Domestic and sexual abuse support worker
Level 4 · HigherCare services 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Domestic and sexual abuse support workers provide practical and emotional support to survivors of abuse, helping them to stay safe, access services, and rebuild their lives. You will work in refuge settings, community teams, or IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Adviser) services, following safe and trauma-informed approaches. The role requires resilience and empathy and offers progression into IDVA qualification, management, or specialist advocacy roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
The dynamics of domestic and sexual abuse, including coercive control
Trauma-informed and person-centred approaches to supporting survivors
Safety planning principles and multi-agency risk management (MARAC)
Relevant legislation: the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, safeguarding duties
Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
Child safeguarding and the impact of domestic abuse on children
Signposting to legal, housing, financial, and therapeutic services
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Build trusting, confidential relationships with survivors in your caseload
Complete risk assessments and develop personalised safety plans
Attend MARAC meetings to share information and coordinate responses
Accompany survivors to court, housing appointments, and other agencies
Support residents in refuge with daily living and accessing entitlements
Maintain detailed case notes and ensure records are securely held
Signpost survivors to legal advice, counselling, and children's services
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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