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| DCVAA Graduates: |
(Washington, DC) The Office of Victim Services (OVS) hosted the first District of Columbia Crime Victim Assistance Academy (DCVAA) on June 8th through June 13th 2008, at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum, MD. Washington, DC, has joined thirty-three states and territories in developing and implementing a five-day comprehensive, academic, interdisciplinary training for service providers and allied professionals who work with crime victims. The residential academies, which are supported by US Department of Justice grants, have been immensely successful over the last ten years in educating individuals on cutting edge topics that will enhance their ability to effectively serve and assist crime victims.
Select the link below to view a larger photo along with the graduates' names:
The DCVAA was designed for intermediate level service providers and allied professionals with three to eight years of experience. OVS partnered with George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences to develop the academic program. The curriculum was delivered by experts in the fields of victim services, law enforcement, criminal and juvenile prosecution, clinical psychology, health sciences, education and self-care.
Specific focus at the DCVAA was given to:
- Recognize victims’ rights in the District of Columbia
- Interact with victims at various stages of trauma
- Listen and communicate with victims respecting their individual unique experiences, needs and concerns
- Assist victims in the navigation of the criminal, juvenile, domestic violence, and abuse and neglect justice systems
- Help victims deal with the aftermath of victimization and maximize their healing process
- Recognize ethical challenges and negotiating ethical dilemmas in victim services
- Provide resources for self-care