A workshop aimed at helping people better identify various forms of abuse starts this week.The Women’s Resource Centre and the Centre Against Abuse will host the eight-week course, a direct response to the rise in sexual assaults and the incidence of domestic violence on the Island.Primarily aimed at women and helping professionals, the first half of the course will teach how to effectively prosecute domestic violence and sexual assault cases.Sessions in the second half will discuss everything from date rape to sexual harassment and legislation.“Attendees will understand what is sexual assault, the emotional and physical repercussions of being sexually assaulted. They will also learn how to protect themselves,” said WRC executive director Elaine Williams.“Statistics will be shared including police statistics which show that in 2011 the incidence of sexual assault increased by 50 percent. If you are not affected by these issues directly, many of us know someone who is either in our families, jobs or social circles who is affected.“This information is particularly empowering to caregivers such as counsellors, teachers, social workers and group leaders of church and youth groups.”The course is also a prerequisite for anyone wishing to be a WRC crisis intervention hotline worker.It will also “empower professionals with the tools to effectively help clients and bring them up to date with the latest developments and standards in the profession”, Ms Williams stated.“They will learn where to refer clients for services, assist their clients to learn coping skills and empower them with the understanding of what they are dealing with,” she added.“The education will benefit not only the attendees but the attendees will be empowered to educate others.“We encourage interested persons to sign up as soon as possible to ensure their space is held.”Meanwhile, Laurie Shiell who heads up the Centre Against Abuse said: “We are pleased to offer this important life-saving training to the community.“We are looking forward to facilitating these fundamental sessions on domestic abuse during the last four weeks of the course as education is key to reducing the incidences of this crime, which often goes unreported.“We will delve into the types of abuse and what’s the difference between a disagreement and domestic abuse. [Our instruction on] How to Spot an Abuser, offers an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of a graduate of our Batterers Intervention Programme, and offers characteristics of an abuser.“[Another lesson on] the effects of domestic abuse on the victim and children will talk about how domestic abuse affects an individual physically and psychologically. And we will also provide information on how a person can assist someone in a domestic abuse relationship,” she said.“The Centre Against Abuse joins the Women’s Resource Centre in encouraging the community to come to sign up for this life-changing training.”The Workshop starts Wednesday. Deadline for registration is tomorrow. All classes will be held from 6pm to 8pm and free childcare will be provided.For more information call 295-3882 or e-mail phaywood@wrcbermuda.com.