Did you know that Shame and trauma are strong drivers of human behaviour and decision-making?

Increasingly, research in this field shows real-world effects for policing and criminal justice - with proven links to violent crime, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, as well as gang violence, exploitation, radicalisation and terrorism. Whether you work in Neighbourhood or Response, understanding these drivers will help you in day to day policing – from perpetrator to media management and a great deal in between.

Harmful shame cycles can drive domestic abuse behaviour and prevent people from seeking help. As practitioners, when we try to help, we can compound deep-seated problems without realising and further shame both perpetrators and victims.

Delivered by expert practitioners through Exeter University and funded by D&C’s Serious Violence Prevention Programme, a brand new FREE training module is available – for officers and staff. It will help you (or a suitable colleague) to manage this challenging policing area by providing practical skills to recognise shame dynamics and successfully deescalate situations; covering:

· Shame-violence cycle

· Shame and domestic abuse cycles

· How shame inhibits help-seeking behaviour

· Recognising shaming in policing and domestic abuse services

· Experience of domestic abuse among professionals

[Training length: 2 hours, online via MS Teams]

NB. In order to be eligible, you would need to have completed the 2-hour online ‘Introduction to Shame Competence’ training, or have previously attended the one-day in-person Introduction course (these sessions ran in 2023-2024).

There is still time to sign up for this Introduction module which is running online via MS Teams. Simply select one of the dates below and follow the Eventbrite link to register your place:

15/01/2025 (10am-12pm)

05/02/2025 (10am-12pm)

12/02/2025 (2pm-4pm)

25/02/2025 (10am-12pm)

28/02/2025 (10am-12pm)

05/03/2025 (2pm-4pm)

The training is delivered by The Shame Lab

This training will be relevant for professionals working in domestic abuse situations and services, both within and outside the Police.

Funding: This training has been funded by the Serious Violence Prevention Programme.

The training will be delivered by Anna Gillions: Anna is a PhD student at the Centre for Peace and Security at Coventry University. After 30 years working with people (and delivering teaching/training) in the social care sector, Anna is researching shame in relation to violence. She has a BA (hons) in Health and Social Welfare, and an MSc in Development Management. You can find out more about Anna on her M4C student profile or her Coventry University profile.

Shame and Domestic Abuse: Specialist training for Police and Practitioners