The COVID-19 lockdown has seen a great increase in incidents of domestic violence and abuse. This has been caused by pressures within families due to furlough, restricted movement, homeschooling, alcohol or drug use, and other factors. Some are experiencing abuse for the first time; for others, it has intensified.

The COVID-19 lockdown has seen a great increase in incidents of domestic violence and abuse. This has been caused by pressures within families due to furlough, restricted movement, homeschooling, alcohol or drug use, and other factors. Some are experiencing abuse for the first time; for others, it has intensified. Support services have had to change the way they work in order to ensure that victims of abuse can safely access support.

Faith Leaders are in an ideal position to help those in their congregations who are affected by domestic abuse. They can initiate open conversations about abuse and religious faith, challenge harmful customs and traditions, and help people to overcome misinterpretations of religious teachings that claim that abuse is ever acceptable.

In April 2020 the #FaithsAgainstDomesticAbuse campaign was launched to highlight the work of specialist domestic violence organisations who support victims from faith and BAME backgrounds with little or no support from the central government.

Who is the training for?

Faiths Forum for London and Back in Control Consultancy are therefore working in partnership to enhance the awareness of domestic abuse among Faith Leaders and within faith communities and are now offering bespoke Awareness Training for faith leaders, to help them gain an understanding of the challenges and barriers facing people of faith experiencing domestic violence or abuse.

Who will deliver the training?

The training will be delivered online by Veronica Simpson, CEO of Back In Control Consultancy (BICC) which provides advocacy, practical and emotional support for those that are or have been affected by domestic violence or abuse.

Veronica has a wealth of experience in the domestic violence sector. She has worked for several of the main domestic abuse service providers and charities and has trained GPs, NHS hospitals, social workers, other professionals, religious clergy, women’s groups, and many others in domestic violence/abuse as it affects people of faith. She is a qualified Safeguarding Instructor, is accredited by Safe Lives as an IDVA- Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Educator, and holds a qualification in Psychodynamics and Psychotherapy. She was awarded a Women Appreciating Women Award in 2020 and was one of 100 Inspirational Women nominees in 2019. Veronica is a practicing Christian.

How long will the training last?

The training will last three hours.

What will the training cover?

• The training will provide faith leaders with an insight into:
• The various types of abusive behaviours and attitudes
• How to spot the warning signs
• Provide an understanding of the impact on the abused, the abuser, and children who witness abuse
• Provide and give you pointers on how you can offer support.

The training will also explore complicating factors that people of faith may encounter, including immigration status, isolation, and poor English skills.

If you want to know how you can support someone within your community that is experiencing domestic abuse, then please register below.