Jewish Women's Aid is taking its new training programmes on domestic violence to Jewish welfare workers and teachers at Jewish schools. But the hope is to put them before mainstream audiences in the longer term.

The programmes examine the impact of the violence, offer an understanding of why women stay in abusive relationships and show how support can be provided to the victims.

"There is a real need in the community for information on this topic," noted JWA executive director Monica Tuohy. "People are unaware of the prevalence of domestic violence and professionals often do not have the tools to support women and children who have experienced it.

"We hope to enable teachers, counsellors, social workers and other professionals to support and signpost their clients and they will be supported by us all the way."