LIMERICK Institute of Technology (LIT) is to deliver a unique new course in the area of domestic abuse and coercive control.
The announcement coincides with the International Campaign on 16 Days of Activism to address gender based violence.
The programme, ‘Reflecting on and Responding to Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control’, will offer certified accreditation for a wide range of professionals and volunteers. The programme is open for registration and will run online from January.
Developed by LIT and Haven Horizons, a national charity focussed on education and research in the field of domestic abuse, the programme marks an acceleration of the institute’s work in this area, which includes funded research opportunities facilitated by
LIT’s Research, Development and Innovation function.
Commenting on the new programme, President of LIT, Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “This programme is an important outcome of our collaborative research approach with the community sector and marks a significant step in addressing the need for education in the field of gender-based violence.
The development of this programme offers a model that we will continue to pursue in order to serve our stakeholders and the society we live in.”Chair and co-founder of Haven Horizons, Colette Redington says that we must all work together to address domestic abuse and coercive control, and with legislative and other developments in the field, there is an increased need for effective practical education and training for volunteers and professionals.
“Our partnership with LIT has facilitated the development of this programme and we believe it will be very beneficial in addressing the demands on the sector,” she explained.Haven Horizons has also launched a ‘Donate to Educate’ fund to support individuals or organisations who may not be in a financial position to participate in the programme. The fund recognises that education is a core pillar in preventing abuse and that many professionals and frontline organisations are facing additional demands on their resources at present.
