Training trusted professionals: strengthening the response to domestic violence and abuse

Bracewell, Kelly, Farrelly, Nicola, Martin, Katie, Chantler, Khatidja ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9129-2560, Hargreaves, Paul and Stanley, Nicky (2025) Training trusted professionals: strengthening the response to domestic violence and abuse. Journal of Gender-Based Violence. ISSN 2398-6808

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Abstract

This article reports on an independent evaluation (2017–2021) of a domestic violence and abuse (DVA) training intervention delivered in three geographical areas in England. Initially designed as a standalone training day by the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE), Trusted Professional developed into a whole-organisation approach to working with DVA. The intervention aims to create system change by targeting organisations (housing, children’s social care, health and welfare services) likely to be in contact with victims/survivors to embed a needs-led, strengths-based approach within an organisation. The evaluation examined how the Trusted Professional intervention was used by practitioners and identified changes in knowledge, skills, confidence and attitudes. Methods included pre- and post- training surveys and interviews with participants, trainers and WAFE co-ordinators. Basic descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data; qualitative data was transcribed and analysed thematically. Trusted Professional was regarded positively. Practitioners reported increased knowledge and understanding of DVA alongside improved confidence and skills to respond to victims/survivors, including using non-victim-blaming language. Practitioners recommended refresher training and additional content regarding other forms of abuse or minoritised groups. Recommendations address how the intervention might be better integrated with existing practice, especially for children’s social care professionals, and extended more widely.