The 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.

This intensive, but rewarding Academy will be held on the campus of the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. The Academy will be held in modern classroom facilities in a comfortable learning environment. Participants are strongly encouraged to stay on-site in university housing.

DATES OF THE ACADEMY

The Basic Academy will start at noon on Sunday, July 26, 2009 and conclude early afternoon on Friday, July 31, 2009. There will be several evening activities that students are required to attend.

Click here to download tentative schedule.

REGISTRATION FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The regular registration fee for the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy is $500. Because of a federal grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, however, we are able to provide $350 scholarships to all 2009 Academy students. Therefore the registration fee for 2009 will be $150. This fee includes all lodging, meals and materials for the entire week. Travel costs to and from the Academy are not included.

There are additional scholarship opportunities that prospective students may wish to investigate to cover the remaining registration costs and any travel costs that might be incurred.

A limited number of scholarships for law enforcement officers and victim advocates are available through DCJS. Students selected for the Academy will be notified of the application process.

The federal Office for Victims of Crime’s Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) also 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.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE ACADEMY

To be considered for admission, interested individuals should submit applications to DCJS by April 3, 2009. Applications will be available on February 6, 2009. Successful applicants will be notified by May 29, 2009. Student applications will be available at www.dcjs.virginia.gov/trainingevents/victims/VVAapp/index.cfm A pre-academy teleconference for students will be held in July 2009.

CREDIT

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.

What 2008 Academy Graduates Say About the Academy

"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."

For Additional Information

Note: This project is supported by Grant No. 2006-VF-GX-K026, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, and U.S. Department of Justice.