Thursday, December 2, 2021, 1:30 - 3 p.m. EST
The unique dynamics of sexual assault often prevent victims from reporting the crime or participating fully in the process of investigation and prosecution. By providing information, emotional support, and addressing the specific needs of each victim-survivor, victim advocates can be extremely effective in preventing additional trauma that the criminal justice system can cause. Yet sexual assault victim-survivors will often encounter two types of advocates – system-based and community-based advocates. Why does a victim-survivor need both? The reason is that advocates in police departments and prosecutor’s offices serve a different role than community advocates in rape crisis organizations. When these two types of advocates form strong partnerships and collaborate effectively, it not only benefits the criminal justice system, but also sets the victim-survivor on a course toward healing and recovery. This training will explore the victim-focused and trauma-informed strategies that advocates use to work on behalf of sexual assault victim-survivors, similarities and differences in their roles, common pitfalls, confidentiality, and strategic collaboration.
Community-based and Systems-based Victim Advocates, Forensic Nurses, Commonwealth's Attorneys, law enforcement personnel and others who serve adult victims of sexual assault. Space is limited. Therefore, if you do not work in any of these disciplines, your registration may be cancelled.
There is no cost to participate in this webinar.
Please click on the registration button above to register in advance for this webinar.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Because space is limited, it is important to cancel your registration if you are unable to attend. You can cancel your registration via your Zoom registration notification or by notifying the course director if you are unable to attend.
Costs: $ 0
Cancellation Policy: Registrants will receive an email notification if this webinar is cancelled.
Teri Duesbery is the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Victim Advocate for the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. Prior to joining the OAG, Teri spent more than 10 years working in community-based sexual assault crisis services providing outreach and advocacy, and later as the Crisis Services and Program Manager. In addition, Teri also spent time with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as Project Coordinator on their Violence Against Women Initiative.
Sharon Reed is a Victims Services Program Specialist for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Prior to joining DCJS, Sharon served as the Victim Witness Director in the Washington County Commonwealth's Attorney’s Office. Sharon has also worked as a criminal justice instructor, corrections officer, patrol officer and detective in the crimes against children unit for the Prince William County Police Department.
