Project uses virtual reality for training on domestic abuse

A project that has been rolled out across Greater Manchester uses virtual reality (VR) to increase understanding of coercive control and further support those affected by it.

Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse defined as a pattern of behaviour including assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation used to harm, punish or frighten someone. Research shows that coercive control disproportionately affects women.

Through the project, jointly funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Mother Mountain Productions will deliver training using virtual reality headsets to immerse those working in professional sectors in the experiences of those suffering coercive control.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “We are proud to endorse the work of Mother Mountain and to see this innovative work be delivered across the city-region. We truly do things differently here and this is a great example of how we are prepared to support forward-thinking programmes so that Greater Manchester can benefit.”

Two-part scheme

The ‘Unbroken’ programme comprises two parts. The first, named Insight, is based on the real-life accounts of 15 survivors and interviews with five agencies that support victims. Aimed at professionals, such as legal, health and social care sector staff, it immerses them in scenarios so they can fully understand the impact of this behaviour.

The second strand, Flourish, is being rolled out to agencies who support women. It includes interviews with survivors and experts, animations, mindfulness meditations and life coaching, and aims to promote resilience and recovery for people affected by gender-based violence.

Jude Traharne, Managing Director of Mother Mountain Productions and a survivor of domestic abuse and coercive control, said: “My own experience of the legal system is that many within it did not understand coercive control. Professionals tend to understand physical injuries but often struggle to understand the long-term effects of coercive control over years which can lead to a gradual erosion of who you are in almost every sense.”

Strategy

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire in Greater Manchester, commented: “The signs of domestic abuse and coercive control can so often be hard to see, both for those affected by it and those close to them. And we know that it is often difficult to speak out and seek help.

“That’s why Mother Mountain’s work is so important. 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 for those that ask for help.”

Greater Manchester has a 10-year Gender-Based Violence Strategy that sets out how the city-region aims to tackle all forms of gender-based violence and the attitudes that allow it to occur. The strategy outlines a “whole-systems approach” that brings together local authorities, partners and services to tackle gender-based violence holistically.

The VR project was jointly funded by Gwynt-y-Mor Community Fund to roll out similar training across North Wales.