Summit Victim Assistance Academy

The Summit Victim Assistance Academy is an educational service provided by the historic Victim Assistance Program of Summit County, Ohio. SVAA utilizes an expert training team led by Dana Zedak, L.S.W, C.A. (Senior Director of Educational Services.) The focus of SVAA is three-fold: education and awareness of services to the community; training for allied professionals and victim advocates; and on-going Victim Assistance Program staff training and wellness.

Browse Full SVAA Course Catalog

The Essentials of Victim Advocacy

The Essentials of Victim Advocacy is the only nationally approved prerequisite class and online training, offered in the state of Ohio, for assisting individuals in becoming a comprehensive National Credentialed Advocate.

Participants who complete the 40-hour hybrid learning course will become equipped to use National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) crisis intervention model to assist individuals impacted by victimization or traumatic events. In addition, participants will increase their knowledge about the judicial system, victims’ rights as well as resources available for both victims and the advocate providing the service.

Who should attend?

The Essentials is open to all those in the helping profession who may have the need to assist someone who has experienced trauma. Law enforcement, social workers, counselors, attorneys, medical personnel, first responders, clergy, students and of course victim advocates should attend. This training is required for all individuals who intern with Victim Assistance Program.

What topics will be covered?

• History of the Victims’ Rights Movement
• Crisis & Trauma: Physiological and Psychological effects
• Individualized Crisis Intervention
• Children Who Witness Violence
• Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Identity Theft, Missing Persons, Stalking
• Unexpected Deaths: Homicide, Suicide, DUI, Sudden Death
• Crime Scene Response
• Judicial System: Court Advocacy and Victims’ Rights
• Victim Compensation
• VINE-Victim Information and Notification Everyday
• Protection Orders
• Vicarious Trauma, Burn Out, Self Care

webinars

Our Services Series is tailored for case workers, victim advocates, social workers, benefits providers, and any professionals encountering social services. These workshops are intended to provided information, resources, and practical skills to help professionals be trauma informed.

Mask Up!: Building and Maintaining Trust with a Mask On
January 20, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Trauma Informed Supervisors
February 17, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Crisis Intervention
March 17, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Akron Sexual Assault Kit Initiative: The Journey to Best Practice
April 21, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Navigating the Loss of Unexpected Death
June 16, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Intersection of Trauma & Addiction
August 18, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Crisis of Suicidal Thinking
September 15, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Trauma in the Trans Community
October 20, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Our Resiliency Series is tailored for case workers, victim advocates, social workers, and any professionals encountering social services. These workshops are intended to provided information, resources, and practical skills to help professionals build resiliency in their personal and professional lives.

Yoga: Could this help me build resiliency?
January 26, 2021 | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Married to Trauma: A Real Look at the Partners of First Responders
May 4, 2021 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Let’s Talk About Sex: When Trauma Workers Use Sex to Cope
July 21, 2021 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Yoga: What is a gratitude practice?
November 18, 2021 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

customized training

Are you in need of professional training on a specific topic? Are you or your staff in need of continuing education credits to maintain social work licensures? Or are you looking for a unique training to enhance your skills?

Victim Assistance Program’s Training Team can customize presentations to fit your needs.

Begin a conversation today!