Become a Qualified IDVA with Refuge
Refuge, the UK’s largest provider of specialist domestic abuse services, invites IDVA practitioners, domestic abuse practitioners and professionals working with those affected by domestic abuse to join our 2025 IDVA Programme. An Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) is a domestic abuse practitioner who works with survivors of abuse to empower and support them through advocacy and 1-1 work. This nationally recognised and accredited qualification equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support survivors at high risk of domestic abuse.
Now in its second year, we have had great feedback from previous learners:
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90% of learners would recommend the training
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Learners said they felt very supported by the IDVA training team
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When asked which part of the programme they liked the most, one learner said “knowledge around law and housing, mental health, supporting minority communities, interacting with great trainers, interactive materials and a great supporting team within refuge”
Why choose Refuge?
As the UK’s largest provider of specialist domestic abuse services, we put the lived experience of survivors at the foundation of our training. Our trainers work with our 24/7 Helpline and UK leading Technology Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team to bring in expertise from the frontline, resulting in training that will equip you to handle real life challenges on the job. Our work across the country means we will always bring you the most up to date information from across the sector, keeping our teaching fresh and relevant.
About the Qualification
OCN Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention & Early Intervention
The awarding body is OCN London and this qualification is a Level 3 which is the equivalent to a UK A-Level. The training is delivered by Refuge’s expert domestic abuse trainers alongside external trainers who deliver specialist topics such as criminal and civil remedies; harmful practices and anti-racism; working with male and LGBTQ+ survivors; and mental health.
There are five modules covered in this course and the teaching will be spread over 6 months (from November 2025) and is a blend of live online sessions (half-day to full day), guided eLearning, and drop-in support sessions. The assessments for each module are a mixture of
workbooks with written answers and e-learning tasks. Your Refuge IDVA trainers will be able to support you throughout the course, with an online space for learners to support each other through the programme also.
Once you have successfully completed all modules and assessments, you will receive and OCN Level 3 Certificate and be recognised as a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA).
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, would like to access our Expression of Interest form or would like to discuss the course with any of our team please feel free to contact us on idva_training@refuge.org.uk
