Mate Crime Awareness Training Course

Mate crime is a form of abuse that is often hidden, misunderstood, and under-reported. It occurs when someone pretends to be a friend in order to exploit, manipulate, or harm another person. Individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions are particularly at risk, as mate crime can be disguised as friendship or social inclusion.

This free Mate Crime Awareness Training Course provides learners with the knowledge and confidence to recognise mate crime, understand its impact, and respond appropriately. It focuses on safeguarding, empowerment, and promoting safe, genuine relationships while respecting independence and choice.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Mate crime is often missed because it does not always look like abuse. Victims may not recognise what is happening, may fear losing social connections, or may blame themselves. Health and social care professionals are in a key position to notice early warning signs and take action.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand what mate crime is and how it differs from other forms of hate crime.
• Recognise the signs and indicators of exploitation disguised as friendship.
• Identify who is most at risk and why mate crime often goes unreported.
• Respond confidently and appropriately to concerns.
• Apply safeguarding principles while promoting independence and inclusion.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define mate crime and explain how it differs from other forms of abuse and hate crime.
• Identify individuals who may be more vulnerable to mate crime.
• Recognise common signs such as financial exploitation, coercion, isolation, and control.
• Distinguish between healthy friendships and exploitative relationships.
• Understand the emotional, physical, and financial impact of mate crime.
• Explain the safeguarding and legal responsibilities of care professionals.
• Respond to concerns in line with organisational and safeguarding procedures.
• Promote prevention, awareness, and good practice within services and communities.

Mate Crime Awareness Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Mate Crime
Learners will be introduced to the concept of mate crime and how it differs from other forms of hate crime. This module explains who is most at risk, including people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and individuals with mental health conditions. Learners will also explore why mate crime is often hidden, misunderstood, and under-reported, and why awareness is essential in health and social care settings.

Module 2: Recognising Mate Crime
This module focuses on helping learners identify mate crime in practice. Learners will explore common signs and indicators, such as financial exploitation, coercion, or isolation. The module also uses examples to show where mate crime may occur and helps learners understand the difference between healthy friendships and exploitative or abusive relationships.

Module 3: Impact of Mate Crime
Learners will examine the wide-ranging impact of mate crime on individuals. This includes emotional, physical, and financial harm, as well as longer-term effects on confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing. The module also considers the wider impact on families, carers, services, and communities.

Module 4: Legal and Safeguarding Responsibilities
This module explains the legal and safeguarding framework that applies to mate crime. Learners will explore relevant UK legislation and safeguarding policies, understand their responsibilities as health and social care workers, and learn the importance of recognising and reporting concerns. The role of multi-agency working in protecting vulnerable individuals is also covered.

Module 5: Responding to Mate Crime
Learners will learn how to respond appropriately if they suspect or witness mate crime. This module covers practical steps for recording and reporting concerns in line with organisational procedures, as well as how to support individuals safely and sensitively. Learners will also be introduced to examples of support services and organisations that can help victims of mate crime.

Module 6: Prevention and Good Practice
The final module focuses on prevention and promoting safe practice. Learners will explore strategies to help individuals recognise safe and unsafe relationships, ways to promote independence while maintaining safety, and approaches to raising awareness of mate crime within services and communities. The emphasis is on empowering individuals and reducing the risk of exploitation.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care workers
• Support workers and care assistants
• Managers and supervisors
• Volunteers working with vulnerable adults
• Anyone involved in safeguarding or community support

No prior knowledge of mate crime is required. The course is suitable for both new and experienced staff.

FAQ

How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course in 1 to 2 hours, depending on pace.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course relevant to different care settings?
Yes. The content applies across residential care, supported living, domiciliary care, community services, and voluntary sector settings.

Does this course promote independence as well as safety?
Yes. The course focuses on balancing empowerment, choice, and safeguarding, rather than restricting social opportunities.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their relationships. By understanding mate crime, professionals can help prevent exploitation, protect vulnerable individuals, and support people to build genuine, respectful friendships. Early recognition and action can make a life-changing difference.

Enrol on the Mate Crime Awareness Training Course today

Build your safeguarding knowledge, improve confidence in recognising hidden abuse, and help create safer, more inclusive communities.