Integrated Frontline Response to victims / survivors of violence
A blended learning multidisciplinary training programme designed to equip frontline practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively and compassionately when they are the first point of contact for individuals affected by violence.
The course strengthens understanding of the dynamics of violence, enhances awareness of referral pathways, and develops practical competence in evidence gathering and victim‑centred communication.
| Start date | 18 November 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Days and times | 09:00 - 17:00 | |
| Fee | £100 |
Who it’s for
This course is designed for professionals who may encounter victims of violence in the earliest stages of disclosure or presentation, including:
- Frontline police officers and police staff supporting survivors
- Emergency care physicians, nurses, and advocates
- Dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists
- General practitioners and practice nurses
- Community nurses
- Third‑sector advocates and support workers
What you’ll learn
Participants will:
- Develop a deeper understanding of the nature, patterns, and impact of violence.
- Build confidence in providing informed, sensitive, and appropriate first‑line support.
- Strengthen knowledge of local and national referral pathways and available services.
- Gain practical skills in gathering, documenting, and storing evidence in a trauma‑informed manner.
- Enhance their ability to communicate effectively with survivors, including those from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Understand how early intervention and safeguarding can reduce the risk of escalating harm.
The overarching aim is to ensure that every victim of violence receives appropriate care and support from the first professional they encounter.
Topics covered
The course emphasises the critical role of frontline practitioners in recognising, responding to, and documenting violence. Core topics include:
- The trajectory of violence, including how serious injury or homicide is often preceded by less severe incidents, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
- Opportunities for early identification across a range of clinical and community settings, regardless of whether visible injuries are present.
- The importance of survivor disclosure, including how to ask questions, build trust, and take action when required.
- The role of evidence collection in safeguarding, criminal justice processes, and survivor support, including challenges in documenting injuries on darker skin tones.
- Understanding the limits of one’s own expertise and the value of timely referral to specialist services, advocates, and organisations.
- The importance of accurate, single‑event information gathering to reduce retraumatisation and avoid survivors feeling processed or unheard.
Pre‑Course Learning (3 hours)
Participants will complete a structured eLearning package prior to the face‑to‑face session. This includes:
- Expert‑led lectures introducing key concepts
- Testimony from individuals with lived experience of violence
- Reflective questions to support deeper learning
- A short preparatory task
All materials are available for six weeks before and six weeks after the in‑person training day.
Face‑to‑Face (7 hours)
Time | Content |
08:30-09:00 | Registration |
09:00 | Welcome and introduction |
09:10 – 09:55 | What does violence look like? |
09:55 - 10:40 | Referral networks |
10.40-11.10 | Break |
11:10 – 11:55 | Documenting and storing the evidence |
11:55 – 12.40 | Victims |
12: 40 - 13:25 | Lunch |
13:25 – 14:10 | Diversity and ethnicity |
14:10- 14:55 | Workshop rotations: Group 1: Expert witness testimony, providing evidence in court Group 2: recording the evidence: taking photos, who, how, and where? Group 3: communicating with victims of violence |
14:55– 15:15 | Break |
15:15 –16:00 | Workshop rotations: Group 1: Expert witness testimony, providing evidence in court Group 2: recording the evidence: taking photos, who, how, and where? Group 3: communicating with victims of violence |
16:00 - 16:45 | Workshop rotations: Group 1: Expert witness testimony, providing evidence in court Group 2: recording the evidence: taking photos, who, how, and where? Group 3: communicating with victims of violence |
16:45 - 17:00 | Close and feedback |
Benefits
- Participants gain practical, evidence‑based skills directly applicable to frontline practice.
- The blended learning model supports flexible preparation and maximises the value of in‑person time.
Key Features
- Blended learning approach — Self‑paced eLearning combined with a practical, multidisciplinary face‑to‑face session.
- Aligned with current UK practice — Content reflects contemporary clinical guidance and national standards.
- Enhanced understanding of victim experience —Lived‑experience insights and guided reflection strengthen trauma‑informed practice.
- Practical skills for frontline support — Clear guidance on referral pathways, communication, and early intervention.
- Hands‑on evidence handling — Practical exercises build confidence in evidence preservation, storage, and presentation, including how to explain these processes sensitively to survivors.
Led by Prof Simon Moore and Dr Anna Sydor
