An immersive training programme that aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence and support those affected has been rolled out in Greater Manchester and North Wales.
The ‘Unbroken’ programme was jointly funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which provided £80,000, and the Gwynt-y-Mor community fund.
Delivered through virtual reality headsets, the training is being rolled out to legal, health, and social care staff, and those who work at women’s centres.
The first part of the programme, ‘Insight’, immerses users in scenarios that are based on the accounts of survivors and agencies to highlight the impact of coercive control.
The second part, ‘Flourish’, includes interviews with survivors and experts, mindfulness meditations and life coaching, and aims to promote resilience and recovery for people affected.
Greater Manchester’s deputy mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice and fire, Kate Green, said: ‘It’s vital that we improve understanding of gender-based violence wherever we can, but particularly amongst professionals who come into contact with a wide range of people in our communities, and of course continue to provide support.’
