Vermont Victim Assistance Academy (VVAA)

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.

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
• 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
• CEUs available upon request 

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
• Networking across disciplines
• Collaborative approach to service provision

In collaboration with the CCVS Training Director, 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
• Disability Rights Organizations
• Youth Justice Centers
• Victim Services Programs

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

• And More!

The Vermont Victim Assistance Academy has a registration fee of $200 per participant. This fee covers all four sessions (eight days) of the training.

To learn more about the Enrollment Fee, please see the VVAA Invoice and VVAA Payment Form. 

If you're interested in applying or have any questions, please contact Amber King at Amber.King@ccvs.vermont.gov.