Restorative Storytelling

Discover how lived experience stories create understanding, challenge harmful stereotypes, and give voice to those affected by domestic abuse.

Trauma-Informed Listening

Learn how to listen with empathy, respond without judgement, and create safe spaces where people feel heard, respected, and supported.

Building Safer Communities

Develop practical knowledge to recognise barriers to disclosure, promote healthy relationships, and contribute to safer, more compassionate communities.

About the Course

This course explores the realities of domestic abuse and the challenges many survivors face when seeking support. Through lived experience stories, reflective learning, and trauma-informed practice, participants will gain a deeper understanding of abuse, disclosure, recovery, and the importance of compassionate responses. Developed in partnership with Voicing the Void, the course introduces the principles of restorative storytelling and demonstrates how personal narratives can challenge stigma, build empathy, and encourage positive social change. Participants will hear powerful lived experience accounts while learning how to create safe, respectful environments where difficult conversations can take place. The course examines common barriers that prevent survivors from speaking about abuse, including fear, shame, self-blame, financial dependence, and concerns about safety. Learners will also explore the importance of trust-building, active listening, consent, intersectionality, and professional boundaries when supporting individuals affected by trauma. By the end of the course, participants will have greater confidence in responding to disclosures, understanding trauma-informed approaches, and promoting safer, more inclusive communities. They will also gain practical insights into the role storytelling can play in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting meaningful social change.

What You'll Learn

10 Chapters · 88 Lessons

  1. 1
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

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      Learning Objectives

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      Strong Together: The Power of Story and Community

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Recognising Abuse: The Importance of Support

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      Reflection

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      Additional Learning: Healthy Masculinity

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      What Is Masculinity?

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      Gender Stereotypes and Social Pressures

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      Emotional Expression

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      Development of Harmful Beliefs

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      Digital Culture and Influence

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      The Blueprint of Healthy Masculinity

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      The Importance of Allyship

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      A Restorative Approach

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      Reflective Questions

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      Key Learning

  2. 2
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

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      Learning Outcomes

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      Understanding Silence

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      Fatima’s Story: The Impact of Not Being Taken Seriously

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      Shame and Stigma

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      Self-Blame

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      Fear of Consequences

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      Fear for Children and Family

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      Financial Dependence

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      Previous Negative Experiences

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      Domestic Abuse and Disclosure: Why the Statistics Matter

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Finding Support and Taking the First Step

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      Reflection Questions

  3. 3
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Section Objectives

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      Prioritize a Calm Presence

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      Constructive Actions

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      Actions to Avoid

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      A Trauma-Informed Summary

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      Points for Reflection

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      Knowledge Check

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      Key Learning

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      Module Summary

  4. 4
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

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      Curiosity Over Judgement

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      Holding Stories Safely

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      The Impact of Casual Comments

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      Understanding Triggers

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      Respecting Boundaries

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      Key Message

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      Reflection

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      Knowledge Check

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      Module Summary

  5. 5
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      Introduction

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      Learning Outcomes

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      Core Principles for Building Trust

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      Practical Guidance

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      Questions to Avoid

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      Body Language

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      Active Listening

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      Exercise: Trust-Building Reflection

  6. 6
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      Introduction

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      Women from Ethnic Minority Communities

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      LGBTQIA+ Survivors

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      Disabled Women

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      Women Seeking Sanctuary

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      Reflective Practice

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      Key Takeaway

  7. 7
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

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      Learning Outcomes

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      The Emotional Impact of Hearing Difficult Stories

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      Understanding Boundaries

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      Recognising Signs You May Need Support

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      Self-Care in Practice

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      Support Available

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      Reflection Activity

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      Knowledge Check

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      Key Learning Point

  8. 8
    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

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      What Is Restorative Storytelling?

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      Challenging Harmful Narratives

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      Building Empathy Through Storytelling

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      Creating Community Change

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      Golden Seams story clip

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      Reflection Activity

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      Knowledge Check

  9. 9
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      Liz's Story

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      Reflective Question

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      Final Message

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      References and Further Reading

  10. 10
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      Instructions for Assignment

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      Assignment