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2013 Virginia Victim Assistance Academy
2013 Basic Virginia Victim Assistance Academy
The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (CICF), and the University of Richmond are co-sponsoring the Sixth Basic Virginia Victim Assistance Academy July 7-12, 2013, to be held at the University of Richmond.
Virginia is one of 12 states presenting State Basic Victim Assistance Academies in 2013. Virginia's Academy is modeled after the National Victim Assistance Academy but provides state-specific training on victims' issues.
The Virginia Victim Assistance Academy provides a 40-hour comprehensive, academic, interdisciplinary and interactive training program for crime victim services providers, advocates, allied professionals and others who work with crime victims. The curriculum provides a foundation of victim services and principles to enable participants to more effectively help crime victims regain control of their lives.
The curriculum includes modules on: History of Crime Victims Movement, Scope of Crime and Impact on Victims, Victims Rights, Direct Services to Victims, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Crisis Intervention and Assessment, Developing Resiliency, Stress Management, Cultural Competency, Ethics in Victims Services, Communication Skills, Legal Protections, Crime Victims Compensation, and Collaboration Strategies.
DCJS in-service credit, including legal and cultural diversity subject matter credit, is being requested and will be available for law enforcement officers.
It is anticipated that successful completion of the Academy will make participants eligible to apply for the Provisional Advocate Credentialing through the National Advocate Credentialing Program.
Location
University of Richmond, 28 Westhampton Way, University of Richmond, Virginia 23173
Dates
July 7 - 12, 2013
Lodging Information
Lodging is included in the cost of registration and participants will be housed in the Lakeview Residence Hall on the University campus.
Costs
The registration fee is $150. The registration fee includes on-campus lodging and all meals. Travel costs to and from the Academy are not included.
The federal Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) provides scholarships of up to $1000 to individuals seeking professional development opportunities. Academy students can apply for scholarships to cover the $150 registration fee and expenses associated with travel to and from the Academy. More information and the application process can be found at www.ovcttac.gov/taresources/applyPDscholarship.cfm
Individuals interested in applying for a TTAC scholarship should apply directly to TTAC. OVC TTAC must receive the completed Individual or Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Professional Development Scholarship application and all application materials at least 45 calendar days prior to the event or the request will be rejected - NO EXCEPTIONS. If you have any questions about the process, please call 1-866-OVC TTAC (1-866-682-8822) for assistance.
Who is eligible to attend
Victim services providers, allied professionals such as law enforcement officers, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, sexual assault advocates, domestic violence advocates, and victim/witness staff are eligible. Individuals with three years of victim assistance experience or less should apply to the Basic Academy.
Graduation requirements include: successful completion of ALL assignments and attendance at ALL sessions of the Academy.
This intensive but rewarding training will be held on the campus of the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. The Academy will be held in modern classroom facilities. Participants are strongly encouraged to stay on-site in university housing.
Applications and Deadline
Click here to apply to the 2013 Virginia Victim Assistance Academy
To be considered for admission, interested individuals should submit their applications on-line to DCJS by 11:59 p.m. on April 5, 2013. Successful applicants will be notified by April 30, 2013.
Contact Information
Melissa Roberson (804) 225-3456 or Melissa.roberson@dcjs.virginia.gov.
QUESTIONS
For further information, contact Melissa Roberson at Melissa.Roberson@dcjs.virginia.gov or (804) 225-3456.
What previous graduates have said about the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy:
"I found this course very beneficial not only for me but others, the networking was terrific, to see so many different professions with one common goal, and learn about their roles and how easy it will be to work with each group. To see that it is not just a local interaction but the state shows true professionalism, and I am honored to be a part of the group."
"A wonderful environment for learning; this was the greatest week-long training I have ever attended."
"As a new sexual assault advocate, the training I received and networking opportunities provided by the VVAA were invaluable. It was by far the most well-organized, victim-centered training I have had the honor of attending, and it allowed me to see that I am part of a community of professionals that are incredibly dedicated to this work."
"VVAA was one of the best trainings I have attended in my nine years as a law enforcement officer."
"The week of intense study empowered me with practical tools to carry home and implement with the victims that I serve."
"Attending the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy made a huge impact on me, personally and professionally. I was reminded of the significance of my work as a service provider and I was re-energized by the passion of not only the presenters, but also by the other attendees at the Academy."
"The course content, presenters, group mentors, the beautiful environment of the college, and the special attention provided to the students made the Victim Assistance Academy a huge success. I feel honored and privileged to have been a part of it!"
"I feel able to effectively assist crime victims of all types thanks to the diverse curriculum offered at the Academy."
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