Safe Voices: Teaching Domestic Abuse Awareness in Schools

Course introduction

This essential 3 hour online course is designed for teaching staff who want to confidently and appropriately educate children and young people about domestic abuse. With age-appropriate strategies for both primary and secondary levels, this course provides a practical foundation for integrating sensitive discussions into the curriculum while fostering a safe, supportive school environment. Grounded in safeguarding principles and current legislation, the course prepares educators to help students understand healthy relationships, recognise abuse, and know how to seek help.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand the core concepts of domestic abuse, including its types, signs, and long-term effects on children and young people.

• Differentiate age-appropriate approaches for teaching domestic abuse awareness in primary and secondary settings.

• Identify safeguarding responsibilities and referral pathways when disclosures or concerns arise.

• Use trauma-informed language and practices to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.

• Promote pupil empowerment by fostering trust, emotional literacy, and resilience in the context of domestic abuse education.

Target audience

Headteachers, Education Welfare Officers, Attendance Officers, Teachers, Deputy Headteachers, SENCo/ALNCo, Pastoral Leads, Classroom Assistants, Support Staff, Family Liaison Officers, Mental Health Leads, Safeguarding Leads, Family Support Workers

Trainers for this course

Kelly Hannaghan

Kelly puts wellbeing at the heart of education. She is an award-winning motivational speaker and school improvement advisor, published author and founder of ‘Family Matters’ empower...ment programme.

Kelly has worked systemically with some of the most challenging communities, helping families thrive in difficult circumstances. She advises in the development of staff wellbeing to improve teacher retention and embeds purposeful strategies to support School Leader’s emotional health. Kelly is an advocate for Senior Mental Health Leads and helps drive school development processes forward, whilst creating outstanding outcomes and awards for many organisations. She is a trailblazer within the Wellbeing Lead Network for supporting pastoral teams. Her work is recognised by the DfE, NCB, The Anna Freud Centre and The Education Support Partnership as a lead influencer of mental health and wellbeing in education.

Kelly is currently leading on the DFE Wellbeing for Education Return Programme within Kent County Council.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“I've been on several NSMTC courses and can highly recommend them. The course today has been really useful and I know I have strategies and ideas that I can disseminate immediately to colleagues in school."

“Amazing! Highly relevant, thought provoking and informative. I feel well equipped to raise awareness of the effects of trauma and how to try and unravel things to provide relevant support.”

About the venue

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• The cost is per person.
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.