Respect each other, we never know in the training room who may have their own lived experience of domestic abuse either now, or in the past as an adult or child. Be mindful of sharing any judgments and how that would impact a survivor in the room. 

Challenge opinion not person.  It is ok to have differing opinions but let’s use that as an opportunity to be curious about the difference rather than challenge a person on theirs. 

We also ask you respect this learning space by minimising distractions such as mobile phones and closing other tabs on your computer, especially email. 

Confidentiality – Please do not share other people’s stories without consent or use their names. Throughout the day, we will consider why maintaining confidentiality is so important to survivors and this also applies to any colleagues who share their personal experiences. As trainers, we also have a responsibility to ensure that people are safe and if we hear information that indicates someone is at risk of harm, we may need to share that beyond this room. If this happens, we will speak to the person first before we do unless this puts someone at further risk. We are sharing this with you now so you’re aware and can make a choice about what you share with others.

Self-care - This training can be emotive. If you become upset or overwhelmed by any of the content, please take a break, turn camera off and mute yourself as part of looking after yourself – we are here to support/talk to at lunch/end of session. Can send a private message to the trainer in the chat (if Zoom) or contact us by email after the training. 

Breaks: We will have 3 short breaks during the session – one 15 minute tea break and two 5 minute “stretch’ breaks

The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone.

The DAP is made up of 4 LGBT agencies who each provide different services for LGBT victims/survivors of domestic abuse. With one phone call, you will be linked in with Stonewall Housing, Galop, London Friend and Switchboard. Everything you tell the DAP is confidential, and all our services are provided free of charge

The website includes an online referral form and information about the DAP and LGBT DVA.
 Resources – the DAP has a downloadable leaflet and poster. 

Alternatively they can post out posters/leaflets to your service. 

They suggest Inviting the DAP to present to practitioners at VAWG and DV forums in your borough, for example they could come to your HP

It is no secret that black women experience abuse and violence at exceptionally high rates. But the challenges they face in getting the help they need often leave them feeling alone and isolated. By addressing the unique concerns and challenges that black women must deal with instead of developing a one-size-fits-all mentality, communities will become more effective in addressing domestic violence in the black community.

The report, Experiences of domestic violence among women with restrictive long-term health conditions by the Australian Institute of Criminology was recently released by the Disability Royal Commission.

The report authors are cautious about drawing causal inferences about the impact of COVID-19 on the experience of domestic violence from a cross-section survey, they did find that "women with restrictive long-term health conditions were significantly more likely to experience the onset or escalation of domestic violence during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic." 

Their analysis also found that the "risk of domestic violence was not evenly distributed among women with a restrictive long-term health condition." The likelihood of experiencing violence or an escalation of violence at the height of the pandemic was higher for women with restrictive long-term health conditions who were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, from Non English Speaking backgrounds, living in regional or remote areas, and those experiencing higher levels of financial stress.