Posted: Monday 19 October 2009

College Pilot Gender Based Violence module

Kilmarnock College has been chosen to pilot a new Gender Based Violence module supported by the Scottish Government. The pilot is aimed at assessing the potential for gender-based violence to be included as a topic within the Higher National Certificate (HNC) Positive Health Care for Individuals learning unit.

Following meetings with the National Training Strategy Co-ordinators and the National Programme Manager for the NHS, it was agreed that Kilmarnock College would be a test site for exploring the viability of incorporating gender-based violence into a healthcare module. If successful, a more detailed proposal will be developed for consideration by the Scottish Convention of Principals early next year for use throughout the country.

The Principal of Kilmarnock College met with the National Training Strategy Co-ordinators and the National Programme Manager for the NHS to encourage the incorporation of gender-based violence into relevant curricula within health and social care studies.  

Principal of Kilmarnock College, Heather Dunk, states; "Gender based violence is a real threat within our society. It is not only confined to domestic abuse, but covers a range of issues including sexual abuse, harassment, stalking and exploitation.  

It is imperative that those working within the healthcare profession and public agencies understand the issue of gender based violence and are well equipped to respond. Kilmarnock College are delighted to be working with National Gender-Based Violence Team and NHS Scotland to develop this module which could be rolled out to other Further Education establishments in the future."

The Gender Based Violence module will be offered in Kilmarnock College's HNC Positive Health Care for Individuals from September to December 2009. The College has provided staff training on the course and developed materials to meet the learning outcomes. Pre and post questionnaires will be filled out by attending students in addition to continual interviews with staff to assess the progression of the course. A final report will be submitted in January 2010, with the possible extension of the programme nationwide.

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