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The 2023-2024 Vermont Victim Assistance Academy

  

 

Sessions I and II of the VVAA have concluded, but you can still participate! The session materials, resources, assignments and recordings of each session are available via our online platform!

If you are interested in joining us in-person in Waterbury for the next Academy Session, please contact us
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About the Vermont Virtual Victim Assistance Academy (VVVAA)

The VVAA is an introductory educational opportunity designed to improve the quality and consistency of victim services in Vermont. This course integrates core concepts and best practices that encourage a victim-centered, multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to supporting those whose lives have been impacted by crime. By cultivating participants’ knowledge, skills and attitudes, we build the capacity of our community to recognize, respect and respond to the needs and experiences of crime victims, affected parties and communities in our state.
 

Benefits For Participants

The VVAA strives to be a transformative learning experience for new and seasoned professionals. After completing all Sessions, the participants will have a "toolbox" containing the following:

  • Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and alternative responses to crime
  • Effective communication skills
  • Sensitivity to victims of crime
  • “Lenses” for identifying root causes of oppression
  • Understanding of the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence
  • A wide variety of collaborative skills to best serve crime victims
  • Analysis of crime prevention and systems improvement
  • An extensive collection of resources and referral options
  • Action plans for post-training work
  • CEUs, Academic Credit, Advocate Credentialing Program
     

Benefits To Supervisors and Organizations

The VVAA is a high-quality, collaborative training with the mission of energizing participants and improving services to victims of crime throughout Vermont. This course has benefits not just its participants, but also the agencies, organizations and communities in which they are involved. By completing this course, the goal is to enhance organizational efficacy, quality of services provided, and the relationships cultivated in communities. 


Some of these benefits are:

  • Trauma-informed and victim-centered practices
  • Responsiveness to victims from underserved populations
  • Networking across disciplines
  • Collaborative approach to service provision
     

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

In collaboration with staff from the Training Department of CCVS, Academy Sessions are taught by seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds whose knowledge and skill draws on extensive work in various disciplines encompassed by victim services. 

SMEs for the Academy are from organizations such as:

  • Vermont Attorney General’s Office
  • Vermont Police Academy/ Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Community Justice Centers
  • Department of Corrections
  • Department for Children and Families
  • Mental Health Services
  • Victim/ Survivor Community
  • Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
  • Deaf Victim Advocacy Services
  • Disability Rights Organizations
  • Youth Justice Centers
  • Victim Services Programs
  • LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations
  • Programs Supporting Refugees and Immigrants


Participants

VVAA participants come from many programs, agencies, organizations and communities.
Previous participants have come from:

  • State’s Attorney’s Offices
  • Domestic and Sexual Violence Programs
  • Advocacy Programs
  • Child Welfare Programs
  • Youth Justice Programs
  • Department of Corrections
  • Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Probation and Parole Boards
  • Court Diversion Programs
  • Department of Children and Families
  • Public School Systems
  • Higher Education (students and administration)
  • Faith Community Providers
  • Disability Services
  • Economic Services
  • Community/Parallel/Restorative Justice Programs
  • Elder Services
  • Mental Health Services
  • Medical Services
  • Communication and Information Services
  • Victims and Survivors of Crime
  • Community Members

 

2023-2024 VVAA Program

Dates, Times & Locations

 

SESSION ONE

Tuesday, September 26th and Wednesday, September 27th 2023 
Each day will run from 9am - 4:30pm
Sessions will be held in-person in Waterbury, VT.

SESSION TWO

Wednesday, January 10th and Thursday, January 11th, 2024 
Each day will run from 9am - 4:30pm
Sessions will be held in-person in Waterbury, VT.
 

SESSION THREE

Tuesday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 10th, 2024
Each day will run from 9am - 4:30pm
Sessions will be held in-person in Waterbury, VT.
 

SESSION FOUR

Thursday, August 22nd and Friday, August 23rd, 2024
Each day will run from 9am - 4:30pm
Sessions will be held in-person in Waterbury, VT.
 

Program Costs

The Vermont Victim Assistance Academy is currently being offered free of charge! In an effort to offer this valuable educational experience available to everyone, we have waived the fee for the 2023-2024 Sessions! 

Application Information

To register, apply here and send a completed Support for Learning Letter and Participant Agreement to Amber King at Amber.King@ccvs.vermont.gov

Please email us for information about joining the academy and to be included in all communication regarding upcoming training opportunities!