Click here to apply for the 2010 Virginia Victim Assistance Academy

Click here to see Draft Academy Schedule

Background Information about the Academy

BASIC ACADEMY

The Virginia Victim Assistance Academy provides a 45-hour comprehensive, academic, interdisciplinary and interactive training program for crime victims services providers, advocates, allied professionals and others who work with crime victims. The curriculum provides a foundation of victims services and principles to enable participants to more effectively help crime victims regain control of their lives.

The curriculum includes presentations on: History of Crime Victims Movement, Scope of Crime and Impact on Victims, Victims’ Rights, Direct Services to Victims, Domestic Violence and Stalking, Sexual Assault, Crisis Intervention and Assessment, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Developing Resiliency, Stress Management, Cultural Competency, Ethics in Victims Services, Communication Skills, Legal Protections, Financial Remedies, and Collaboration.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND

Victims services providers, allied professionals such as law enforcement officers, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, volunteers, sexual assault advocates, domestic violence advocates, victim/witness staff, and other victims services providers are eligible to apply to attend the Academy.

Individuals with up to three years of experience working with crime victims are eligible to apply to the Basic Academy. The Academy is open to individuals who live or work in Virginia and potential students are required to submit applications to attend the Academy.

Successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions of the Academy, and will also be required to complete some work prior to the Academy.

DATES OF THE ACADEMY

If held, the Basic Academy will start at noon on Sunday, July 25, 2010 and conclude early afternoon on Friday, July 30, 2010. There will be several evening activities that students are required to attend.

REGISTRATION FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

It is unclear what the registration fee for the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy will be. We hope to be able to provide a limited number of scholarships. The registration fee will include all lodging, meals and materials for the entire week. Travel costs to and from the Academy are not included.

The federal Office for Victims of Crime’s Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) provides scholarships of up to $1000 to individuals seeking professional development opportunities. More information and the application process can be found at www.ovcttac.gov/taResources/scholarship.cfm. Individuals interested in applying for TTAC scholarships should apply directly to TTAC.

Please Note: TTAC will not consider applications for scholarships for the Academy, until it is confirmed that the Academy will be held.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE ACADEMY

To be considered for admission, interested individuals will be required to submit applications to DCJS. The deadline for applications will be set when we determine if funding will be available for the Academy.

CREDIT

DCJS in-service credit, including legal and cultural diversity subject matter credit, will be requested and should be available for law enforcement officers.

It is anticipated that successful completion of the Academy will make participants eligible to apply for Provisional Advocate Credentialing through the National Advocate Credentialing Program.

What 2008 and 2009 Academy Graduates Said About the Academy

"I made friendships that will last forever, gained a huge sense of pride by being part of it, and came back renewed with a sense to help victims and to look at things from the victim's point of view instead of the law enforcement point of view."

"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."

"I made some lifetime friends and connections at the VVAA."

"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, the presenters, the 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."