Why we train
Violence against women by their male intimate partners is one of the main reasons that women seek support from statutory agencies; particularly in relation to homelessness, ill-health and seeking support from social workers and the Gardaí.
Domestic violence awareness training is important for all service providers to enable them to understand the dynamics of violence against women and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to respond appropriately to individual cases.
The response that women receive when seeking support can have a major impact on their safety, and on their physical and emotional well being.
A negative response can further isolate and disempower a woman experiencing abuse; whereas a positive, effective response can validate a woman's experience and empower her to access support and protection.
Training and development of good practice will lead to a more informed and effective response to abused women and children. Women's Aid training programmes aim to explore the attitudes and belief systems that operate around domestic violence and seek to promote good practice and inter-agency responses.