SAFE workshops: Responding to domestic abuse in same sex male relationships

Research shows that 1 in 3 Scottish men in same sex male intimate relationships have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, yet many face significant barriers to disclosure and to receiving culturally safe support from services. These barriers include difficulties recognising abuse within heteronormative frameworks, uncertainty about where to access appropriate support, fears of being disbelieved, judged or minimised, and experiences of stigma, stereotyping and poor recognition within services.

The workshops are for professionals working across counselling and psychotherapy, health and social care, policing, policy, education and academia in Lothian. They aim to support more trauma informed, inclusive and effective responses within local systems and services.

The sessions combine a brief research presentation with a live verbatim performance extract from a play developed from survivor experiences. Actors perform a group scene based on survivor voices, illustrating the dynamics, impacts and barriers faced by men experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence in same sex male relationships. This is followed by interactive and reflexive practice methods, supporting participants to reflect on lived experience, professional response, and their role within systems and services.

Methods and approach:

• A brief overview of Scottish research evidence, including prevalence, patterns of abuse and key factors shaping risk, recognition and response
• A substantive performance extract from a play, using verbatim material drawn from survivor voices and presented as a group scene
• A reflexive group discussion using the performed scene as a composite case study, supporting participants to reflect on their own responses and roles within systems and services
• Facilitated discussion focused on implications for policy, practice and system response within Lothian

The workshops focus on the dynamics of abuse, culturally specific factors, impacts on wellbeing, and barriers to recognition, disclosure and access to support. Emphasis is placed on reflective learning and practical insight rather than didactic training.

These workshops are supported by funding from NHS Lothian Charity.

Aims:

• Increase awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence affecting men in same sex male relationships
• Improve recognition of abuse dynamics, including coercive control and non-physical harm
• Strengthen trauma informed and culturally safe inclusive responses across systems and services
• Support reflective practice within policing, health, social care, education and research settings
• Contribute to improved policy and practice responses within Lothian services and wider national systems

Who can attend: These workshops are aimed at professionals working in, or whose roles affect, Lothian, including those working in or alongside:

• Health and social care practitioners who may support men affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence
• Services supporting gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men
• Domestic abuse and sexual violence services
• Policing, including officers and leadership roles covering Lothian
• Policy makers involved in national and local implementation of domestic abuse, sexual violence, mental health or trauma related policy
• Researchers and academics working in areas related to domestic abuse, sexual violence, trauma or mental health

Dates, times and locations

Please note: this workshop is offered on two separate dates at different University of Edinburgh buildings. They cover the same content. Please only book one date.

Workshop 1
Wednesday 22 April
2.00 to 4.30 pm
Room 2.14, St Leonard’s Land, University of Edinburgh, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ

Workshop 2
Thursday 7 May
10.00 am to 12.30 pm
Room 1.55, Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF

Places are limited and demand is expected to be high. If you book a place and are unable to attend, please cancel in advance to allow others to participate.

Facilitation: The workshops are facilitated by Dr Steven Maxwell (NHS Lothian and University of Glasgow) and Dr Edgar Rodriguez Dorans (University of Edinburgh), combining expertise in research, policy, practice and creative and reflexive methods.

These sessions include sensitive content relating to domestic abuse and sexual violence. The workshops are delivered in a trauma informed way, with clear content warnings and space for reflection and support as needed.

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Host or Publisher University of Glasgow