Training

We offer trainings throughout the year on a range of topics crucial to victim advocates of all levels.

Training

NOVA will customize our trainings and share our expertise to help create your victim advocacy program

Training

NOVA’s Victim Assistance Academy, offered through our National Advocacy Leadership Center provides comprehensive, skill-based training through an innovative on-line platform.

Training

Training

NOVA’s Human Trafficking Response Academy, provides a trauma-informed, skills-based training to victim assistance professionals working with survivors of trafficking through a convenient on-line platform.

Training

NOVA Training

The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) is committed to upholding excellence in the field of victim advocacy and crisis response by providing trauma-informed training, education and credentialing to all victim assistance and allied professionals. Our training programs are created to promote a standard of knowledge among those interacting with victims/survivors of trauma and to ensure each victim/survivor receives a level of care and respect that empowers and promotes their wellbeing.

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We offer a variety of training opportunities for victim assistance professionals and crisis responders at all levels.  Our skill-based trainings include on-line course and in-person trainings designed to accommodate individuals and groups around the world. Interested in becoming a NOVA Subject Matter Experts and joining the NOVA Faculty? Please read the NOVA Faculty Standards of Excellence and complete our NOVA Faculty Application!

Join us this year for these and other dynamic trainings offered by NOVA!

NOVA Victim Assistance Academy

Offered twice a year (Spring and Fall), pre-approved by the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) this training provides skills and tools for new and aspiring advocates. Learn more >

National Advocacy Leadership Center

For our Premier Members we offer Monthly and Quarterly CEU Webinars on a variety of topics for advocates of all levels of experience. Learn more >

NOVA CAMPUS ADVOCACY TRAINING

Offered once a year, this training is specialized in the topics and skills for victim advocates in college/university settings. Learn more >

HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESPONSE ACADEMY (HTRA)

Offered once a year, this specialized training is designed to provide concrete skills, best practices and lessons from the field for professionals working with victims of human trafficking. Learn more >

CHILD & FAMILY ADVOCACY ACADEMY

Offered in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, this advanced training is designed to provide evidence-based best practices, enhance valuable skills and share prevention models and systems-based approaches for professionals working with child and adolescent victims of crime and their families. Learn more >

NOVA Crisis Response Team Training

NOVA collaborates with communities around the world to facilitate CRT Trainings focused on providing trauma mitigation, education and emotional first aid in the aftermath of a critical incident, either small-scale or mass-casualty. Learn more >

NOVA’s Annual Training Event (Conference)

Once a year we invite all victim advocates and allied professionals to join us for four days of in-person trainings and workshops. Learn more >

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

During NOVA’s observation of National Crime Victims’ Rights week in April we offer a variety of trainings and events to promote victims’ rights. Learn more >

Customized Victim Assistance Training for Teams 

NOVA offers customized Victim Advocacy Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) to help corporations, communities and agencies develop innovative approaches, polices and trainings to expand and enhance support for victims and survivors of crime. Learn more >

Trauma-Informed Advocacy Course (Self-Paced)

Created in partnership with the Justice Clearing House, this self-paced online course discusses the foundational topics of victim advocacy and providing trauma-informed services. Through this online course, you’ll learn the fundamentals and best practices of trauma-informed advocacy and develop critical skills for being an effective victim advocate. From the neurobiology of trauma to ethical practice, and self care, this course will give you the information you need to better communicate and succeed in this helping profession. Learn more >

Are you a Subject Matter Expert interested in becoming a NOVA Faculty member?

We would love to hear from you! Please read the NOVA Faculty Standards of Excellence and complete our NOVA Faculty Application. 

NOVA’s Customized Victim Assistance Training and Technical Assistance Program

NOVA offers customized Victim Advocacy Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) to help corporations, communities and agencies develop innovative approaches, policies and trainings to expand and enhance support for victims and survivors of crime. NOVA’s Customized TTA Services include:

• NOVA’s Introduction to Victim Advocacy Training (12 hours)
• NOVA’s Customized Victim Assistance Academies, pre-approved by the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP)® (40 hours)
• Dynamic Webinar Trainings on Emerging Trends and Best Practices in Victim Assistance
• One-on-One Technical Assistance, Coaching and Mentorship

NOVA’s Introduction to Victim Advocacy Training (12 hours):

This two (2) day training can be offered virtually or in-person and will cover the foundational topics of victim advocacy and providing trauma-informed services. Attendees will learn about the following topics:
 •  Trauma-Informed Advocacy (2 hours)
 •  Communication Skills (2 hours)
 •  NOVA’s Crisis Intervention Model (2 hours)
 •  Ethics, Boundaries and Confidentiality (2 hours)
 •  Cultural Humility in Outreach and Advocacy Services (2 hours)
 •  Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care (2 hours)

NOVA’s Introduction to Victim Advocacy Training includes: NOVA instructors, training, materials, technology orientation (virtual training only), and NOVA’s Certificate of Completion for each attendee.

Cost: Please contact Callie Stewart (calliestewart@trynova.org), listing how many attendees you expect to participate and if you prefer a virtual or in-person training to receive a quote. Please note that all custom trainings require a minimum of 25 attendees. If you are a single registrant interested in training, please consider the NOVA Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA).

NOVA’s Customized Victim Assistance Academy (40 hours – Get Credentialed!):

This 40-hour training can be offered virtually or in-person and is designed as a comprehensive victim services course to meet the needs of your staff. All Customized Victim Assistance Academies are created to meet the qualifications of the National Advocacy Credentialing Program (NACP)® and are pre-approved prior to the training to ensure all attendees can apply for professional credentialing.

NOVA works closely with your leadership to understand the training needs and specialty topics that will best prepare your staff to respond and assist victims/survivors of crime with best-practices and trauma-informed skills.

NOVA’s Customized Victim Assistance Academy includes: Instructors, training, resources and materials, homework, NOVA Certificate of Completion, and NACP Provisional Advocate Credentialing for all attendees.

Cost: Please contact Callie Stewart (calliestewart@trynova.org) to learn more. After an initial meeting and needs analysis, a contract is developed and agreed upon between the two parties. Please note that all custom trainings require a minimum of 25 attendees. If you are a single registrant interested in training, please consider the NOVA Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA).

NOVA’s Customized Victim Assistance Academies are carefully created to meet the needs of your staff and the clients they serve. As a result, our curriculum and training development process typically requires at least 3 months from start to finish.

Current and Prior Recipients of NOVA’s TTA Include:
         

Testimonials

“I was incredibly impressed with the group of speakers – they were all SO proficient on their respective topics, interesting and fun. I thought it was a great training. Thank you!”

“I was a sex crimes and child abuse police supervisor in the 90s, overseeing both detectives & victim assistants, so I was a little familiar with NOVA. But I was really impressed by this training. Among the best I’ve seen in 40 years in and around the business.”

“Truly amazing training. All the speakers were top notch, not only in terms of expertise but also in terms of energy and presentation style. This is one of the most engaging/interesting trainings I’ve been to in a long time. Thanks!”

“Thanks for providing such a high caliber of trainers. It was an emotional week and I am inspired by every one of the trainers and speakers who came.”

“Thanks for doing this service for our nation’s many communities! It is greatly needed and in an area of crime/shame/blame/hurt/pain that many of us privileged don’t think about regularly”

For more information on receiving Technical Assistance or to learn more about Customized Training, please contact calliestewart@trynova.org.

NOVA Victim Assistance Academy: Shaping The Future Of Victim Advocacy

The NOVA Victim Assistance AcademyTM (NVAA) is a forty-hour live distance learning training for aspiring and new victim assistance professionals. Offered through NOVA’s National Advocacy Leadership Center (NALC), this unique academy provides comprehensive, skill-based training through an innovative online platform. 

WHO SHOULD REGISTER? This course is designed for new and aspiring victim advocates, although we welcome advocates at any level.

WHEN IS THE TRAINING OFFERED?
The NOVA Victim Assistance Academy is offered twice a year, Spring and Fall.

The Spring NVAA is offered as a fully live, virtual 40 training with live classes twice a week for 10 weeks. There are two class times offered in spring, a morning and evening session (Eastern Time). 

The Fall NVAA is offered as a Hybrid Model with a combination of live and asynchronous virtual training, that allows more flexibility for completing parts of the course on your own time. 

NOVA has adopted different schedules for the Spring and Fall in an attempt to accommodate more students and make the NVAA more accessible to those who want it. 

FALL 2023 Session: Registration has ended!

Info on the Spring 2024 NVAA schedule will come later this year.

      WHAT IS THE COST?
      Fall 2023 Registration: Applicants who apply by the Early Bird deadline of July 19, 2023 are eligible for the discounted rate of $360. NOVA Members are eligible for a further reduced rate of $300. After July 19, 2023, the standard tuition rate is $400 and NOVA Member rate is $350. Registration will close August 4, 2023 or earlier if capacity has been reached. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and spots cannot be held. 

      HOW DO I REGISTER A GROUP OF 5 OR MORE?
      To get the group discount of $275 per student for a group of 5 or more from the same agency, please send a list of the applicant names, point of contact information for the group, and cardholder information to nvaa@trynova.org. Each person in the group will need to fill out the PDF registration form in its entirety.

      HOW IS THE NVAA COMPLETED?
      The NVAA will be offered online via Zoom Meeting.  In order to participate in the NVAA, each student must be able to access Zoom. Access to a camera and microphone are not required, but highly encouraged to increase participation and engagement. Auto-transcription is provided during the training. 

      WILL I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE AFTER THE COURSE?
      Attendance is taken throughout the live training. Per the attendance policy, students can miss up to two presentations but must make them up by completing a brief assignment. In order to receive a certificate of completion, students must adhere to the attendance policy.

      WHY REGISTER?
      The NVAA is:

      CONVENIENT: Expanded access to learning for victim service professionals who may have schedule, geographical or physical limitations with accessing more traditional academies.

      SKILL-BASED: Students receive comprehensive, skill-based training in an innovative online classroom.

      INTERACTIVE: The academy allows students to interact directly with faculty and classmates, and participate in engagement activities and discussion, all in real time from their home or office.

      UNIQUE: Direct access to over 20 nationally-recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) Faculty Members. See our dynamic faculty members in action!

      VALUABLE: Pre-approved by the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP)®.

      Please contact nvaa@trynova.org with any questions or concerns.

      Take a moment to browse through our NVAA Alumni testimonials to learn why these and other victim assistance professionals are choosing the NVAA.

      Ask Our Alumni

      • Luis Bispo, MA
        DoD Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
        Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major
        Stuttgart, Germany
        NVAA Fall 2014 Alumni

        My Introduction to Victim Advocacy

        While on active duty, I started developing advocacy skills by caring for Soldiers and family members. This was a duty or role in which those in leadership positions had no choice but to engage in caring for others. I had many opportunities to support families when in crisis. This included help finding lodging, providing advice on their budget plans, and reacting to after hour calls including a drive by shooting at their living quarters and on certain occasions attempts of sexual assault at their quarters. When the Army began developing their sexual assault program, I was selected by my Commanding General to lead the implementation of such program in our command in Stuttgart. From this experience, I developed an interest in pursuing a career in victim advocacy. When I retired from the U.S. Army in 2013, I found a job as Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC).

        NVAA’s Impact on my Career

        As a SARC, NVAA is part of my career and professional development. I believe NVAA brings to the table the reality of victim advocacy and experienced instructors that can make me a better SARC.

        My Experience with NVAA Instructors and Staff

        I rate them “way above excellence.” The impression they left regarding their knowledge of every subject was impressive.

        Knowledge and Skills Gained

        I learned how to talk to a victim, what to expect from each of the different scenarios presented, confidentiality (although I have it, the course gave me truthful reasons to accept it from the heart rather than my job alone) and apply it in discussions to show the community we care for victims of sexual assault; how to appreciate what my peers know and their level of knowledge; and listen to others more attentively.

      • Mary-Justine Todd, MPH, MA
        Founder and Executive Director
        Women’s Crisis Care International
        Lagoon, Bahrain
        NVAA Spring 2015 Alumni

        NVAA’s Impact on my Career

        The NVAA training has given me the credentials necessary to run and operate the first rape crisis counseling and response program in the Middle East, Women’s Crisis Care International. Although where we work, primarily, the Kingdom of Bahrain has no credential requirements as it’s not yet a professional widely understood here, having gone through the NVAA gives me confidence that we can make strong claims about our professionalism, training and expertise.

        My Experience Attending a Virtual Academy

        It is equally interesting and rigorous as any classroom course, however it allows you the freedom to do it from your home and in my case, from the Middle East. Without the online platform it would not have been possible for us.

