FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question for us?

Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions

Do you have a question for us?

Check out our answers to these frequently asked questions


General questions about VictimFocus

General questions about VictimFocus

  • Where are you located?

    We are based in the UK, but work with people and organisations all over the world!

  • Can I work with VictimFocus?

    We are always looking to work with new people and organisations on a variety of projects.  


    If you are interested in working with VictimFocus, please get in touch via the Contact page

  • Does VictimFocus work internationally?

    Yes, we absolutely do! We work with people all over the world. If you have an enquiry, please get in touch via the contact page and we will get back to you as soon as we can.


    If you are interested in working with VictimFocus, please get in touch via the Contact page

  • Is VictimFocus a charity?

    VictimFocus is NOT a charity, we are a private social enterprise. We choose to invest our profits back into the company so we can keep creating new trauma-informed courses, resources and research. 


    We create educational materials to support women subjected to violence, trauma or abuse. 


    You will find a number of free resources, available to download here: FREE resources

  • What is APTI?

    APTI stands for Anti Pathology Trauma-Informed. 


    You can learn more about APTI here: 

    APTI Core Values

  • Is VictimFocus a charity?

    VictimFocus is NOT a charity, we are a private social enterprise. We choose to invest our profits back into the company so we can keep creating new trauma-informed courses, resources and research. 


    We create educational materials to support women subjected to violence, trauma or abuse. 


    You will find a number of free resources, available to download here: FREE resources

  • Is VictimFocus a frontline service?

    VictimFocus is NOT a frontline service. 


    We support women through creating systemic change by working with institutions, companies and people to improve services using a trauma-informed approach.


    We do however create educational materials to support women subjected to violence, trauma or abuse. You can find our FREE resources here

  • Can you provide support/counselling?

    Unfortunately, we are not a provider of support or counselling and so we cannot assist you in this way, nor can we give you specific recommendations for therapists or support services.


    We do however create educational materials to support women subjected to violence, trauma or abuse. You can find our FREE resources here


    You might also find the self-help section of our store useful. You can find that here

  • What should I look for in a trauma-informed professional?

    Here  are VictimFocus top tips for finding a trauma-informed professional; this may be a counsellor, therapist, life coach etc. You can use these tips to formulate questions you may wish to ask, or research their work and modality.


    VictimFocus’ tips for finding a trauma-informed professional:


    • Trauma-informed professionals do not support the psychiatric diagnosis of people in distress or believe ‘mental illness’ is caused by a brain chemical imbalance, predisposed genetics, or disorders of the mind.
    • Trauma-informed professionals do not use resources or interventions with ‘shock’ tactics or ‘hard hitting elements’ to elicit disclosures, responses, or force you to process events.
    • Trauma-informed professionals do not support chemical restraints or sedatives an intervention for people reacting to or dealing with trauma
    • Trauma-informed professionals work from the social model of mental health, an anti-pathology model, or trauma-informed model of mental health. They may also work from the PTMF.
    • Trauma-informed professionals generally do not use medicalised language about their clients such as: ‘relapse’ ‘lifelong’ ‘treatment resistant’ when discussing or explaining clients trauma responses and coping mechanisms
  • Who do I contact if I need immediate assistance/help?

    If you are in danger or an emergency, phone 999 or your local emergency number. We have made some suggestions below on other useful contacts.


    • Samaritans: Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide - Phone: 116 123 


    • SHOUT: Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258

    • Dogs Trust Freedom Project: Dogs Trust Freedom Project is a dog fostering service for people fleeing domestic abuse. The project now runs in Greater London and south-east England, East Anglia, Yorkshire, north-east and north-west England, Scotland and Wales. - Phone: 020 7837 0006

    • Barnardo’s: Barnardo’s support vulnerable children and young people through front-line services addressing health, wellbeing, and safety needs. - Phone: 0800 008 7005

    • Paws Protect: Paws Protect is a free and confidential fostering service for people experiencing domestic abuse so they can rest assured their cat will be taken care of until they can be safely reunited. Referrals are handled by an experienced female team, who support owners referring to the service, collect cats, and arrange foster placements through a wonderful network of dedicated volunteers. - Phone: 0345 260 1280

    • Rape Crisis: Rape Crisis work to end sexual violence and abuse. They provide specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.
    • England and Wales: 0808 500 2222
    • Scotland: 0808 801 0302
    • Northern Ireland: 0800 0246 991

Online Training Programmes FAQs

Online Training Programme FAQs

  • What are online training programmes?

    Our online training programmes consist of interactive training focussed on discussions and debates held over several days. The training is hosted by an VictimFocus Accredited Trainer. All training materials and assessments are included.


    To see all our available training click here

  • What training do you offer?

    We currently run the following online training programmes:


    Change the world with us: becoming an APTI Advocate influencer

    Set across a 1-day live learning experience delivered online via Zoom – learn more here


    Leading and Transforming a Trauma-Informed Service: A Workshop for Leaders and Managers

    Set across a 1-day live learning experience delivered online via Zoom – learn more here 


    How to Commission and Design Trauma-Informed Services: Understanding APTI for Commissioners

    Set across a  live learning experience delivered online via Zoom – learn more here 


    Become an Anti-Pathology Trauma-Informed Advocate: VictimFocus APTI Advocate

    Set across a 3-day live learning experience delivered online via Zoom – learn more here


    Train the Trainer: Become a VictimFocus Trainer

    Set across a 5-day live learning experience delivered online via Zoom – learn more here


  • How can I pay for training?

    You can purchase your place on one of our online training programmes using debit card, credit card, Paypal or spread your payments using Klarna.*


    *We offer Klarna instalment plans for all applicants which include:


    •  Paying in part payments before the beginning of the course
    • Paying monthly instalments before the beginning of the course

    Klarna’s pay in 3 is an unregulated credit agreement. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+. UK residents only. Subject to Status. Terms and conditions apply.


    Klarna terms and conditions > Klarna Terms and conditions 

    Klarna FAQs > Klarna FAQs

  • Do you offer concessions or discounts for student or charities?


    For a 10% discount send your student ID or your proof of employment to admin@victimfocus.org.uk 

  • Can my company pay for my training?

    An invoice can be requested via email to admin@victimfocus.org.uk. Please provide the details of the company and where to address the invoice.

  • Do you offer bespoke times and dates for online training programmes?

    We can provide bespoke times and dates for groups of 4 or more. Please contact admin@victimfocus.org.uk

  • When do the online training programmes run?

    To view the dates for any online training programmes visit the information page of the one you are interested in.


    You can view all training options here.

  • When will I receive the meeting links for the online training programme?

    You will receive the Zoom meeting links at least 24 hours before the start of your online training programme to the email you signed up with.

  • Does my work get assessed?

    You can find out whether there is an assessment associated with the online training programme you are interested in by clicking on the information page


    You can view all training options here

  • How do I get my certificate?

    Your certificate will be sent out to you upon completion of the online training programme. We hope to complete all associated administration within two weeks of completion of your training. 


    If you have completed an online training programme and have not received your certification within this time-frame please contact admin@victimfocus.org.uk



Online Courses FAQs

Online Courses FAQs

  • What is Accredited Distance Learning?

    VictimFocus Learning Academy offers elevated elearning courses that are fully accredited. Our courses are trauma-informed and focus on  a wide range of subjects.


    You can find our full online course catalogue here

  • What is CPD Accreditation?

    We are a registered provider with CPD – The CPD Certification Service


    You can check out our provider page here

  • How can I pay for the online courses?

    You can purchase your place on one of our online courses using debit card, credit card, Paypal or spread your payments using Klarna.*


    * We offer Klarna instalment plans for all applicants which include:


    • Paying in part payments before the beginning of the course
    • Paying monthly instalments before the beginning of the course

    Klarna’s pay in 3 is an unregulated credit agreement. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+. UK residents only. Subject to Status. Terms and conditions apply.


    Klarna terms and conditions > Klarna Terms and conditions 

    Klarna FAQs > Klarna FAQs


  • How do I get my certificate?

    Your certificate will be emailed out to you upon completion of the online course.


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