Course Objective

This CPD programme equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify coercive control, understand institutional safeguarding failures, and implement trauma-informed responses across multi-agency systems.

Module 1

Understanding Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

Purpose

To build a foundational understanding of domestic abuse beyond physical violence, focusing on patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour.

Topics

• Definitions under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Coercive control and Section 76 Serious Crime Act 2015
• Psychological, financial, and legal abuse
• Power dynamics in abusive relationships
• Impact on victims and children

Learning outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Identify patterns of coercive control
• Recognise non-physical forms of abuse
• Understand the legal framework governing domestic abuse

Module 2

The Psychology of Coercive Control

Purpose

To understand how coercive control affects cognition, behaviour, and decision-making in victims.

Topics

• Trauma bonding and manipulation
• Gaslighting and psychological domination
• Fear, compliance, and learned helplessness
• Impact on memory, communication, and reporting

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• Understand behavioural indicators of coercive control
• Recognise trauma responses in victims
• Avoid common misinterpretations of victim behaviour

Module 3

Trauma-Informed Professional Practice

Purpose

To train professionals to interact with victims in ways that promote safety and disclosure.

Topics

• Trauma-informed communication
• Victim disclosure barriers
• Institutional responses that cause re-traumatisation
• Psychological safety and trust

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• Apply trauma-informed communication techniques
• Identify harmful institutional practices
• Support safe disclosure and reporting

Module 4

Institutional Safeguarding Failures

Purpose

To analyse how victims fall through gaps between agencies such as police, courts, healthcare, and housing.

Topics

• Fragmented safeguarding systems
• Case studies of institutional failure
• Risk escalation when agencies operate in isolation
• Systemic blind spots in safeguarding procedures

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• Identify structural safeguarding failures
• Recognise patterns of institutional breakdown
• Understand risk escalation caused by system fragmentation

Module 5

The SAFECHAIN™ Model

Purpose

To introduce the SAFECHAIN™ safeguarding framework designed to improve cross-agency communication and victim protection.

Topics

• The SAFECHAIN™ safeguarding pathway
• Continuity of evidence across institutions
• Data continuity and safeguarding intelligence
• Institutional accountability mechanisms

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• Understand the SAFECHAIN™ safeguarding model
• Identify where institutional responses fail
• Apply the SAFECHAIN™ framework in professional practice

Module 6

Professional Responsibility and Safeguarding Accountability

Purpose

To reinforce professional responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Topics

• Ethical duties of professionals
• Risk management in safeguarding cases
• Inter-agency cooperation
• Policy development and safeguarding leadership

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• Understand professional safeguarding responsibilities
• Implement stronger safeguarding practices
• Contribute to institutional safeguarding improvements

CPD Programme Details

Total course duration:
6–8 CPD hours

Delivery format

• Online learning modules
• Workshops
• Institutional training sessions

Assessment

• Reflective exercises
• Case study analysis
• Professional safeguarding scenarios