Training and awareness raising

Training and awareness raising will need to include those preparing for ministry. Existing training courses in local congregations should raise awareness of the issues around domestic abuse. Basic awareness of the extent and effects of domestic abuse on individuals, families and society should be an essential part of core training for all levels of ministry.

Congregational safeguarding training, as detailed in chapter 4, will aim to signpost individuals to this handbook in order to reflect on domestic abuse and how best they might support someone within their church community.

This chapter also aims to emphasise the importance of collaborative working with other agencies. This can include both the sharing of good practice from other denominations and benefitting from specialist expertise.

Agencies such as Scottish Women's Aid or local Women's Aid groups may offer training modules at different levels and are usually very willing to work with churches to provide training or information.

Collaborative working has a strategic place in enabling the church to play a positive role as part of coordinated community responses to domestic abuse.