Registered Specialist Learning Disability Nursing Practitioner with over 24 years’ experience of working as a Community Learning Disability Nurse. \nLewis Sherlock: Lewis is a Project Adviser at SCLD. Lewis works on a range of projects including our Delivering Equally Safe projects\, Coming Home and Museums and Galleries. He is a drama psychotherapist and has a background in facilitation.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/equally-safe-and-supported-making-support-and-justice-accessible-to-survivors-with-learning-disabilities/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Forums
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261103T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261103T120000
DTSTAMP:20261001T121723Z
CREATED:20260928T133841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T121723Z
UID:10000657-1793700000-1793707200@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Victim Support Organisation Engagement - Throughcare Standards - Section 13 Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023
DESCRIPTION:The Scottish Government is inviting Women’s Aid services to take part in a roundtable\, as part of the development of the throughcare standards\, provided for at Section 13 of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2023/4/section/13 \nAn agenda will be circulated closer to the time\, however\, the main purpose of the roundtable is to consider from a victims’ perspective\, current throughcare arrangements\, including where arrangements may work well and where gaps or challenges are present. \nInformation gathered from this roundtable session will directly feed into the development of draft standards. These draft standards will be put to a full 12-week public consultation\, responses to which will be used to inform the throughcare standards which will be published by February 2028.  To aid discussions\, we have divided throughcare provision into seven core themed areas. These are: \n\nAccommodation\nEmployability\nFinancial support\nHealthcare\nMental health\nSubstance use\nSocial care and needs\n\nPlease do get in touch with the Throughcare and Reintegration team at throughcare@gov.scot if there is anything further you wish to ask. \nWhy are these of interest to the network? \nThe Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023 introduced statutory duties relating to release planning\,  particularly around accelerating the practical implementation of homelessness prevention duties for people in custody\, and gives Ministers the power to set national throughcare standards to guide support before and after liberation. \nThroughcare Standards and their application to perpetrators of domestic abuse leaving imprisonment or remand is of considerable relevance to the network and your service users in terms of the pros and cons for women\, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse\, including around provision of housing for perpetrators\, supervision in the community and risk assessment. \nYour input on the process\, how this currently operate in practice\, and problems you envisage\, around release of perpetrators of domestic abuse\, based on your lengthy and extensive expertise in supporting women and risk assessment\, is important around:- \n\nrole of\, and local Community Justice engagement with\, themselves and VAWG support organisations around support for victims within throughcare and release arrangements for perpetrators of domestic abuse;\nthe domestic abuse competency and understanding of risk to women\, children and young people from statutory and third sector organisations providing this “throughcare” and supervision for perpetrators\ninformation to women on the process\, and from women to inform the process\, risk assessment\, etc;\nsupervision of abusers in the community;  Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023  refers to offenders accessing “  Opportunities to participate in activities designed to eliminate or reduce future offending;  Emotional and practical support; Advice and guidance”\nenforcement of conditions and protective orders\, responsibility for responses to re-offending\, etc\n\n\nThe 2023 Act refers to offering offenders access to “relevant general services” on matters such as housing\, “Social needs” “children”\, which will include child contact from our perspective\, “any other matter which does or may affect the likelihood of future offending by persons”\, “treatment for substance abuse and mental health.”