        Knowledge and Skills Gained

        Ideas about how I can improve upon and expand our advocate training that we hold here in the Kingdom of Bahrain. I got lots of ideas about how to improve and add to my current program.

      • Maricella Montoya Carter
        Interim Executive Director
        The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors
        Newport News, VA
        NVAA Spring 2015 Alumni

        My Career in Victim Advocacy

        I have been in the field of victim advocacy for over 20 years from a volunteer to an employee. I started out volunteering at a domestic violence shelter in junior high. Once I graduated, I was hired as an intake worker and eventually as a victim advocate. I went on to work as a case manager in a men’s prison in Arizona. In California, I worked as a victim advocate and house manager for victims of human trafficking for many years. I worked for Homicide Survivors Inc. as a bilingual advocate and now I am with The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors. I started out as the Hispanic Community Outreach Specialist/Victim Advocate and I am now the Interim Executive Director.

        NVAA’s Impact on my Career

        Even though I have years of experience in advocacy, the NVAA gave me the opportunity to learn new practices. Being able to interact with advocates from other areas of the county and world is an invaluable experience. The fact that we had advocacy in common made it even better.

        My Takeaway from the NVAA

        I realized through the academy many of us out here are trying to help victims survive every day. We do not have to carry it all on our own. I find myself reaching out more now to NOVA and other agencies for resources and support.

      • Lakisha Toussaint, MA

        Why the NVAA

        The NVAA offers an interactive experience to assist me in developing my professional skills as a victim advocate. While I am an active duty military officer, I am volunteering as a victim advocate. The NVAA is a vital tool in broadening my skills and providing instruction on how to better serve victims of crime.

        My Experience with a Virtual Academy

        My experience with attending the virtual victim assistance academy was awesome! The online blended course provided a very interactive learning environment. The instructors for the course were experienced and very knowledgeable of their specific area of expertise. They made class very interesting and gave students a chance to interact at their comfort level.

        Knowledge and Skills Gained

        This course provided a lot of insight for me.  I learned a lot through my classmates’ experiences as well as from the instructors.  The NVAA provided vital knowledge to use as a victim advocate.  For example, knowing my role while trying to meet the needs of the survivor was a major takeaway for me during the training.

      • Dede Dacyk
        Assistant Manager, RCMP Victim Services
        Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) Victim Services
        British Columbia, Canada

        My Introduction into Victim Advocacy

        I joined the Royal Canadian Mountain Police Victim Services team in 2003. I first joined as a Volunteer and then moved to a paid position. I love being a victim service worker.

        My Experience with the NVAA

        I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the NVAA. I found it very interesting to hear about people situated all over the world and all coming together to share their experiences and knowledge of the same cause. Furthermore, the staff and instructors were wonderful. I found them extremely well qualified and knowledgeable on their subject matter.

        Knowledge and Skills Gained

        The nine week NVAA was a great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the training and actually wish it had gone on longer. Being in this field for 12 years, I found this program a great refresher. I gained different tools and knowledge from each instructor. I also found it interesting to learn of some differences in law and victim advocacy being that I am from Canada.

      Students of the NOVA Victim Assistance Training (NVAA), NOVA Campus Advocacy Training (NCAT) and Sex Trafficking Advanced Victim Assistance Training (STAVAT) can all access their student centers below. 

      Passwords have been provided to you by your NOVA program manager.

      NVAA Student Center

      HTRA Student Center

      NCAT Student Center

      Human Trafficking Response Academy

      NOVA’s Human Trafficking Response Academy is an introductory to intermediate level training course designed for victim advocates and allied professionals working with survivors of human trafficking. This training academy includes topics pertaining to both forms of human trafficking: sex trafficking and labor trafficking (forced labor). While there is no prerequisite for this course, those enrolling should already have reasonable foundational knowledge in victim services.

      Register Here
      Who should register?

      This is a foundational training specifically dedicated to human trafficking response services. There is no prerequisite to take the course, however, those enrolling should already have reasonable foundational knowledge in victim services.

      When is the training offered?

      The 2024 Human Trafficking Response Academy will be offered virtually over 3.5 days from Monday, January 22 through Thursday, January 25th, 2024. Students must have access to Zoom to participate in the training.

      Monday, January 22nd: 9:30am – 4:45pm ET

      Tuesday, January 23rd: 9:30am – 4:45pm ET

      Wednesday, January 24th: 9:30am – 4:45pm ET

      Thursday, January 25th: 9:30am – 12:45pm ET

      Multiple breaks will be provided throughout each day.

      What is the cost?

      Register before November 1 and enjoy an Early Bird Rate of $350. Standard registration (after 10/31/1023) will be $400/person.

      NOVA Members enjoy a 10% discounted rate. Group discounts are also available for five (5) or more students from the same organization. Please contact marieljewell@trynova.org for more information.

      How do I apply?

      Registration for the 2024 HTRA will open September 18th, 2023. Registration will be open until November 30th, 2023 or until capacity has been reached.

      What topics are covered?

      Dynamics of Labor Trafficking, Dynamics of Sex Trafficking, The Impact of Trauma, Understanding Trauma-Informed Response & Care, Mitigating Trauma During Recovery & Reunification, Harm Reduction, Working with Trafficking Survivors with Disabilities, Unique Considerations for Working with Trafficking Survivors, Human Trafficking & the Criminal Legal System, Human Trafficking & the Legal System: Survivor Experience, Civil Legal Options for Survivors, Law Enforcement Response, Creating an Effective Community Response, Personal Wellness & Vicarious Trauma.

      What are HTRA alumni saying?

      “The HTRA made me feel more comfortable with working with victims of human trafficking. I’ve been working in this field for about a year but there is still so much I don’t know, so all of the information I’ve gained from this course has been super beneficial.” 

      “This course impacted my skills, knowledge, and attitude towards working with trafficking survivors in every single way. Every presentation had SUCH an impact on my personal and professional life.”

      “This particular training encourages me to start volunteering with local non-profit agencies to use my knowledge of what I have learned thus far.”

      “It lit a burning desire to get more involved in anti-trafficking.”

      How is it different?

      The HTRA is a unique, high-quality training which allows students to directly interact with nationally-recognized Subject Matter Experts. Our faculty hail from the following influential organizations and institutions:

      ASISTA

      Covenant House California

      Freedom Network USA

      Human Trafficking Legal Center

      Human Trafficking Training Center

      National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

      New Frameworks

      Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force

      School of Social Work Arizona State University

      Strand2 Squared Solutions

       NOVA Child & Family Advocacy Academy (CFAA)

      Offered in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), this 18-hour  online training academy is designed to provide evidence-based best practices, enhance valuable skills and share prevention models and systems-based approaches for professionals working with child and adolescent victims of crime and their families.

       Registration for the 2023 Child & Family Advocacy Academy will open on Monday, October 2nd! 

      WHO SHOULD REGISTER?
      This course is designed for professionals working with child and adolescent victims of crime and their families. The CFAA is limited to 60 participants. Registration will remain open until Monday, November 13th  OR until class capacity has been reached.

      WHEN IS THE TRAINING OFFERED?
      The CFAA will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays for three weeks starting November 28th to December 14th from 1:00pm – 4:15pm Eastern Time via Zoom Meeting.

      Live training dates: November 28, November 30, December 5, December 7, December 12, December 14.

      WHAT IS THE COST?
      Applicants who apply by the Early Bird deadline of Monday, October 23rd are eligible or the discounted rate of $300. Applications received after that date will be charged $350. Members enjoy a discounted rate of 10% off.

      WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?
      Trauma-Informed Family Advocacy, Intergenerational Trauma, Serving D/deaf Child Survivors, Serving Neurodivergent Children, Law Enforcement & Agency Collaboration, Reaching Underserved Communities, Community Impact & School System Response, Child and Adolescent Suicide Intervention, Communicating with Families, Vicarious Trauma & Self-Care, Family Engagement & Connection, Survivor Engagement & Voices.

      HOW IS THE CFAA COMPLETED?
      Zoom Meeting is the platform used for the CFAA. In order to participate in the CFAA, each student must be able to access Zoom and a microphone feature. Cameras will be optional but not required. Call-in only for Zoom is not permitted. Auto-transcription is provided during the training.

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      Tracking address: archwalf-cdajcj@webc.trynova.org (do not email this address)