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Guidance on the statutory requirements for training across the public service and specialist third sector.

The Framework is made up of 6 groups. All professions within the Public Service will fall into one of these groups and a minimum training requirement is outlined per group. 

Group 1 - E-learning

This is for all professionals working in the public service. The training will provide:

  • basic awareness of what violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence is 
  • how to recognise domestic abuse and sexual violence
  • help available to victims.

Access the e-learning course on the NHS website.

Group 2 - Ask and Act

Aimed at professionals who are likely to be in jobs where violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence may be an issue for their client group, who are in a position to 'Ask and Act'. This would include people treating, assessing or working with someone as a result of violence and abuse.

For example, this would include professionals like doctors, nurses, those working in social care, those supporting people with mental health issues or homelessness officers.

The training will ensure individuals can:

  • recognise the signs that someone is being abused
  • talk to that person sensitively (if appropriate)
  • offer options and services to them quickly and efficiently.

Guidance on how to ‘Ask and Act’.

Group 3 - Ask and Act Champions

Aimed at individuals in roles which require them to do more than “Ask and Act” and those who perform a “Champion” role. 

The training will enable people to:

  • support colleagues as they make difficult decisions in relation these subject areas, help offer services to all family members affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
  • act as a champion within their organisation.

If you would like to know more about training for Group 3, please email the Welsh Government Violence Against Women and Domestic Abuse Team VAWDASV@gov.wales or contact your local VAWDASV co-ordinator.

Group 4 - Specialist sector

Aimed at professionals whose client group is made up only of those affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. 

The Welsh Government requires that anyone whose client group is made up of those affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, such as victims, children or perpetrators, have:

  • access to appropriate training quickly following recruitment
  • appropriate qualifications 
  • participate in Continuous Professional Development.

Completing this training is usually arranged by your employer.

Local training continues to form an important way of ensuring that professionals are appropriately skilled to work with those affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. The National Training Framework outlines the basic requirements which training delivered locally (by local services, through Community Safety Partnerships or within Local Authorities or Health Boards) must meet.

Understanding Domestic Abuse, Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and Risk

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Human Trafficking and Slavery

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Children and Young People’s Experiences of VAWDASV

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Domestic Abuse

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Sexual Violence

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Violence against Women and Girls

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) and Equality and Diversity

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding VAWDASV and Working with Individuals with Co-Existing Multiple Support Needs

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding and Responding to Human Trafficking and Slavery

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Female Genital Mutilation

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Forced Marriage

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Honour Based Violence

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Sexual Violence against Men

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding Sexual Violence against Women

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Understanding and Responding to Human Trafficking and Slavery

More information on this unit is available on the Agored website.

Book training on this unit through one of the following providers:

Group 5 - Managers of specialist sector

Aimed at service managers working in the violence against women, domestic abuse & sexual violence sector. 

Key topics in this section of training include:

  • effective and safe governance
  • human resources and staff support
  • sustainability
  • the commissioning framework
  • multi-agency work.

Access the course on the Safelives website.

Group 6 - Public service leaders

Aimed at people in leadership roles.

The Strengthening Leadership Series is a series of short films, each on an important issue related to violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. The films offer short bursts of information which can be used to shape strategic direction, share within teams and improve knowledge.

Watch the strengthening leadership series on YouTube.