The Essentials of Victim Advocacy

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The Essentials of Victim Advocacy is a nationally approved comprehensive training offered four times a year in the State of Ohio. Essentials is designed to offer trauma-informed knowledge and skills to individuals serving survivors of crime and other traumatic events in our communities. Participants who complete the course may apply to become a National Credentialed Advocate through the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA).

This 44-hour (up to 29 CE hours available for Social Work-eligible attendees) comprehensive course will equip attendees to use the (NOVA) crisis intervention model and learned skills to assistant individuals impacted by crime, victimization, or other traumatic events. Attendees will gain knowledge about the impact of trauma, the judicial system, victim rights, available resources, and much more.

Courses are offered fully in-person in May and August and fully online/live via Zoom in October and May.

We hope to see you in the next Essentials!

Who should attend?

The Essentials of Victim Advocacy is open to victim advocates and ally professionals. Law enforcement, first responders, social workers, behavioral health workers, attorneys, medical personnel, clergy, and university students are only a few who have reported benefiting from this course. Essentials equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective support to individuals impacted by victimization or traumatic events. We place so much value on this course that all who work or intern with VAP are required to attend!

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What to Expect

Presenters

Sample Agenda

Technology

What topics will be covered?

Trauma Informed Approach
Crisis Intervention, including the NOVA Model
Cultural Humility
Sexual Violence
Intimate Partner Violence
Human Trafficking
Unexpected Death and Suicide*
Compassion Fatigue & Resiliency
Victim Rights & Advocacy in the Legal System
Knowledge to Practice

*Become QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Certified, by completing the 90-minute evidence-based suicide prevention/early intervention training module of Essentials.

Have some basic questions about the Essentials? Dana Zedak, our Essentials Coordinator, answers some Frequently Asked Questions in this video.