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Pre-recorded training: Domestic Abuse and the Hague Abduction Convention

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This pre-recorded training offers women’s organisations a practical, interactive introduction to how the 1980 Hague Abduction Convention operates in cases involving domestic abuse. The training is delivered jointly by FiLiA Hague Mothers and Hague Explained It’s designed to: 

Hague Mothers and Hague Explained logos
  • raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by victim-survivors (protective mothers and their children) who are affected by the Hague Abduction Convention
  • explain why current legal approaches so often fail to protect women and children
  • provide practical guidance about how you can help.

In terms of its core objective – of reuniting parents and children – the Hague Abduction Convention has been extremely successful and has protected many children from harm.

“The trainers were fantastic – it didn’t really feel like training, more like an experiential learning – hard to explain but it was more real and personal than any training I’ve ever attended”
“So insightful and eye opening – so useful and important for us to know about when we are working with women fleeing domestic abuse”
“Exceptional trainers who held a space where their expertise was shared as well as drawing on the experience among participants. Hearing how this has impacted women was incredibly powerful and very concerning.”
Woman taking notes
Who delivers it?

The training is delivered jointly by FiLiA Hague Mothers and Hague Explained, combining legal and policy expertise with the lived experience of a mother who continues to deal with the brutal impact of the Convention. 

Participants consistently tell us that this combination helps them truly understand the reality of the Convention in cases involving domestic abuse and coercive control.

What does it include?

The training covers:

  • The Hague Abduction Convention’s history and aims
  • The problems for domestic abuse victim-survivors – the theory and the lived reality
  • Possible defences against return & their implications
  • Other routes to safety
  • How you can help: resources for DV professionals including our Hague Power & Control Wheel
  • Case studies and exercises 
Is it for me?

This training is particularly relevant for:

  • domestic abuse and VAW organisations
  • social workers and safeguarding professionals
  • academics and students in the fields of family law, human rights, social work
  • organisations working with migrant, refugee or internationally-mobile families.
How do I access it?

The pre-recorded training, interactive exercises and related handouts, is available as an on-demand resource for organisations. Instead of the cost and logistical complications of booking a live session each time, you can now purchase access once, and use in whatever way works for you i.e.

  • to run training courses for staff whenever you wish
  • to train new staff as they join
  • to hold refresher courses whenever needed.
How long does it take?

Completing the training, including the exercises, takes around 90 minutes, depending on the group size. No prior specialist knowledge is required.

Organisational use is for internal training purposes only.

What does it cost?

We are very aware of the limited budgets of so many organisations in this sector (including FiLiA Hague Mothers and Hague Explained of course!) and have tried to keep costs as low as possible: 

Suggested minimum donation of £60 gains access to:

  • the pre-recorded training 
  • all materials

Donations will directly support the ongoing advocacy, research and survivor-led work of FiLiA Hague Mothers and Hague Explained.

How to access the training

Once you have made your donation, please send an email to adminhague@filia.org.uk to request access to the platform where the recording and all training materials are hosted.

Please note that access is not automatic! You need to request it via email!

Make your donation

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