Participants will be prepared to work in victim advocacy arenas, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers, crisis hotlines, and with state and county governments to assist crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery. Course topics include legal terminology, legal process, legislation regarding victims' rights, jurisdiction and venue, ethics, effects of victimization on the victim, victim advocate skills, guardianships, and crisis intervention. It also covers counseling skills for victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, murder, and homicide.
Session I: The first session focuses on legal terminology and the legal process, theories of victimization, effects of crime on victims and guidelines for responding to victims of crime and trauma. Crime victims statutes will also be discussed.
Session II: This session covers crisis theories and the role of the crisis interventionist. Students will learn how to respond to crisis situations, understand the actual nature of the crisis, assess the victim's situation, and implement effective listening skills to determine the best support system for the victim.
Session III: During this session students will learn the facts and myths regarding domestic violence, crimes against children, sexual assault, and related crimes. Discussions will include restraining orders, basic police procedures, guidelines for assisting those dealing with the death of a loved one, and the role of the victim advocate. Job search strategies and placement possibilities will also be discussed.
There are no prerequisites. This course can be taken by VHS, DVD, text-only, audio, online formats, or live lecture.
Required text for the live, VHS, DVD, text-only, or audio formats:
Victim Advocacy Manual, by The Center of Legal Studies
There is no required text for the online or text-only formats.
Fall 2008
Saturdays and Sundays
Dates: October 25 - November 9
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuition: $525 (Textbook not included).