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/victim-support-organisation-engagement-throughcare-standards-section-13-bail-and-release-from-custody-scotland-act-2023/
LOCATION:Online (Teams)
CATEGORIES:Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T130000
DTSTAMP:20260612T093128Z
CREATED:20260612T091314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T093128Z
UID:10000632-1793786400-1793797200@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Child Protection
DESCRIPTION:This mandatory course for all staff & volunteers aligns with National Quality Service Standards 1.1 and completing the course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nMore info:  \nThis course provides training for workers in the network on child protection\, equipping participants with knowledge and skills needed to recognize\, respond to and report concerns related to the safety and wellbeing of children.  It is designed to build an understanding of your role within child protection frameworks and to give you confidence in acting appropriately when issues arise. \nBy the end of the session\, participants will be able to: \n\nDefine risk and harm in the context of child protection\nRecognise situations which may indicate child protection issues\nExplain your role within child protection processes\nExplain how to report\nIdentify when and where to share information\nRecord child protection concerns within case notes\nRespond appropriately to child protection concerns\n\nTrainer: Heather Williams is a freelance consultant and researcher with over 20 years’ experience in the violence against women sector\, working at a national and local level in strategic and frontline roles providing management support and directly supporting women and young people in a variety of settings.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/child-protection-5/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T113000
DTSTAMP:20260904T102925Z
CREATED:20260821T075452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T102925Z
UID:10000642-1793872800-1793878200@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:From Research to Resources: Raising Awareness of Brain Injury Symptoms in Survivors Accessing Domestic Abuse Services in the United Kingdom
DESCRIPTION:Brainkind’s Too Many to Count research found that 1 in 2 domestic abuse survivors in the UK may have sustained a brain injury. These injuries\, often caused by head trauma or non-fatal strangulation\, can significantly impair memory\, mood\, and wellbeing. In response\, Brainkind has created Brainkind Adapt\, a digital resource for professionals in domestic abuse services. The tool facilitates structured conversations about brain injury and offers guidance on adapting support. This initiative translates research into practical application\, aiming to improve outcomes for survivors. Brainkind Adapt represents a critical step toward informed\, trauma-responsive care. \nThis session will be led by Brainkind staff\, Steffy and Isabela.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/from-research-to-resources-raising-awareness-of-brain-injury-symptoms-in-survivors-accessing-domestic-abuse-services-in-the-united-kingdom-2/
LOCATION:Online (Teams)
CATEGORIES:Forums
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T130000
DTSTAMP:20260226T085801Z
CREATED:20260212T162054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T085801Z
UID:10000615-1794391200-1794402000@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Beyond the Screen:  Technology and AI Facilitated Domestic Abuse
DESCRIPTION:This recommended course for frontline practitioners aligns with National Quality Service Standards 1.5\, 1.7\, 2\, and 4.1. Completing the course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nThis training course equips practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in abuse and safeguarding. As digital tools become more integrated into daily life\, they can both empower survivors and present new risks\, from tech-facilitated harassment to surveillance and manipulation through smart devices and AI. Through practical examples\, case studies\, and guided discussion\, this course will help workers understand how technology can be misused\, identify warning signs\, and develop strategies to support and protect those affected. Participants will also explore how technology and AI can be harnessed as tools for safety\, advocacy\, and recovery\, ensuring their practice remains both current and survivor-focused. \nBy the end of the training\, frontline workers will be able to support individuals experiencing technology-facilitated domestic abuse by creating a practical safety plan that includes identifying digital risks\, strengthening privacy and security settings\, and guiding safe use of devices and online platforms. \nBy the end of this training\, participants will be able to: \nKnowledge \n\nDefine technology- and AI-facilitated domestic abuse and understand how it intersects with coercive control\nRecognize how perpetrators misuse everyday technologies (smartphones\, GPS\, smart home devices\, social media\, spyware) and emerging AI tools (deepfakes\, voice cloning\, automated harassment)\nUnderstand the risks these abuses pose to survivor safety\, wellbeing\, and confidentiality\nBe aware of relevant safeguarding duties\, organisational policies\, and legal frameworks (e.g.\, coercive control laws\, stalking legislation\, digital evidence handling)\n\nSkills \n\nIdentify warning signs and red flags of tech-enabled abuse during client interactions and risk assessments\nSupport survivors in practical steps to improve digital safety without escalating risk (e.g.\, safe device checks\, account security\, documenting evidence)\nIncorporate questions about technology and AI misuse into safety planning\nCollaborate with specialist agencies (e.g.