SafeLives Charity
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safelives.bsky.social
SafeLives Charity
@safelives.bsky.social
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We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.
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📢 Learn how to best support #DomesticAbuse victims, survivors and their children.

We have a number of accredited #IDVA courses now open, with our accessible course starting in 2026.
SafeLives post with text that reads "Online training. Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) training. This programme is designed to support learners with diverse access needs, including those who are deaf, neurodivergent, or require adjustments. Training info this way". SafeLives post with text that reads "Support Survivors. Build Confidence. Improve Practice". SafeLives post with text that reads "98% of previous learners felt more confident in their role after receiving our IDVA training". SafeLives post with text that reads "I feel more confident discussing certain topics now, such as legal aid and civil routes. I also had no previous experience of courts, but now feel I have learnt a lot from the course (Previous learner)".
November 24, 2025 at 12:16 PM
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✨ We want to shout out our colleagues at Southampton IDVA service who have successfully achieved #LeadingLights accreditation.

This is a great achievement which demonstrates their dedication to providing essential support for those impacted by #DomesticAbuse.
SafeLives Leading Lights post with graphic of a firework and text that reads "congratulations! Southampton IDVA Service".
November 21, 2025 at 12:20 PM
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✨ We want to shout out our colleagues at Changing Lives Middlesborough and NIDAS Refuges who have successfully achieved #LeadingLights accreditation.

This is a great achievement which demonstrates their dedication to providing essential support for those impacted by #DomesticAbuse.
SafeLives Leading Lights post with graphic of fireworks and text that reads "Congratulations! Changing Lives Middlesborough and NIDAS Refuges".
November 21, 2025 at 9:04 AM
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📢 Are you ready to become a specialist in supporting children and families affected by #DomesticAbuse?

Apply for our accredited Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate ( #CHIDVA ) #Training this #WorldChildrensDay.
SafeLives post with text that reads "Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (CHIDVA) training. This OCNLR Level 3 accredited course equips you to support children and families impacted by domestic abuse." SafeLives post with text that reads "Why this training? Understand children’s experiences of domestic abuse and trauma. Develop the skills to assess and plan support for children and families. Tackle the current training-gap for professionals working with children and families." SafeLives post with text that reads "Key info. 6 days (in-room, online or hybrid) with eLearning modules. Subsidised places available. OCNLR Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention & Intervention". SafeLives post with text that reads "Apply today or register your interest for future dates!"
November 20, 2025 at 9:09 AM
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Suitable for IDVAs, DA practitioners and service managers carrying (or about to start carrying) active caseloads and have completed another SafeLives Foundation course to gain the YPVA qualification.

🔔 Application deadline: 1 December 2025
🗓️ Course: 3-6 March 2026
SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? Young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. But are often invisible to services". SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? The abuse young people experience is very different to that experienced by adults. But is no less severe". SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? Young people are experiencing abuse in new ways, through new technologies and social media". SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? Young people have vulnerabilities and risks that are unique to their age group".
November 19, 2025 at 12:13 PM
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📢 Specialist training: Responding to young people affected by domestic abuse

Enhance your practical knowledge, and more, via our Young Person’s Violence Adviser (YPVA) training.

🔹 Online
🔹 Accredited
🔹 Super-subsidised places available
SafeLives post with text that reads "Responding to young people affected by domestic abuse. Training info this way".
November 19, 2025 at 12:13 PM
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Interested in IDVA training but live in Scotland? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Our ‘Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDAA) course’ is ideal for Scottish practitioners.

🔹 Just like our IDVA course, you'll learn how to best support DA victims, survivors and their children, but within the Scottish context.
SafeLives post with text that reads "Scotland. Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDAA) training. Learn how to best support domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children. Training this way". SafeLives post with text that reads "The course is: online, accredited and developed in partnership with ASSIST and Scottish Women’s Aid". SafeLives post with text that reads "Learn how to: increase the safety of DA victims, boost your confidence through group work, improve your career prospects and learn alongside other Scottish DA practitioners". SafeLives post with text that reads "Important note. This is not an entry level course. The broad range of topics covered means it is only suitable for practitioners with at least six months of experience".
November 17, 2025 at 9:11 AM
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📢 Say hello to The Starfish Club - our brand new fundraising programme:

