Vermont Victim Assistance Academy

What is the Vermont Victim Assistance Academy (VVAA)?

The Vermont Victim Assistance Academy is a dynamic 42-hour, ongoing training series that is practical, interactive and research based. The academy curriculum was developed by Vermont experts to reflect our current practices and needs. The coursework features case studies that draw on professional knowledge while emphasizing collaborative best practices. We offer free CLE & CEU credits. The VVAA is taught by seasoned professionals from the wide spectrum of victim services.

What will I get out of the Vermont Victim Assistance Academy?

The Academy strives to be a transformative learning experience for new and seasoned professionals. At the end of the six days the participants will have a “tool box” containing:

• Working knowledge of the Criminal Justice System
• Effective Communication Skills
• Sensitivity to under-served victims of crime
• Understanding of the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence
• A wide variety of collaborative skills to best serve crime victims
• Effective Resource Referral

The Vermont Victim Assistance Academy is open to anyone who would like to become more sensitive to victim’s needs and who can serve as a resource for victim’s issues in their profession and their communities.
 

VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADEMY TRAINING SCHEDULE

The VVAA offers two-day sessions which meet three times each year. The sessions do not need to be taken sequentially.

Days 1 & 2: April 8 & 9, 2013 - Noble Hall, VT College of Fine Arts, 39 College St., Montpelier, VT

• Scope of Crime and Historical Review of Victims’ Rights
• Criminal Justice System Continuum
• Respecting Diversity: Responding to Under-served Victims of Crime

Days 3 & 4: June 10 & 11, 2013 - Noble Hall, VT College of Fine Arts, 39 College St., Montpelier, VT

• Mental Health Needs of Victims
• Driving While Impaired
• Homicide and Co-Victimization
• Human Trafficking in Vermont
• Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime
• Restorative Justice

Days 5 & 6: October, 2013 (specific dates TBD)

• Domestic Violence
• Sexual Violence
• Child Abuse
• Stalking

Who are the trainers at VVAA?

Training sessions are taught by seasoned professionals whose knowledge draws on extensive work within a variety of victim services, from organizations such as:

VVAA participants come from many programs, agencies and organizations. 

In the past, participants have come from/as domestic and sexual violence programs, public schools, children & youth programs, State’s Attorney's Office (both advocates and attorneys), the Department of Health, Department of Corrections, Agency of Human Services, state colleges, the Faith Community, Probation and Parole Boards, law enforcement agencies, Community Justice Centers, disability rights advocates, court personnel,  school guidance counselors, emergency services, victims and survivors of crime, and more.

For more information, contact: