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Introduction to Sexual Violence Course: Challenging Myths, Changing Attitudes
This day-long (or two half days) workshop is designed to help people understand how damaging the myths around sexual violence are; to give them information which challenges those myths; to equip them to recognise sexual violence as trauma, and the implications of that for victim/survivors; and to provide resources which improve the responses victims/survivors of sexual violence get from different services.
By the end of this session learners will:
- Be able to define sexual violence;
- Understand the possible impacts of sexual violence on the victim/survivor and their friends/family/partner;
- Feel confident to challenge commonly held myths around sexual violence and sexual abuse;
- Understand how to provide an effective response to a disclosure of sexual violence;
- Know what relevant services are available locally;
- Have a better understanding of who perpetrates sexual violence;
- Gain a deeper knowledge of the impacts of sexual violence and how they can “ripple” out to affect every aspect of a victim/survivor’s life;
- Acquire insight into the trauma caused by sexual violence and how it affects the brain, body, and behaviour;
- Develop an improved understanding of how victims/survivors learn to cope with trauma symptoms;
- Achieve clarity about the gendered nature of sexual violence; and
- Develop a strong conviction that challenging sexist behaviour can make a real difference.
This can be delivered as an interactive webinar (two three-hour sessions) or as a whole day classroom-based session. Learner resources include:
Workbook; Powerpoint slides; Information packs; and follow-up resources.
On completion, learners receive a CPD accreditation certificate.
All staff.
Course Learning Objectives
This workshop explores some of the myths and facts around all forms of sexual violence. It is designed to raise awareness of the issues faced by victims/survivors of sexual violence with a view to improving the responses they receive from services.
Be able to define sexual violence
- know the types of behaviours and activities that are included in this definition;
- be able to differentiate between consensual and non-consensual sexual activities in terms of emotions, physical reactions and relationship context.
Understand the possible impacts of sexual violence on the victim/survivor and their friends/family/partner
- be aware of the implications of sexual violence being experienced as trauma;
- understand what coping strategies a victim/survivor might use to cope with post-trauma responses;
- be able to make the links between the trauma of sexual violence and someone’s behaviour at work or school;
- recognise how this trauma might affect someone’s family/personal life in a range of ways;
- be aware of the issues victims/survivors face within the criminal justice process.
Feel confident to challenge commonly held myths around sexual violence and sexual abuse
- identify victim blaming myths and their impact on society;
- identify myths around who perpetrates sexual violence and their impact on society;
- recognise the links between these myths and the difficulties within the criminal justice process.
Understand how to provide an effective response to a disclosure of sexual violence
- understand the victim/survivor’s perspective in terms of what they might need or want;
- recognise how to balance organisational safeguarding concerns with individual rights.
Know what relevant services are available locally
- be able to signpost someone to appropriate support;
- be able to make a referral to a specialist support service where appropriate.
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We support businesses and organisations in creating safe and inclusive workplaces. We also work with Police and Crime Commissioners, Local Authorities and other service providers to improve support for survivors of sexual abuse.
Read moreIntroduction to Sexual Violence E-Learning Course
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“Thankyou ICENA”
Thank you again for today’s training. I can’t remember the last time I came out of training so inspired and ready for action. So often training is death by PowerPoint and with nothing to take away other than worry and concern that you aren’t able to do something. This was so far from that. On the train, I planned two staff training sessions and worked out a program for our Year class and an individual in particular. Never done that before after training. Both sessions were fantastic.
– This learner took our train the trainer – Talking to Children about Consent course
“5 star service all round”
This was an incredibly useful training exercise. Very engaging and informative.
– This learner took our preventing & responding to sexual harassment in the workplace course
“Fantastic service & knowledge”
We really enjoyed the Professional Boundaries and Data Sharing training. It’s enabled our staff team to reflect on working practices and how they can be improved.
– This learner took our professional boundaries training course
Get in touch
Use the form to the right to contact us and we’ll get back to you within two working days.
Please note that we are not a frontline organisation. If you or someone you know needs urgent help following a sexual assault, visit the Rape Crisis website for a list of services that will be able to help you.
