The Maine/New Hampshire Victim Assistance Academy is a 35‐hour intensive training for professionals working in the field of advocacy for victims of crime. This academically based foundation level training is designed to build the capacity and skill level of victim assistance providers, victim advocates, criminal justice personnel, and other professionals. The Academy also provides a format for informal networking between professionals.

• To promote critical thinking and broaden perspectives on victimization and victim response systems.
  
• To expand and enhance the level of professionalism within the victim service field.
  
• To provide an opportunity to network with other providers of victim services and allied professionals.
  
• To increase participant knowledge of national, state and local resources.

The intensive Academy curriculum includes: the scope of crime, the role of the advocate, trauma, crisis intervention, stress reduction, sexual assault, child and elder abuse, domestic violence, stalking, working within the judicial system, the use of technology in crimes, homicide and other specific crimes.

The faculty are leaders and expert practitioners in the field of victimology, criminal justice and victim’s rights who have a rich foundation of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for best practice in the field.

Volunteers and paid staff from victim service organizations and other agencies that serve victims of crime as well as
allied professionals, such as law enforcement. The goal is to bring together a training group with diverse backgrounds
and experiences.

At the conclusion of the Academy, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion, CEUs if requested.

Hotel

The Residence Inn Marriott is located in the heart of the Old Port, Portland, Maine at 145 Fore Street.

Hotel reservations are the responsibility of each participant.