🌟 Bronze – from £2/month: Welcome pack + newsletter + pin badge
🌟 Silver – from £30/month: All the above + powerful survivor audio
🌟 Gold – from £100/month: All the above + exclusive behind-the-scenes podcasts
SafeLives post with graphic of two people on a beach surrounded by starfish and text that reads "The Starfish Club. Become a member today and make a lasting difference".
November 14, 2025 at 12:13 PM
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💫 This World Kindness Day the Starfish Story reminds us that no act of kindness is ever too small.
SafeLives post with graphic of a person at a beach surrounded by starfish and text that reads "The Starfish Club. Become a member today and help end domestic abuse for everyone, for good".
November 13, 2025 at 12:05 PM
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📢 This World Kindness Day we are pleased to announce the launch of The Starfish Club - a community of monthly givers making a lasting difference, one person at a time.
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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🔔 We are hiring! 🔔

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Training team at SafeLives and help us on our mission to end domestic abuse for everyone, for good.
SafeLives post with graphic of woman at a desk and text that reads "We are hiring! Join us on our mission to end domestic abuse for everyone, for good". SafeLives post with text that reads "Training Coordinator. Provide effective and efficient co-ordination of resources and support for the Training team, commissioners and learners across all SafeLives’ training programmes. Permanent, full time (37.5hrs per week). Hybrid: Bristol office minimum 1 day a week. Closing date: 5 December 2025".
November 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM
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📢 Online Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment Training: England and Wales

Ideal for any professional or volunteer who may work – or come into contact – with victims affected by domestic abuse.
SafeLives post with text that reads "Online Training. Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment. And how to use the DASH checklist. Quickly and reliably assess the risk levels of victims and survivors of domestic abuse." SafeLives post with text that reads "We'll cover: the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-based Violence (DASH) risk assessment tool, multi-agency and MARAC risk management, consent, data protection and information sharing, safety planning and more…" SafeLives post with text that reads "suitable for any professional or volunteer who may come into contact with domestic abuse victims." SafeLives post with text that reads "particularly ideal for those working in: healthcare, housing, education and frontline DA services."
November 12, 2025 at 12:01 PM
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The role of the MARAC chair (or deputy chair) is central to the efficiency and effectiveness of a MARAC.

On our England and Wales MARAC chairs training you’ll learn how to:
🔹 Apply the 10 principles of an effective MARAC in local practice...
SafeLives post with text that reads "Online training. Looking to enhance the MARAC process in England and Wales? MARAC chairs training this way". SafeLives post with text that reads "1-day online course. Equip yourself with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead a MARAC decisively and effectively in England and Wales". SafeLives post with text that reads "1-day online course. For MARAC chairs, deputies, and representatives seeking the core skills to chair a MARAC effectively".
November 11, 2025 at 1:22 PM
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In just one day...
➡️ gain critical insights into military culture
➡️ identify unique risk factors
➡️ understand housing and benefits barriers
➡️ and learn how to navigate military support systems effectively.
SafeLives post with camouflage graphic and text that reads "What you'll learn. Military-specific perpetrator behaviours & tactics. Internal military support systems & inter-agency collaboration. Intersectionality in military contexts (including minoritised groups & LGBT+ experiences)". SafeLives post with camouflage graphic and text that reads "Training format & eligibility. 1 day of immersive, focused training. Free & fully funded thanks to the Army Benevolent Fund. Ideal for professionals with foundational DA knowledge - no accredited IDVA/IDAA qualification required". SafeLives post with camouflage graphic and text that reads "Register your interest today! Be among the first to access this pioneering training. Let’s shape better outcomes for military families experiencing domestic abuse".
November 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
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📢 Are you a frontline domestic abuse professional who may come into contact with armed forces communities?

Secure your place on our new, fully funded specialist training: ‘Responding to Domestic Abuse Within Military Communities’, sponsored by the @armybenevolentfund.bsky.social.
SafeLives post with camouflage graphic and text that reads "Free online training. Responding to Domestic Abuse Within Military Communities. Specialist training for domestic abuse (DA) professionals - more info this way". SafeLives post with camouflage graphic and text that reads "Why this training matters. Designed specifically for frontline practitioners (IDVAs/IDAAs, YPVAs, ISVAs & other DA professionals) who may come into contact with serving personnel and veterans. Addresses the unique dynamics of military life - rank, hierarchy, relocation & more". SafeLives post with camouflage graphic and text that reads "What you'll learn. Military structure, culture & lived experiences. Unique risk factors & vulnerabilities of military survivors. Housing, immigration & veteran benefits challenges".
November 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
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🔔 New report from SafeLives 🔔

