DA Champion training
DA Champion role
In order to provide the best support for victims of domestic abuse using a joined-up approach, whilst looking after your own wellbeing, it is a requirement that as a DA Champion, you ensure the following:
- Be aware of the impact of the role and responsibilities on your current job.
- Act as an access point for DA support into and out of your organisation – but not to take on all domestic abuse cases.
- Keep up to date and access information on referral pathways and services for your local area.
- Ensure your colleagues are aware of the Champions scheme and how to contact you for guidance.
- Cascade the training in relation to domestic abuse awareness in your organisation.
- Ensure, where possible, that information such as posters, or website content, is displayed for potential victims to access.
- Attend network meetings and refresher training, where possible.
Agency/manager responsibilities
It is vital that Champions are supported by their organisation as a service level agreement needs to be signed by their line manager so we know that professionals are not operating in isolation, a key element of our Network model. As an organisation or manager, we request that you:
- Nominate enthusiastic and appropriate individuals who will take up this role.
- Ensure that adequate time away from their normal role will be given for 2-days of initial training and CPD sessions.
- Support any ongoing training within your agency.
- Allow the Champion to be used as an ‘in house’ expert and recognise the impact it may have on that person and their workload.
- Ensure that individuals are aware of the extra responsibilities placed on them by assuming the Champions’ role.
- Support and encourage the Champion with their new responsibilities.
DA Champions’ training structure and content
Our DA Champions training is built upon of 4 key sections: Awareness of Domestic Abuse; Impact of Domestic Abuse on Children and Families; Risk Assessments and Safety Planning; and the Domestic Abuse Champion Role.
The full DA Champions training covers the following topics:
- The effects and dynamics of domestic abuse
- Types of partner violence
- Complexities of leaving abusive relationships
- Power and control
- The impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
- Completing risk assessments
- Risk management
- Safety planning
- Support services available
To register your interest in becoming a Champion, please sign up via our Champion Hub.
Upcoming training dates will be advertised on the Hub. To sign up to attend training, you must join the Champion Hub and visit the Training and Events pages. If you have any questions, please email contact@reducingtherisk.org.uk.
As part of our commitment to providing ongoing information and support to Champions, we encourage our Networks to hold regular meetings. Each area runs their network slightly differently so the most up to date information can be found on the Hub.
To find out more about our DA Champions Network Model, its history, and the impact, click here.
We need your help to continue our work reducing the risk of domestic abuse. Find out more about how you can get involved!