Hidden Scars: Ending Harmful Practices - All London Boroughs

Training Course

Hidden Scars: Understanding the Trauma and Psychological Impact of Harmful Practices

About this course

A one-day training exploring the hidden emotional, psychological, and neurobiological impact of harmful practices - and how we can respond through a trauma-focused, survivor-centred, and feminist lens.

Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and so called honour-based abuse have devastating and long-lasting effects on the lives of women and girls. This interactive course deepens participants’ understanding of the trauma and complexity surrounding these forms of violence, and strengthens their ability to identify risk, respond safely, and provide trauma-informed support.

Through a combination of case studies, reflective discussion, and up-to-date research, participants will:

• Develop a clear understanding of what constitutes harmful practices and how they manifest.
• Recognise key indicators, vulnerabilities, and risk factors.
• Explore the global impact and trauma responses associated with harmful practices, including from a neuroscience perspective.
• Learn about relevant clinical presentations and best-practice approaches when working with women and girls affected.
• Reflect on the emotional impact of this work and strengthen self-care and collective care strategies as practitioners.

This course is ideal for professionals across health, social care, education, and the VAWG (violence against women and girls) sector who wish to enhance their confidence and competence in safeguarding, supporting, and advocating for those affected by harmful practices.

Dates:

Monday 08 December 2025

The training will be delivered via Zoom and will take place from 10:00 - 15:30

Who this course is for:

This free course is for frontline female professionals working in VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) services within London-based organisations.

Please note:

• Due to funding requirements, this training is only available to eligible female practitioners in London.
• Statutory agencies and private practitioners are not eligible.
• To ensure fair access, a maximum of two participants per organisation can attend each course.
• Completing an Eventbrite application does not guarantee a place - all applicants will be shortlisted to ensure eligibility.

WGN courses are often oversubscribed, so we recommend applying early as places may fill quickly.

Cancellation policy

• If you need to cancel your confirmed place, please do so at least 48 hours before the course starts.
• Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the course, non-attendance, or failure to complete coursework will incur a £50 administration fee per day.
• As WGN training is often oversubscribed, please inform us as soon as possible if you can no longer attend so your place can be offered to someone on the waiting list.
• Occasionally, WGN may need to cancel a course if delegate numbers are too low. We will always aim to provide as much notice as possible.
• While this course is free to attend, WGN cannot cover costs for travel, childcare, or meals/refreshments.
• If your application is successful, you will be required to show valid ID at the start of the training.

Data Protection

We obtain information about you when you contact us about our training courses and this can be via the phone, in person, by email, referrals and when you use our website. You can read our Privacy Statement for further information on why and when we collect personal information about you.

By applying for this training, you agree to WGN storing your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Statement.

FAQs

Q: Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

A: Please email training@wgn.org.uk (please note this account is usually checked three times a week) .

About Women and Girls Network (WGN) WGN is a free, women-only service that supports women in London who have experienced violence, or are at risk of violence. We offer counselling, advocacy and advice for women and girls who have experienced gendered violence, including sexual and domestic violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls, to empower them to make a total and sustainable recovery from their experiences of violence.

WGN's Training Ethos We are unapologetically Feminist, Intersectional and Anti-Racist.WGN's training has at its heart the Women and Girls Network ethos. Much like the services we provide to women and girls, the principles of feminism, intersectionality, holistic and creative approaches are threads that run through all of our training.

As a Black led feminist organisation, our intention and plan is to progress conversations and actions into development of programmes that address themes of oppression, provide healing for racial and identity trauma, and provide safe spaces and practical strategies to engage Black and minoritised women. We are passionate about delivering training that influences best practice and improves and enhances the effectiveness of front-line professionals working in the field of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Attending our training gives you a deeper understanding of and one of a kind insight into WGN's models and approaches. WGN has been working with women and girls for over thirty years and our training is packed with ancient womanist healing integrated with 21st century neuro-science. The training provides knowledge, tools, skills, and experiences for you to further enhance your practice.

You can find more information about WGN by visiting our website: https://www.wgn.org.uk/our-services/training-and-consultancy