Office for Victim Advocacy Ethics
The NOVA Office for Victim Advocacy Ethics is a comprehensive resource for victim assistance professionals. We offer innovative training on ethics, engaging events, professional consultation on ethical dilemmas and relevant resources for all those who serve victims/survivors of crime.
Ensuring ethical practice is imperative to pushing the field forward and creating a standard of dignity and respect for all those impacted by crime and crisis. NOVA is excited to offer this resource so that victim assistance professionals are better supported in doing their critical work.
NOVA and National Advocacy Credentialing Program (NACP) have published the 2021 Revised Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Assistance Professionals. Check it out! Click here to download.
Are you a NACP® Credentialed Advocate? The Code of Ethics has already been updated in all NACP® Applications. When you renew, you will sign the Revised Code of Ethics. Learn more on the NACP website or email any questions to credential@thenacp.org
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1st Quarter
Revised NOVA Code of Ethics Overview and Q&A: WATCH RECORDING
(Please note: there is no CEU available for watching the recording.)
March 31st, 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET
Presenters: Callie Stewart & Priya Rednam Waldo, NOVA
2nd Quarter
Ethical Issues of Confidentiality and Privilege: WATCH RECORDING
(Please note: there is no CEU available for watching the recording.)
June 9th, 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET
Presenter: Jeannette Adkins, National Advocate Credentialing Program
3rd Quarter
Social Media and Victim Advocacy Ethics
September 8th, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET
Presenter: Da Shawnna Townsend, Office of Victim Advocacy at Peace Corps
4th Quarter
Setting Boundaries with A Victim Experiencing Mental Health Disorder
November 3rd, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET
Presenter: Liz Poprocki, Ohio Victim Witness Association
NOVA’s comprehensive and innovative resource center on ethics for victim advocates.
NEWLY PUBLISHED: 2021 Revised Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Assistance Providers
NOVA and National Advocacy Credentialing Program (NACP) have published the 2021 Revised Code of Professional Ethics for Victim Assistance Professionals. The diverse body of Advisory Committee members, in conjunction with NOVA’s Staff and Board, provided timely and relevant changes with an emphasis on inclusive, anti-oppressive guidance for compassionate, client-centered support.
Facing an Ethical Dilemma?
The Office for Victim Advocacy Ethics provides feedback regarding your professional advocacy ethical dilemmas and/or ethics related questions. Consultation services are available to guide advocates through the applicable NACP standards of conduct and relevant resources that address the raised concerns. The Office Advisory Committee will review your ethical issue and provide collective feedback to assist as you make decisions. Please email ethics@trynova.org with your professional ethical concern. When doing so, NOVA asks that you do not include any personal identifying information.
Office for Victim Advocacy Ethics Advisory Committee Members
Jeannette Adkins, MEd, LPC, CA (Ret.)
Former Executive Director, National Organization for Victim Assistance
Michael’s House Child Advocacy Center/Green County Prosecutor’s Office, Ohio
Lindy Aldrich, Esq.
Founder, Ladder Consulting LLC
Ericka Dixon
Manager of Training Programs, New York City Anti-Violence Project
Sandy Hunt
Director, Victim/Witness Division, Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Bette M.S. Inch
Victim Services Consultant, Senior Assistance Advisor (Ret.), Department of Defense (DoD) Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Office
Michaelene O’Neill McCann
Attorney ADA and Chief Victim Witness Services (Ret.)
Essex MA District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts
Jennifer Pollitt-Hill
Interim Executive Director, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
Liz Poprocki, MA, RAAS, CA
Executive Director, Ohio Victim Witness Association
Susan Townley
Victim Services Coordinator, Boulder Police Department
Da Shawnna Townsend
Director, Office of Victim Advocacy at Peace Corps
Arlene Vassell
Vice President of Programs, Prevention & Social Change, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence