Nic becomes TLA’s first IDVA

CONGRATULATIONS to Beacon’s Nicola Hastie on being the first in TLA to successfully complete Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) training to become a registered Domestic Abuse Prevention Advocate (DAPA).

It was an intense four months for Nic attending training sessions delivered by Women’s Aid at both Kings College, Manchester and online as well as handing a full case load as a Beacon Domestic Violence Practitioner.

The training was split into four modules:

• Understanding domestic and sexual violence within a social and historical context.
• Professional response to children
• Risk assessment
• Gathering and sharing information

It went into detail about the root of domestic and sexual violence within relationships; the impact on children who witness domestic abuse in the home and are now classed as survivors in their own right; safety planning, the rights of the survivor to decide whether or not to report but still keeping them safe; managing survivors’ expectations relating to the outcome of any criminal charges;  the role of MARAC – Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences – and working sensitively with other professionals to protect the survivor. Each module was accompanied by a workbook and a lengthy assignment.

“I have been working with survivors of domestic abuse for 20 years and thought I knew a lot about it, but the training has been a good learning experience for me, and I’ve learned a great deal through it,” said Nic.

“It was the hardest thing I have ever done trying to manage my case load while studying. There was a lot of work to do, and I found it really difficult, but I’m really proud of myself to have completed it.”

As a qualified IDVA, Nic is now even better positioned to support TLA and Beacon clients who are survivors of domestic abuse, particularly in official settings like police stations, courts and social service / multi-agency meetings.

Having an IDVA on the TLA team means the organisation is better able to empower clients by providing a trained practitioner who is recognised for their in-depth knowledge and understanding to speak up and advocate for them.

“All the domestic violence services in Leeds have an IDVA working alongside them so the qualification brings recognition from the authorities that TLA has a highly trained domestic violence practitioner as well as support workers on the team,” explained Nic, who now plans to also qualify as an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate which would enable her to work with survivors of non-domestic sexual abuse and attacks.

“I am an added resource for support workers where they suspect domestic abuse might be a factor with clients. Sometimes I’m there to offer advice but in others they can refer clients to me, and I work alongside them to provide that added insight and support.”

She added: “We are also using what I’ve learned and the tools available to me as an IDVA to provide training to colleagues in specialist areas, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), broadening their awareness of what could be happening in the client base and communities we support.”

Beacon Manager Mia Cameron congratulated Nic on her achievement. “Data shows that each year more than 75,000 people in the UK are at imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured as a result of domestic abuse,” she said.

“The IDVA course is designed for professionals working with families affected by domestic abuse. This qualification has enhanced Nic’s practical knowledge and, in turn, is improving the response both she and TLA can give to ensure the safety of survivors and their families.”

Caption: Celebrating Nic’s achievement – from left, Abby Goater, Mia Cameron, Nic Hastie and Lesley Hill.