As part of Knowsley Council’s continued commitment to tackling Domestic Abuse, it has funded specialist training for council and partner organisation staff to better protect victim/survivors and their families.
Since starting, over 350 people have taken part in the professional development workshops, which have had an overwhelmingly positive response from participants. The training has been described as ‘thought provoking’, ‘eye-opening’, ‘important’ and ‘invaluable’ with the Head of Knowsley’s Probation Delivery Unit making the training compulsory for all staff.
Professionals from Livv Housing, Knowsley Council’s Children’s and Adult Social Care teams, the Youth Offending Service, The Probation Service, health and the voluntary and community sectors all took part in the training, with many offering positive reflections on the workshops.
Sandra Oluonye, Head of Knowsley and St Helens Probation Delivery Unit said:
“I can honestly say this was one of the best domestic abuse training sessions I have ever attended. It looked in detail at the impact of abuse on victim/survivors, and their children as well as offering insight into the mindset of perpetrators. I have now made the training compulsory for all Knowsley probation practitioners and managers as it offers them a greater insight into such behaviour and helps them to understand how partners agencies address this priority issue.”
Cllr Del Arnall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, who also attended the training said:
“I am committed to ensuring our most vulnerable residents have the support they need, and it was important for me to attend this training.
“I was very impressed by the level of detail the workshop covered and was struck by how thought-proving it was. I particularly valued the insight it gave into the experience of the victim/survivor and also the impact of domestic abuse on children – even before conception.
“The workshop allowed opportunities for group discussion and to understand the professional experiences of a range of agencies. Crucially, it also meant we could identify ways we can positively impact victim/survivors and their families and help them rebuild their lives based on an understanding of their experiences.”
During the sessions participants were able to:
- Develop their professional expertise and feel equipped with the knowledge needed to support residents who are experiencing domestic abuse.
- Learn about the impact of Domestic Abuse on the victim/survivor
- Understand the effects and signs of trauma
- Hear about the influence of abusive behaviour in the home on children – from before conception into childhood.
- Importantly the training explores the psychology of perpetrators, giving participants examples of the behaviours demonstrated by those committing the abuse.
The training forms a key part of Knowsley Council’s Domestic Abuse strategy, which outlines how victims, and their children will be supported if they experience domestic abuse, and how partners will work together to stop the cycle of abuse. Read the strategy here.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:
“We are committed to tackling Domestic Abuse in our communities. By funding this training, we are ensuring that our partners, who work closely with our residents on a daily basis, have the knowledge and information they need to identify where support may be needed and are able to offer the best support to someone who is experiencing domestic abuse.”
Where can I turn for help?
If you, your child, or anyone in the family are at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, call 999. If you are not at immediate risk but are concerned, please contact one of the Knowsley services listed below:
Knowsley Council Safer Communities Domestic Abuse Service:
Tel: 0151 443 2610
Email: safercommunities@knowsley.gov.uk
Or
The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 548 3333
Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk
Or
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0151 443 2600
National support can also be found at:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
National LGBT+ Domestic Violence Helpline – 0800 999 5428