Training & Events

Advocating for the needs of crime victims takes many things: empathy, patience, dedication…and training. The Virginia Victim Assistance Network offers a range of victim services and advocacy trainings for victim witness professionals and allied professionals with the aim to build the capacity of advocates to expertly serve Virginia’s crime victims. From critical, foundational trainings geared towards new advocates to current topics and crime victimization trends in advanced trainings designed for seasoned advocates, The Network strives to coordinate relevant training, meaningful networking events, and ongoing professional development opportunities to support those who support crime victims, if you have a training or technical assistance question or need please reach out to our Project & Training Coordinator, Robyn Sordelett, at robyn.sordelett@vanetwork.org.

From critical, foundational skills to emerging trends in the field, The Network strives to facilitate relevant and meaningful learning opportunities for victims’ services professionals.

We host the following central trainings annually:

1. Advocate Essentials Academy
2. Legislation & Advocacy Forecast
3. Annual Victim Witness Directors’ Forum

We also host our Annual Conference on Crime Victims’ Issues each November, and offer a variety of special-focus trainings throughout the year as well.

Our team also provides training on selected topics and technical assistance by request. We can provide training virtually or in person. Members receive training at no cost. There is a nominal fee for non-members. If we are unable to provide training, we will do our best to refer to a partner organization.

Topics include:

• Trauma & Resilience 101
• Advocacy Skills 101
• Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for Victims
• Introduction to Lethality Assessment and Safety Planning
• Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, Burnout
• Advocate Wellness

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Upcoming Events