Click here to apply to the 2010 Virginia Vicitim Assistance Academy

The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the University of Richmond, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund are pleased to announce that they will be co-sponsoring the third Basic Virginia Victim Assistance Academy from July 26-30, 2010. Virginia is one of 36 states developing or presenting State Victim Assistance Academies.

The Academy is modeled after the National Victim Assistance Academy; but it provides state-specific training in victims issues.

The Academy has been designed by a multidisciplinary Steering Committee, which includes representatives from partners, DCJS, the University of Richmond, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Other committee members include representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Social Services, the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, the Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, the Department of Corrections, the Parole Board, the Virginia Center on Aging, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, local victim assistance programs, and crime victims.

Background Information about the Academy

BASIC ACADEMY

The Academy will provide a 40-hour comprehensive, academic, interdisciplinary and interactive training program for crime victims services providers, advocates, allied professionals and others who work with crime victims. The curriculum will provide a foundation of victims services and principles to enable participants to more effectively help crime victims regain control of their lives.

The curriculum will include modules on: History of Crime Victims Movement, Scope of Crime and Impact on Victims, Victims’ Rights, Direct Services to Victims, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Crisis Intervention and Assessment, Developing Resiliency, Stress Management, Cultural Competency, Ethics in Victims Services, Communication Skills, Legal Protections, Crime Victims’ Compensation, and Collaboration.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND

Victims services providers, allied professionals such as law enforcement officers, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, volunteers, sexual assault advocates, domestic violence advocates, victim/witness staff, and other victims services providers are eligible to apply to attend the Academy. Individuals with up to three years of victim assistance experience are eligible to apply to the Basic Academy.

Successful applicants will be required to attend all sessions of the Academy, and will also be required to complete some work prior to the Academy.

This intensive, but rewarding Academy will be held on the campus of the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. The Academy will be held in modern classroom facilities in a comfortable learning environment. Participants are encouraged to stay on-site in university housing.

DATES OF THE ACADEMY

The Basic Academy will start at 10:00 a.m. on Monday July 26, 2010 and conclude at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010. There will be several evening activities that students are required to attend.

COSTS/SCHOLARSHIPS

The registration fee is $150. The registration fee includes on campus lodging and all meals. Travel costs to and from the Academy are not included.

The federal Office for Victims of Crime's Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) provides scholarships of up to $1000 to individuals seeking professional development opportunities. Academy students can apply for scholarships to cover the $150 registration fee and expenses associated with travel to and from the Academy. More information and the application process can be found at https://www.ovcttac.gov/taResources/scholarship.cfm

Individuals interested in applying for TTAC scholarships should apply directly to TTAC.

APPLICATIONS AND DEADLINES

Student applications are available at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/victims/VVAA/ To be considered for admission, interested individuals should submit their applications on-line to DCJS by 11:59 p.m. on April 16, 2010. Successful applicants will be notified by May 27, 2010.

TELECONFERENCE

A pre-Academy teleconference for accepted students will be held prior to the Academy.

CREDIT

DCJS in-service credit, including legal and cultural diversity subject matter credit, will be available for law enforcement officers. It is anticipated that successful completion of the Academy will make participants eligible to apply for Provisional Advocate Credentialing through the National Advocate Credentialing Program.

QUESTIONS



For further information, please contact Mandie Patterson at Mandie.Patterson@dcjs.virginia.gov (804) 786-3923

What 2008 and 2009 Academy Graduates Said About the Academy

"I made friendships that will last forever, gained a huge sense of pride by being part of it, and came back renewed with a sense to help victims and to look at things from the victim's point of view instead of the law enforcement point of view."

"A wonderful environment for learning; this was the greatest week-long training I have ever attended."

"As a new sexual assault advocate, the training I received and networking opportunities provided by the VVAA were invaluable. It was by far the most well-organized, victim-centered training I have had the honor of attending, and it allowed me to see that I am part of a community of professionals that are incredibly dedicated to this work."

"VVAA was one of the best trainings I have attended in my nine years as a law enforcement officer."

"I made some lifetime friends and connections at the VVAA."

"The week of intense study empowered me with practical tools to carry home and implement with the victims that I serve."

"Attending the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy made a huge impact on me, personally and professionally. I was reminded of the significance of my work as a service provider and I was re-energized by the passion of not only the presenters, but also by the other attendees at the Academy."

"The course content, the presenters, the group mentors, the beautiful environment of the college, and the special attention provided to the students made the Victim Assistance Academy a huge success. I feel honored and privileged to have been a part of it!"

"I feel able to effectively assist crime victims of all types thanks to the diverse curriculum offered at the Academy."