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COVID-19:
Resources, News & Updates for Victim Services Professionals

At the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), we are committed to supporting our community in times of crisis. Like many of you, we are seeing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having across the globe and the stress it’s putting on our members, partners and community. It’s a time of uncertainty and change for many. In addition to the living restrictions and disruptions to all our daily lives, we understand that the victim services field is going to face unique and complex challenges. We are here to support you in this difficult time and will continue to provide free resources and opportunities to connect and learn from each other in this difficult time. 

NOVA Virtual Gatherings

NOVA Virtual Gatherings are free and open to the public. They are intended as an opportunity to connect, discuss and learn. 

There is no registration required. The webinar link will be provided via email to our mailing list and on this webpage.

Enjoy! PLEASE NOTE: Certificates are NOT provided for viewing these recordings. 

Past Fall 2020 Virtual Gatherings

Dec. 16, 2020 at 1:00-2:00pm ET

"Life Doesn't Come with Jumper Cables" with Kellie Portman

Description: During this gathering, Kellie will provide individuals with a basic understanding of catabolic (negative) and anabolic (positive) energy. The seven levels of energy will be introduced and opportunities provided that will allow participants to identify  how (and if) these energy levels show up for them both at home and in their workplace. If time permits, participants will learn strategies to shift and balance their energy in order to achieve personal success.

Presenter: Kellie Portman is NOVA’s Crisis Response Training Coordinator. Previously, she was a Core Energy Life Coach and has over 20 years of experience working within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Kellie earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services Leadership from Urbana University. In addition to her education, Kellie’s extensive training and knowledge has allowed her to coach and train hundreds of youth & families, school personnel and other professionals. Kellie is a certified NOVA Crisis Response Team® training instructor, a member of a local CRT response team and has been actively involved in local responses.

Nov. 16, 2020 at 1:00-2:00pm ET

"The Impact of COVID-19 on Victims in the Criminal Justice System" with Bridgette Stumpf

This virtual gathering has passed. View the recording by clicking the button below. Unfortunately, these virtual gathering recordings can NOT be viewed for CEUs. Recordings will stay up for 30 days.

Description: This presentation will discuss how the COVID-19 response has changed victims’ experiences within the criminal legal systems. Participants will learn about strategies to center survivor voices in this system through individual case approaches and larger strategic advocacy. Objectives will include: 1. Discussing the current landscape of legal system operations; 2. Reviewing the acute responses when representing victims during COVID-19; and 3. Brainstorming longer-term strategic approaches when supporting victims engaging in the current criminal legal system. 

Presenter: Bridgette Stumpf, Esq. is the Executive Director of Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC), a position she has held since co-founding the organization in May 2012. As part of this role, Bridgette developed the Legal Services and Pro Bono Programs at NVRDC, which offer assistance to victims of all crime types in asserting their rights throughout the criminal justice process, civil legal assistance to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking in DC Superior Court, and representation to college campus survivors through administrative judicial hearings, appeals, and formal complaints to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights for Title IX violations. For over a decade, Bridgette has spent her legal career advocating to ensure those impacted by crime are afforded meaningful rights and access to supportive services to mitigate the negative effects of trauma post-victimization. Read more…

Oct. 28, 2020 at 1:00-2:00pm ET

"Shifting Our Paradigm: Responding to Harm with Restorative Justice" with Dr. Rachel King

Session has passed. This recording is offered by request only. Please email marielbranagan@trynova.org if you would like to view the recording.

Presenter: Dr. Rachel King is a restorative justice practitioner specializing in issues of harassment and sexual misconduct in higher education.  She has extensive experience facilitating restorative justice conferences in community and school-based programs and has held a number of roles in college administration, including Associate Dean of Students, Director of Community Standards and Conflict Resolution, and Title IX Coordinator.  Rachel provides training to schools around the country on how to take a restorative approach to cases of sexual misconduct through the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women campus grant program. 

"TOUCH BASE" PROGRAM: COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR THE NOVA FAMILY

NOVA recognizes that our community of victim advocates, crisis responders, and community partners deserve emotional-wellness support during this time.

Starting today NOVA has decided to re-launch the “Touch Base” emotional-wellness support program. Our NOVA trained Crisis Responders will be available between 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. ET, Monday-Friday to offer you a listening ear and strategies to de-stress.

To reach a Crisis Responder email touchbase@trynova.org with the subject line: ‘Touch Base Contact’. Include your first name and phone number in the body of the email and you will receive a call back within the hour from an undisclosed number.

Please stay safe. Stay well, and remember we are an email message away. We will continue to help each other heal.

RECORDED WEBINARS

Enjoy! PLEASE NOTE: Certificates are NOT provided for viewing these recordings. 

NOVA COVID-19 Webinar: Mental Health Impacts & Resilience for International School Educators, presented by Dr. Suzanne Anderson of Restorative Community Counseling – WATCH NOW

NOVA’s CRT Model and COVID-19, presented by Dr. Suzanne Anderson of Restorative Community Counseling – WATCH NOW

Considerations for Survivors of Interpersonal Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic, co-presented by Beth Rossman and Tonia Moultry – WATCH NOW

Considerations for Elder Abuse Victims during the COVID-19 Pandemic, co-presented by NOVA and NCEAWATCH NOW

Virtual Advocacy and Communication Skills, co-presented by Beth Rossman and James Gierke – WATCH NOW

Additional NOVA Resources:

COVID-19: Helping your staff maintain their physical and mental well-being during a time of uncertaintyDOWNLOAD PDF

Useful Validating Responses, Effective Words/Phrases and Phrases to Avoid in Crisis CommunicationDOWNLOAD PDF

Unique Implications for Survivors of IPVDOWNLOAD PDF

Resources from Our Colleagues and Partners

COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis Response: Supporting Grieving Young People  DOWNLOAD .PDF
Indiana Crisis Assistance Response Team  (iCART)                                 

Comprehensive Resource List
The African American Policy Forum

Hacked Video Conference & COVID-19 Scam Alerts
CyberCrime Support Network

Top Ten Tension Tactics: Day One
Cindy Kuhr, BCI

Resources on the Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
National Network to End Domestic Violence

COVID-19 Military Support Initiative
The Association of Defense Communities (ADC), Blue Star Families, and participants of the White Oak Collaborative

Online Training Library
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)

Preventing and Managing the Spread of COVID-19 Within Domestic Violence Programs
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

Updates and Information on COVID-19
Futures Without Violence

What Domestic Violence Organizations Need to Know about Coronavirus
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

BEAM Virtual Wellness Check-In 
Black Emotional And Mental Health (BEAM)

Resource Round-Up
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

COVID-19 Resources
NASPA

Digital Services Toolkit
Technology Safety, NNEDV

Developing Resilience
Restorative Community Concepts

COVID-19 Resources for Legal Services and Victims’ Rights
National Crime Victim Law Institute

The Coronavirus (COVID-19): What Trans People Need to Known
National Center for Trans Equality 

Resources for undocumented communities.

Addressing and Preventing Sexual Abuse in Relationships and in your Community Fact Sheet
DoD and Military Community and Family Policy Family Advocacy Program

“Hooray for Our Heroes” Reading for Kids
Cindy KuhrG

Useful Links for Staying Up-to-Date from FEMA

For background and the most up-to-date information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 website: HERE

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

What you should know:

Situation Updates:

Information for Businesses:

Information for Travel and Transportation:

Information for Healthcare Providers, First Responders, and Research Facilities: