Housing and Domestic Abuse: An immersive training course

Our brand-new training course, in partnership with Women’s Aid, is for anyone working on the frontline in housing and homelessness in Northern Ireland. Through an immersive Virtual Reality experience, and accompanying training module, this course builds the empathy, awareness and skills needed to support people experiencing domestic abuse with their housing issues. 

 Over the last 6 months, our participation team has worked closely with a group of women who have first-hand experience of domestic abuse and homelessness to design and develop this interactive course.

At the heart of the course is our Virtual Reality film, based on the women’s experiences of domestic abuse and homelessness. You’ll be put into the shoes of a woman seeking help with her housing. You’ll hear her thoughts, see things from her perspective and get an insight into her experience. 

After watching the film, trainees will then take part in a facilitated discussion to give them a chance to reflect on what they have seen. 

The 2nd aspect of the course will be a specialist housing and domestic abuse training module. This will be delivered by Housing Rights and Women’s Aid and will cover: 

1. Identifying the signs of domestic abuse and how to best support and signpost 

2.Identifying housing options available to those who have experienced domestic abuse including how to use relevant housing case law, policy and legislation to ensure these women have a positive experience and a safe home.   

Further information to note:

We understand that some participants may find the film distressing and we will have a Women’s Aid staff member available to talk to anyone who wishes to avail of support on the day. Participants can also opt out of watching the film should they wish to.

Spaces are limited on this course, email [email protected] for tailored training or to register interest in another course.

What we will cover

• What is domestic abuse
• How to identify signs of domestic abuse and how to sign post
• How to identify housing options available to those with experience of domestic abuse
• Looking at relevant housing case law, policy and legislation

Who should attend?

• Generalist advisers
• NIHE & housing association staff
• Constituency office staff
• Social services
• Solicitors