Frequently Asked Questions About Training

This section of the OVC Website connects you to basic information from OVC's Training and Technical Assistance Center about victim assistance training opportunities:

• Online Training
• National Victim Assistance Academy
• State Victim Assistance Academies
• Workshops and Training Schedule
• Scholarships and funding assistance

Online Training

Does OVC offer online training?

What is VATOnline?

Does OVC offer online training?
Yes, OVC offers online courses for victim service providers and allied professionals to download or take at their convenience. Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) is a basic victim advocacy web-based training program that offers victim services providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime. Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training (SAACT) is a course designed to teach advocates how to provide competent, effective crisis intervention services to victims and survivors of sexual assault.

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What is VATOnline?
Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) is a Web-based training program funded by the Office for Victims of Crime and developed by Cicatelli Associates Inc., in partnership with the National Center for Victims of Crime, and Safe Horizon, Inc. This basic, fundamental training program combines core information and basic skills needed by victim service providers to assist victims of crime effectively and sensitively. More specific information is provided to meet the needs of identified populations.

Goals. The goal of VATOnline is to teach new victim service providers in all types of victim service agencies the basic knowledge and skills they need to respond effectively to crime victims. A secondary goal is to provide the training at a time and place convenient to the learner, which is allowed for by the Web-based format.

Length/Duration. The training is designed to take approximately 35-40 hours to complete and does not have to be completed all in one sitting. In fact, it is divided into various modules and sections so that the user can review it at his or her own pace and bookmark the last section reviewed. Each module or section takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. Users can take the entire training program, or can complete specific sections of the program.

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National Victim Assistance Academy

What is the National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA)?

How can I apply for the NVAA?

Are Continuing Education Units (CEU) available?

What is the National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA)?
The National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) is an education and training classroom experience for professionals and volunteers who assist victims and survivors of crime. The NVAA has been redesigned to include three instructional tracks.

Track 1, Foundation-level training, provides a broad understanding of the victim services field and lays the groundwork for building a career. This training is for victim service providers who have less than 3 years of experience.

Track 2, Specialized training, focuses on timely, specific topics that have a direct impact on providers' work. Track 2 consists of several specialized training courses, such as elder abuse or ethics, for victim service providers who have been in the victim services field for at least 2 years.

Track 3, The Leadership Institute, focuses on training topics that will benefit new and seasoned leaders and managers to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Goals. The goal of Track 1 is to provide entry-level professionals and volunteers with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to serve victims and survivors of crime more effectively. The goal of Track 2 is to offer victim service professionals information and learning experiences on the most current topics in the field that have direct impact of service providers' work with victims. The goal of Track 3 is to help victim service administrators and leaders develop and refine the skills and abilities they need to manage and sustain their victim service programs.

Length/Duration. The length of Track 1 is 4 days. The length of Track 2 ranges from 1 to 2 days. There are Track 2 courses on each of the 5 days of the Academy. The length of Track 3 is 5 days. All three tracks will be offered to victim service providers during a 5-day Academy.

Additional information on the Academy, including accreditation and locations, can found in the Fact Sheet on VATOnline, NVAA, and Other Training Offerings.

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How can I apply for the NVAA?
When the NVAA is announced, you can apply for it by going to OVC TTAC's Web site, www.ovcttac.gov, and completing the application form. If you are interested in signing up to receive updates and registration information, please contact TTAC@ovcttac.gov.

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Are Continuing Education Units (CEU) available?
CEUs will be given to all participants who complete the trainings and pre-Academy assignments.

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Workshops and Training Schedule

What other training opportunities does OVC provide?

Do you provide information on related training offered by other organizations?

What other training opportunities does OVC provide?
For the latest information on workshops in victim services, consult the OVC Training Schedule, which identifies practical skill-building sessions on a variety of topics geared to victim service providers throughout the country.

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Do you provide information on related training offered by other organizations?
OVC offers a national events calendar to which organizations may add their events, including trainings, presentations, and seminars. Consult the OVC National Calendar of Events for training opportunities offered by other organizations.

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