An additional £1.35 million will be invested by the SNP Government to develop a national training programme for workers who support people with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and traumatic experiences in adulthood, such as physical or sexual abuse.
The programme, announced by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, will be led and coordinated by NHS Education for Scotland who will work with partners, including people with lived experience of trauma, to create and deliver quality training resources.
This three-year SNP Government funding package will provide direct training to over 5,000 people across all sectors of the Scottish workforce, with a new national trauma training plan to be published before the end of 2018.
Welcoming the announcement, Sandie Barton, Director of Operations at Rape Crisis Scotland, said:
“Rape Crisis Scotland is delighted with the announcement of this new funding which will enable a more confident and knowledgeable workforce. We know from survivors of sexual violence that having trauma informed services that listen and respond with sensitivity can make all the difference to their recovery."
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Almost one in five adults has experienced physical or sexual abuse in their childhood, and more than a quarter of all women have experienced domestic abuse. The long-lasting effects of these traumatic experiences cannot be underestimated, and it is vital that people are supported in overcoming them.
“This training will give front line workers such as medical professionals and police officers the knowledge, skills and confidence they need when responding to people affected by adversity and trauma – giving choice and control to people who need it most.”
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