‘Professionals’ views on MARAC: What is working well and what are the challenges’

MARAC plays a vital role in the frontline response to high-risk domestic abuse - bringing agencies together to act quickly, assess risk, and protect lives.
SafeLives post with text that reads "MARAC challenges attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that underpin and perpetuate domestic and sexual violence and abuse (Survey respondent, health professional - SafeLives report ‘Professionals’ views on MARAC’)". SafeLives post with text that reads "I think the sharing of information at MARAC meetings is very useful. It gives a full account of current reported incidents and any historic incidents it is also recorded on our database if a client has a MARAC flag so we are aware there are some serious issues. We can also be aware of any children this may affect (Survey respondent, housing - SafeLives report ‘Professionals’ views on MARAC’)". SafeLives post with text that reads "From my experience cases are often discussed in MARAC but rarely any decisive and safeguarding action taken that is effective in preventing DA or protecting the service user from future incidents (Survey respondent, mental health - SafeLives report ‘Professionals’ views on MARAC’)".SafeLives post with text that reads "From my experience cases are often discussed in MARAC but rarely any decisive and safeguarding action taken that is effective in preventing DA or protecting the service user from future incidents (Survey respondent, mental health - SafeLives report ‘Professionals’ views on MARAC’)". SafeLives post with text that reads "MARAC has the potential to be amazing - but with all agencies stretched and overloaded it is sometimes difficult for some agencies to make time to attend. As a group we are only as good as our constituent parts. I strongly believe that MARAC should be statutory and then all agencies would be obliged to attend and contribute. This would save lives and improve service and support to very high risk victims of DV (Survey respondent, domestic abuse service - SafeLives report ‘Professionals’ views on MARAC’)".
November 10, 2025 at 9:09 AM
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🔔 Job opportunities! 🔔

@drivepartnership.bsky.social - formed by SafeLives, @respectuk.bsky.social, and Social Finance - works to transform the national response to domestic abuse perpetrators.
SafeLives post with graphic of woman at a desk and text that reads "Join The Drive Partnership and help to end domestic abuse. For everyone, for good. Job opportunities this way..." SafeLives post with text that reads "You’ll support team leadership and management while building strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including corporate partners, public sector bodies, and charitable trusts. You’ll also help to develop growth and business development strategies. Permanent, full time (37.5hrs per week). Remote with UK travel. Closing date: 13 November". SafeLives post with text that reads "You’ll provide strategic leadership across all programmes, guiding managers to design and deliver evidence-based, best-practice interventions that protect victims and work to end domestic abuse. You’ll also be accountable for programme performance, safeguarding, and quality assurance. Permanent, full time (37.5hrs per week). Remote with UK travel. Closing date: 16 November". SafeLives post with text that reads "Drive Head of Operations. You’ll oversee internal operations, including project planning, risk management, and partner coordination across the Drive Partnership. As a senior leader, you’ll provide operational and staff management, ensuring effective, efficient, and mission-aligned delivery across all work streams. Permanent, full time (37.5hrs per week). Remote with UK travel. Closing date: 19 November".
November 3, 2025 at 1:01 PM
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📢 Are you ready to become a specialist in supporting children and families affected by #DomesticAbuse?

Apply for our accredited Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate ( #Chidva ) #Training today!
SafeLives post with text that reads "Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (Chidva) training. This OCNLR Level 3 accredited course equips you to support children and families impacted by domestic abuse." SafeLives post with text that reads "Why this training? Understand children’s experiences of domestic abuse and trauma. Develop the skills to assess and plan support for children and families. Tackle the current training-gap for professionals working with children and families." SafeLives post with text that reads "Key info. 6 days (in-room, online or hybrid) with eLearning modules. Subsidised places available. OCNLR Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention & Intervention". SafeLives post with text that reads "Apply today or register your interest for future dates!"
October 24, 2025 at 7:58 AM
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📢 1 in 4 people murdered by a current or former intimate partner were aged 58 or over.

