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) and Jan Apisa, C.A. (Director of Community Education). Together they have a combined 35 years of experience in responding to trauma. 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.

one-week courses

The Essentials for 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 44-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.

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half-day workshops (coming in 2019)

one-hour trainings (coming in 2019)

View SVAA Course Listing!

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.

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community presentations

Schedule a speaker to talk to your congregation, civic groups, business, nursing homes, or retirement community about the free service Victim Assistance Program provides, crime trends in Summit County, and awareness of specialized topics.

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

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