Trauma informed training

We’ve collaborated with Scottish Government and other stakeholders to develop trauma informed training for solicitors. Trauma informed knowledge is essential to elevate your client care skills within many practice areas including Family law, Criminal law, Child law and Personal Injury.

In 2019 coercive control became a criminal offence under the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act 2018 which recognises domestic abuse as a pattern of behaviour and course of conduct crime.

With domestic abuse numbers rising it is important members not only understand the changing criminal and civil laws but the impact this trauma can have on clients. This animation and CPD reflection module provides important yet simple steps to support you and your clients.

You can access further information, specialist training and support for your clients from the following websites:

• scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk/training
• womensaid.scot/training-events
• rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

In order to develop your skills and practice, review the following free access vimeos from Scottish Government, NHS Education Scotland and Police Scotland which can be claimed as private study CPD.

Toolkits: The Advocate’s Gateway (TAG) provides free access to practical, evidence-based guidance on vulnerable witnesses

In the following 3 videos Dr Caroline Bruce Principal Educator at NHS Education for Scotland, Clinical Psychologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer:

1. highlights the impact of psychological trauma on the perceived credibility of a witness
2. offers a definition and explanation of re-traumatisation within the criminal justice context, and some examples of where explicitly trauma informed practice can help prevent it
3. highlights the ways that witnessing or experiencing traumatic events can affect a person’s “window of tolerance”, and that using trauma informed practice to help a witness stay within their window of tolerance can also support them to give evidence most effectively

Look out for further training and resources being added on the following topics:

• Domestic abuse for family lawyers: protective orders and child matters
• Trauma in personal injury practice: Handling historic abuse cases
• Vicarious Trauma