Older survivors face unique barriers to support, which is why it’s vital that professionals have the right tools and understanding to meet their needs.
SafeLives post with text that reads "Older person violence adviser (Opva). Specialist training for DA professionals. How to best support older victims of domestic abuse". SafeLives post with text that reads "1/4 of those murdered by their current or intimate partner were aged 58 or above (a review of 352 domestic homicides by Standing Together)". SafeLives post with text that reads "On average, older victims experience abuse for twice as long before seeking help as those aged under 61, and nearly half have a disability". SafeLives post with text that reads "For too long domestic abuse in later life has been a hidden issue, with hidden victims (Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK)".
October 23, 2025 at 11:22 AM
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Suitable for Idvas, DA practitioners and service managers carrying (or about to start carrying) active caseloads and have completed another SafeLives Foundation course to gain the Ypva qualification.

🔔 Application deadline: 1 December 2025
🗓️ Course: 3-6 March 2026

🔗 ow.ly/gUsu50XftCB
SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? Young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. But are often invisible to services". SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? The abuse young people experience is very different to that experienced by adults. But is no less severe". SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? Young people are experiencing abuse in new ways, through new technologies and social media". SafeLives post with text that reads "Why is training vital? Young people have vulnerabilities and risks that are unique to their age group".
October 22, 2025 at 11:33 AM
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📢 Specialist #Training: Responding to #YoungPeople affected by #DomesticAbuse

Enhance your practical knowledge, and more, via our Young Person’s Violence Adviser ( #Ypva ) training.

🔹 Online
🔹 Accredited
🔹 Super-subsidised places available
SafeLives post with text that reads "Responding to young people affected by domestic abuse. Training info this way".
October 22, 2025 at 11:33 AM
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IDEAL FOR:

🔹Healthcare
🔹Education
🔹Domestic abuse specialists
🔹Sexual violence services
🔹Police
🔹Probation
🔹Housing
🔹Sexual health services
🔹Social care
🔹Anyone working with young people
SafeLives post with branded blue and pink ribbon and text that reads "But strangulation can be difficult to identify and evidence due to a lack of visible injuries". SafeLives post with branded blue and pink ribbon and text that reads "Learn to recognise the signs, evidence correctly and save lives today". SafeLives post with branded blue and pink ribbon and text that reads "This is probably the most valuable training I've attended in a long time. I think all professionals should know this information. We know and understand [strangulation] is traumatic, but I don't think we are fully informed about the risks (Previous learner)".
October 21, 2025 at 10:01 AM
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Our ‘Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) eLearning’ is a comprehensive introduction to the subject. And it’s FREE.

Delivered in partnership with fellow experts at @institutefas.bsky.social.
SafeLives post with branded blue and pink ribbon and text that reads "Non-fatal strangulation (NFS). Free self-directed eLearning". SafeLives post with branded blue and pink ribbon and text that reads "NFS is an increasingly common form of domestic violence and coercive control". SafeLives post with branded blue and pink ribbon and text that reads "There are an estimated 24,000+ UK victims of NFS each year".
October 21, 2025 at 10:01 AM
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📢 Learn how to best support domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children.

We have a number of accredited Idva courses now open, with our accessible course starting in 2026.
SafeLives post with text that reads "Online training. Independent domestic violence advisor (Idva) training. This programme is designed to support learners with diverse access needs, including those who are deaf, neurodivergent, or require adjustments. Training info this way". afeLives post with text that reads "Support Survivors. Build Confidence. Improve Practice". SafeLives post with text that reads "98% of previous learners felt more confident in their role after receiving our Idva training". SafeLives post with text that reads "I feel more confident discussing certain topics now, such as legal aid and civil routes. I also had no previous experience of courts, but now feel I have learnt a lot from the course (Previous learner)".
October 20, 2025 at 2:29 PM
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Interested in Idva training but live in Scotland? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Our ‘Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (Idaa) course is ideal for Scottish practitioners.
SafeLives post with text that reads "Scotland. Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (Idaa) training. Learn how to best support domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children. Training this way". SafeLives post with text that reads "The course is: online, accredited and developed in partnership with ASSIST and Scottish Women’s Aid". SafeLives post with text that reads "Learn how to: increase the safety of DA victims, boost your confidence through group work, improve your career prospects and learn alongside other Scottish DA practitioners". SafeLives post with text that reads "Important note. This is not an entry level course. The broad range of topics covered means it is only suitable for practitioners with at least six months of experience".
October 17, 2025 at 8:09 AM