To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the development of a professional qualification for social workers in domestic abuse.

My Department is currently exploring the development of a multi-disciplinary qualification in domestic abuse. We recognise the importance of multi-disciplinary and interagency partnership working and collaboration to tackle and prevent domestic abuse and reduce risk and increase safety to victims and their families. Educating and training professionals together from across disciplines and sectors is important to embed a culture of multi-disciplinary partnership working and collaboration.

Whilst exploring the development of this qualification is at early stages, social workers employed in Health and Social Care Trusts are encouraged to complete the Regional Domestic Abuse Context and Change Modules through LearnHSCNI. In addition, each Trust offers specific training on domestic abuse and coercive control. Domestic abuse and coercive control are also included in other training programmes including mandatory training programmes on safeguarding children and adults.