\, digital security experts\, police cybercrime units) to strengthen survivor protection\nRespond to disclosures about tech abuse in a trauma-informed\, non-judgmental way that prioritises survivor autonomy and safety\nDevelop technology specific safety planning in a domestic abuse context\n\nAttitudes \n\nRecognise technology and AI misuse as integral to patterns of domestic abuse\, not as separate or “secondary” issues.\nApproach survivors’ concerns about technology with empathy and validation\, avoiding minimisation.\nStay open to continuous learning\, acknowledging that abuse tactics evolve alongside new technologies.\nValue survivor-led safety planning\, respecting their choices around technology use (e.g.\, staying online to maintain social networks or work).\n\nTrainer: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid\, managing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland. Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid\, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid\, as well as an extensive background in L&D and child protection – both within statutory and third sector services.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/beyond-the-screen-technology-and-ai-facilitated-domestic-abuse-2/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261117T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261117T130000
DTSTAMP:20260821T141234Z
CREATED:20260821T140153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T141234Z
UID:10000643-1794909600-1794920400@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Supporting Neurodivergent Survivors of Domestic Abuse
DESCRIPTION:This course aligns with National Quality Service Standard 2.9 and completing the course supports your Women’s Aid service in meeting the standards. \nMore info: \nThis course explores how neurodivergence can shape a survivor’s experience of domestic abuse\, including seeking support\, communication needs\, and accessing services. It will build practitioners’ confidence in providing trauma-informed\, neurodiversity-affirming support that respects individual communication styles\, sensory needs\, autonomy\, and lived experience. \nBy the end of this course\, participants will be able to: \n\nUse neuro-affirming language when talking about neurodiversity and neurodivergence\nDescribe how perpetrators may exploit neurodivergent traits\, support needs\, and communication styles\nExplain the impact of sensory processing\, communication differences\, executive functioning difficulties\, and masking on survivor experiences\nIdentify common barriers neurodivergent survivors face when accessing support services or reporting abuse\nApply trauma-informed and neuro-affirming communication approaches when working with survivors\nUnderstand how trauma responses and neurodivergence may present\, and perceived ‘non-compliance’ within support settings\nUse accessible communication methods\, including clear language\, sensory considerations\, and flexible engagement approaches\n\nFacilitator: Kay Louise Aldred has over 25 years’ experience across education\, facilitation\, counselling\, coaching\, leadership\, and organisational development. She specialises in nervous system–informed\, neuro-inclusive approaches and diverse ways of knowing\, restoring body\, relational\, and intuitive intelligence in people and systems to support meaningful culture change. Her work helps organisations and individuals move beyond purely cognitive models towards more human\, inclusive\, and sustainable ways of living and working. A published author with postgraduate qualifications in theology\, teaching\, and counselling\, her practice integrates embodied understanding and relational intelligence\, grounded in both research and lived experience as a Neurodivergent professional.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/supporting-neurodivergent-survivors-of-domestic-abuse/
LOCATION:Online (Teams)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T160000
DTSTAMP:20260828T075147Z
CREATED:20260828T075039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260828T075147Z
UID:10000654-1795514400-1795536000@members.womensaid.scot
SUMMARY:Safe and Together Overview
DESCRIPTION:The Safe & Together Model™  is an internationally recognised suite of tools and interventions designed to help social workers and other key professionals to engage with families experiencing domestic abuse in a child-centred\, strengths-based way. It provides a perpetrator pattern\, child-centred\, survivor strengths-based approach to working with domestic abuse. \nAcross Scotland the model is being widely adopted into practice by local authorities and other organisations to improve outcomes and safety for survivors impacted by domestic abuse. \nThis one-day training provides participants with an introduction to\, and overview of\, the Safe & Together Model™. The session provides participants with information about creating a domestic abuse informed child welfare system\, the principles and components of the Safe & Together Model™\, and information about the framework behind competency-building in child welfare around domestic abuse. \nFacilitator: Jodie McVicar is Head of Training with Scottish Women’s Aid\, managing national training and strategic partnerships across Scotland. Jodie has previous experience working within refuge at Edinburgh Women’s Aid\, and as a Trustee with Fife Women’s Aid\, as well as an extensive background in L&D and child protection – both within statutory and third sector services.
URL:https://members.womensaid.scot/training-event/safe-and-together-overview/
LOCATION:Online (Zoom)
CATEGORIES:Training
ORGANIZER;CN="Scottish Women's Aid":MAILTO:info@womensaid.scot
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END:VCALENDAR