Training

HERSANA delivers accredited training, open learning sessions and bespoke modules that challenge assumptions, shift practice and strengthen responses to gender-based violence. Our work spans across statutory and non-statutory settings - from frontline service professionals and corporate partners to young people, survivors and community groups.

HERSANA is a leading expert on violence against femmes and the experiences of Black femmes affected by or at risk of gender-based violence, staffed by specialists in the field. Our culturally competent training packages, developed in consultation with survivors, challenge unexamined beliefs and practices, equip participants to act confidently with impact and centre the lived realities of Black femme survivors. Our training invites attendees to understand the cultural nuances and barriers Black femmes face when seeking justice, advocacy and support. Using a Black feminist intersectional lens, our courses are interdisciplinary, thought-provoking and honour Black femmes’ experiences at every stage for a meaningful, forward-thinking approach. 

Our training offer is varied and accessible, from modular specialist packages covering all aspects of gender-based violence to awareness sessions of differing lengths, depth and qualifications. All sessions are certificated and contribute to professionals’ continuing professional development (CPD). We deliver in-house or as part of multi-agency safeguarding programmes, offering both established courses and bespoke modules tailored to your organisation’s needs. Whether attending an open session or commissioning a bespoke module, online or in-person, HERSANA’s training empowers participants to reflect, challenge and act with confidence, centre Black femme experiences and create safer, more inclusive realities. Book a session today and join us in shifting the landscape of gender-based violence practice for lasting impact. 

Our Training Packages

Practical, intersectional and expert-led. Training designed to create real change in practice.

'Off-the-Shelf' Training Sessions

are our core-subject training standardised modules. These are closed sessions, delivered to your team only. 

Open Training Sessions

are run monthly and are open to all, regardless of experience or profession. These offer a diverse range of topics. 

Bespoke Training Sessions

are catered to your organisation’s specific training needs. Topics and specific subject areas can be chosen by you.

Workshops

are designed to be delivered to schools, universities, community groups and survivors. 

What is the purpose of our Training Packages?

  • To get a better understanding about the different forms of violence against women and girls [femmes].

  • To improve your knowledge on laws, legislations, safeguarding and reporting duties when working with survivors of gender-based violence.

  • To get a better understanding on the physical, emotional and psychological impact gender-based violence has on survivors.

  • To understand the importance of cultural competency, cultural sensitivity and unbiased use of language when engaging with Black femme survivors of gender-based violence or those who are at risk.
  • To gain knowledge about misogynoir and the unique forms of discrimination Black femmes face.

  • To know how to signpost and refer to other (specialist) organisations and agencies.

  • To understand the experiences and barriers of Black femme survivors when engaging with support services.

  • To better understand the importance of taking an intersectional and empowering approach when working with survivors.

'Off-The-Shelf' Training Modules

black women learning together on sofa in African attire
An Introduction to Honour-Based Abuse

Type: Private Team Training

Length: 3-hour course

This 3-hour introductory course, designed by HERSANA, provides participants with a clear understanding of Honour-Based Abuse (HBA) — a form of gender-based violence rooted in the perceived need to defend or uphold family or community ‘honour’.
While often misunderstood or under-recognised, HBA can take many forms, including forced marriage, assault, threats, coercion, abduction and even homicide.
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Christabel Yeboah providing training to a group
An Introduction to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Type: Private team training

Length: 3-hour course

This 3-hour introductory course, designed by HERSANA, provides a comprehensive foundation for professionals and practitioners working with girls, women and femmes who are at risk of or have been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).

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Lady at front of the room presenting to a group of people
An Introduction to Forced Marriage

Type: Private team training

Length: 3-hour course

This 3-hour introductory course, designed by HERSANA, equips participants with the knowledge and skills to recognise, prevent and respond to Forced Marriage (FM). While often misunderstood as solely a cultural or religious matter, FM is a serious human rights violation and a form of gender-based violence that can have lifelong consequences for those affected.
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Black woman stood presenting next to a TV with slides on it
Working with Survivors of Forced Marriage

Type: Private Team Training

Length: Half Day Course

This half-day course, designed by HERSANA, provides professionals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to work effectively and sensitively with survivors of Forced Marriage (FM).
While FM is recognised as a human rights abuse and a form of gender-based violence, survivors often face ongoing threats, community pressure, family estrangement and deep emotional trauma long after the marriage has been prevented or ended.
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Group of women sat at the table talking with a TV in the background with slides
Working with Survivors of Honour-Based Abuse

Type: Private Team Training

Length: Half Day Course

This half-day course, designed by HERSANA, equips professionals with the knowledge, skills and practical strategies needed to work effectively and sensitively with survivors of Honour-Based Abuse (HBA).

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Women stood presenting with a TV on the wall with her slides on
Working with Survivors of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Type: Private Team Training

Length: Half Day Course

This half-day training, designed by HERSANA, provides professionals across sectors with the tools to effectively respond to and support girls, women and femmes affected by Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). While FGM/C is widely recognised as a harmful practice and a form of gender-based violence, many professionals still lack the confidence, legal knowledge or practical strategies to intervene safely and sensitively.
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Happily Never After: Understanding and Responding to Post-Separation Abuse

Type: Private Team Training

Length: 4-Hour Course

Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive and survivor-led practice, this session equips participants with the knowledge, confidence and tools to identify Post Separation Abuse and intervene in ways that are safe, empowering and justice-oriented.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend HERSANA training?

Our training is designed for a wide range of professionals and practitioners who may come into contact with women and girls affected by or at risk of gender-based violence. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Health, mental health, and social care staff

  • Safeguarding leads and social workers

  • Police, probation, and legal professionals

  • Youth workers, teachers, and education staff

  • Housing, welfare, and benefits staff

  • Counsellors, therapists, and advocates

  • Voluntary sector staff

  • Community organisations and commissioners

  • Parents, carers, and survivors seeking professional insight

Where are the trainings delivered?

We offer face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid training sessions.

  • Face-to-face training can be delivered at your workplace or chosen venue

  • Virtual training is delivered via secure platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom

  • Hybrid training allows participants to join both in-person and online, making sessions more accessible for dispersed teams, multi-site organisations, or those with accessibility needs

Delivery options can be discussed and agreed at the point of booking.

How do I book or access training?

You can book our 'Off-The-Shelf' or Open training packages, sessions or workshops via our online booking page.
For bespoke training, hybrid delivery options or consultancy enquiries, please email training@hersana.org to discuss your requirements.

Do you deliver training in schools or community settings?

Yes. We deliver training and workshops in schools, colleges, universities, community groups and youth settings, either face-to-face, online or via a hybrid model. Sessions are age-appropriate, trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
To request a schools brochure or discuss delivery options, email training@hersana.org.

Do you offer any consultancy services?

Yes. Alongside our standard training packages, we offer bespoke consultancy, including hybrid delivery, to support organisations to:

  • Strengthen safeguarding practice

  • Embed anti-racist and culturally competent approaches

  • Review policies and procedures

  • Build staff confidence when responding to disclosures

Contact training@hersana.org to discuss your needs.

Are the courses certificated?

Yes. All HERSANA training courses are certificated and can count towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

What if I don’t see the training I’m looking for?

We are continually developing new training. If there is a topic you’d like training on that isn’t currently listed, we can often design a bespoke session — including hybrid delivery where appropriate.