Understanding Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse

This one-year full-time or 2-year part time course, validated by Sheffield Hallam University, has been designed to cover content and modules related to the core duties of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) or Children and Young People Domestic Abuse Support Worker (CYPDASW). This course cleverly connects the knowledge, skills and behaviours with the necessary competencies associated with the three career pathways. The course has also been designed in consultation with external stakeholders and employers to ensure that the indicative content and respective employability skills meets the needs of the sector.

Year 1 Certificate stage

Module 1 – Foundations of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (20 credits)

Module 2 – Ethics, Legislation and Safeguarding (20 credits)

Module 3 – Communication and Survivor Engagement (20 credits)

Module 4 – Crisis Response and Safety Planning (20 credits)

Module 5 – Case Work and Professional Practice (20 credits)

Module 6 – Equality and Anti-Oppressive Practice (20 credits)

The primary way of delivering this course is on campus. On campus teaching includes a combination of lectures, group seminars, workshops, guest lectures and one to one discussions with your tutor.

Typically, students can expect to receive 6-hours of teaching over one day per week.

The programme offers a range of assessment strategies aimed at developing key graduate skills, including critical awareness and reflexivity in both academic and personal contexts. Assessment comprises:

• Essays

• Case Studies

• Reports

• Podcasts

• Portfolios

• Role Plays

• Reflective Reports

• Group Work/Projects.

• Presentations