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

NOVA’s Campus Advocacy Training is a live virtual training designed to meet the growing need for specialized, skill-based trainings for campus victim advocates.

Training

Training

NOVA’s Sex Trafficking Advanced Victim Assistance Training, offered in partnership with Strand2 Squared, provides a trauma-informed, skills-based training through a convenient on-line platform.

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.

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.  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 Learning 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 >

SEX TRAFFICKING ADVANCED VICTIM ASSISTANCE TRAINING (STAVAT)

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

Once a year we invite all victim advocates and allied professionals to join us for three 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 >

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 Academy (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. 

Fall Session 2020: September 23 – November 18 |11:00am – 3:00pm EST. 

Spring Session 2021: Dates April 21 – June 16 | 9:00am – 1:00pm EST & 5:00pm – 9:00pm EST.

How Do I Register?

Registration for the Spring Session 2021 will open March 1, 2021, we encourage you to check back then for our online and hard copy enrollment options.

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

What is the cost?

Applicants who apply by the Early Bird deadline of March 26, 2021 are eligible for the discounted rate of $335. NOVA Members are eligible for a further reduced rate of $270. A group rate of $275/student is available for groups of 5 of more from the same organization.

After March 26, 2021, the standard tuition rate is $375 and NOVA Member rate is $300. For group discounts or additional information, please contact nvaa@trynova.org.

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: Small class sizes allow students to interact directly with faculty and classmate, and participate in role plays, group exercises, 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)®.

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.

What is the NOVA Campus Advocacy Training (NCAT)?

Offered through our National Advocacy Leadership Center (NALC), the NOVA Campus Advocacy Training (NCAT) is a 28-hour advanced training academy focused on building participants’ knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to sexual assault, stalking and interpersonal violence in higher education.  Graduates of this unique academy may be eligible to apply for the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP)®’s new “Campus Advocacy Specialist” Credential. The Training will be delivered using a blended-learning approach, which includes seven consecutive weeks of live, virtual training and self-paced outside assignments designed to foster classroom discussion.  To enhance participation, class size will be limited to forty.


Due to overwhelming response, we have closed registration for the 2021 NCAT.
For updates or information about the next NCAT, please sign up here.

Who should apply?

You must be a campus-based advocate or community-based advocate providing services on a college campus to apply. There is no prerequisite to take the course, however, those enrolling should already have reasonable foundational knowledge in victim services.

Questions? Please email us at ncat@trynova.org.

When is the training offered?

The NCAT 2021 will be held January 13 – February 24, 2021 (class on Wednesdays), 11:00am – 3:00pm EST.

A mandatory 2-hour orientation to the academy will take place January 6, 2021.

How much does it cost?

Register before 12/11/20 and enjoy an Early Bird Rate of $300. Regular registration (after 12/11/20) will be $350/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 nalc@trynova.org for more information.

How do I apply?

Thank you for your interest! The 2021 NCAT has reached capacity and registration for the 2021 NCAT has been closed.

Check back here regarding the 2022 NCAT to register quick and easily online. For updates regarding the NCAT and NOVA Campus Programs, please sign up here.

How is it different?

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

AEquitas
Being Trauma Informed
Clery Center
Colorado State University
Dartmouth College
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Klancy Street
Mount Wachusett Community College
National Latin@ Network Casa Esperanza
RK Resolution
Rutgers University
School Violence Law
StrandSquared
Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA)
University of Colorado
University of Tampa
Ujima
Vera Institute of Justice
Victim Rights Law Center

Have a question or interested in receiving more information regarding the NCAT?

Email us at ncat@trynova.org.

NOVA is committed to the professionalization of Campus Victim Advocacy- check out our op-ed in USA Today.

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

STAVAT Student Center

NCAT Student Center

Sex Trafficking: An Advanced Victim Assistance Training

In partnership with Strand2 Squared, NOVA is proud to present a 21-hour live online learning academy for experienced professionals. Offered through NOVA’s National Advocacy Leadership Center (NALC), this advanced victim assistance training will provide concrete skills, best practices and lessons from the field for professionals working with victims of sex trafficking.

Topics will include:
– Intersectionality and human trafficking
– The psychophysiological impact of trauma
– Trauma-Informed Response and Care (TIRC)
– Supporting Victim Safety
– Sex trafficking and the legal system
– Creating an effective community response

Registration for the 2021 STAVAT is now closed, but we encourage you to check back for other training opportunities offered at NOVA in 2021.

Who should register?

This course is designed for experienced victim assistance professionals looking for an comprehensive, trauma-informed training on identifying and supporting victims/survivors of sex trafficking.

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 inaugural Sex Trafficking Advanced Victim Assistance Training (STAVAT) will be offered January 12 – February 23, 2021.  Class will take place online every Tuesday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm (EST).

What is the cost?

Register before 12/11/20 and enjoy an Early Bird Rate of $300. Regular registration (after 12/11/20) will be $350/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 nalc@trynova.org for more information.

How do I apply?

Registration for the 2021 STAVAT is now closed, but we encourage you to check back for other training opportunities offered at NOVA in 2021.

How is it different?

The STAVAT 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

Being Trauma Informed

Breaking Free

Brighton, Colorado Police Department

Conscious Legal Minds

Human Trafficking Legal Center

Project REACH, Trauma Center Justice Resource Institute

Rescuing Hope

Rights4Girls

School of Social Work Arizona State University

Shared Hope International

Strand² Squared Consulting

About Our Partners

Strand² Squared is focused on providing cutting edge human centric, trauma informed training, education and consultation centered on crime, crisis and other traumatic experiences. They do so through training, education and consultation and in collaboration with like-minded independent consultants both in person and on-line.

Our Mission: is to dramatically shift the cultural paradigm in order to improve society’s response to individuals who have experienced trauma, victimization and other complex experiences.

We Envision: A Human centric, trauma informed response to all incidents of high stress and trauma. A response that empowers individuals and families while embracing compassion, respect and dignity of all people.

Tracking address: marie-cbabch@webc.trynova.org (do not email this address)