Supporting Older Victims of VAWDASV

Course: Supporting Older Victims of VAWDASV

Training Provider: New Pathways

Delivered by New Pathways, this one-day training equips professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to recognise and respond effectively to violence against women, domestic abuse, and sexual violence (VAWDASV) experienced by older people. Using a trauma-informed, rights-based, and person-centred approach, the course explores the unique risks, barriers, and safeguarding considerations faced by older victims, including abuse linked to dependency, health needs, isolation, and caring relationships. Through interactive case studies, group discussions, risk assessment exercises, and scenario-based learning, participants will strengthen their professional curiosity, develop effective engagement and safety planning skills, and build confidence in applying safeguarding duties and professional judgement in complex situations. Delivered online by experienced practitioners, this engaging course supports learners to provide compassionate, informed, and effective support to older victims of abuse.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Use professional curiosity confidently and effectively with older adults to identify safeguarding concerns, challenge assumptions, and explore underlying risks that may not be immediately visible.
2. Using the DASH RIC with professional judgement specific to age related dynamics
3. Participants will be able to confidently recognise and respond to signs of sexual violence in older adults, using trauma‑informed and rights‑based approaches, and clearly understand how their actions align with core safeguarding responsibilities and statutory duties.
4. Create realistic, person-centred safety plans that incorporate the needs, limitations, strengths, and priorities of older people, including multi agency collaboration where appropriate.
5. Demonstrate improved decision making and case formulation through scenario-based practice, showing an ability to link risk, rights, and safeguarding duties in line with Welsh frameworks.

Prerequisites:

Must be working within Gwent; Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen

Target group:

• Professionals working with the public and those at risk of VAWDASV
• Those looking to increase their knowledge in the subject area
• In a role where the client group is likely to have experienced a form of VAWDASV
• Social Care Workers / Local Authority Staff / Health / Domestic Abuse Specialists / Police / Probation / Fire and Rescue Services / Other related Specialists