How can you value tenants and staff with lived experience of abuse as ‘experts by experience’ and seek feedback from them to shape services and future responses?

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