Domestic Violence Training Session Notes

The session starts with informal conversation to make participants comfortable.
Topics include confidentiality, roles, and directions offered.
Development safety is a part of the session, including a screening tool and safety plan.

It is okay to acknowledge mistakes during role-play scenarios.
It's natural to forget points. It is alright to say, "I’m really sorry, I know what I’m saying right now is not correct."

The power and control wheel is a tool, not a mandatory element.
Use it if you're confident and it clarifies the situation.
For example, if someone doesn't recognize their relationship as violent, the wheel can illustrate different types of abuse (emotional, financial, etc.).
If someone says, "I wouldn’t call it a violent relationship…it’s not like he does it every day", clarify that abuse isn't just physical or daily.
Use a visual aid to outline different types of abuse.

The Power and Control Wheel is introduced to help clients recognize different forms of abuse beyond physical violence, such as emotional or financial abuse.

Introduce the Safety Plan and Screening Tool after the client has shared their story.
Show appreciation for their openness and bravery in sharing.
Example phrasing: "Thanks very much for telling me, for sharing that with me…you're really brave to open up to me like that."
Ask if they're willing to review the screening tool and safety plan.

Frame questions based on the client's level of disclosure.
If they've shared little, ask for more details, explaining the question seeks more information.
If they've shared a lot, acknowledge this and offer to write it down for review together.
Example prompts: "This first question is asking for a bit more information, are you happy to give me some more details there?"

Use open questions to encourage information sharing.
Acknowledge the difficulty and bravery of seeking support.
Offer comfort and understanding, especially if they are hesitant to share.
It is important to reiterate how brave the person is to come out and how much they're going through, how hard it must be.

Ensure all necessary questions are covered.
Acknowledge potentially loaded questions and address concerns.
The morning session will include a wrap-up, gratitude exercises, and refreshments.