Tennessee State Victim Assistance Academy
What is the Tennessee State Victim Assistance Academy (TSVAA)?
The Tennessee Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence in collaboration with the State Treasurer’s Office, the Office of Criminal Justice Programs, The Victims of Crime State Coordinating Council, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been awarded a grant from the Office of Victims of Crime to develop and implement a Tennessee specific victim assistance academy. This is the third year of the Academy.
What is the Purpose of the Academy?
The purpose of this Academy is to provide basic level training to victim advocates. The 40 hour curriculum will encompass a variety of subjects including: Victims’ Compensation, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Child Victimization, Elder Abuse, Rural Victims, Hate Crimes, Collaboration, and Cultural Competency.
When is the Academy?
It will be held in June 8th - 13th. The Academy will be held on the UTC campus.
Can I get college credits?
Yes. UTC students may attend and receive 3 hours undergraduate or graduate credit. Additional course work will be required and will be done via distance learning. Once you are accepted in the Academy, you will recieve syllabus information. Also, CEU credit through The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, P.O.S.T. credit hours, and National Organization for Victim Assistance provisional credentialing are available upon completion of the 40 hour training course (for additional fees).
What will it cost?
$365 registration fee payable to the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Undergraduate credits are an additional $500 and graduate tuition is $550 in addition to the $365 registration fee. Students are responsbile for paying the registration fee and tuition (at a total cost of $865 for undergraduates and $910 for graduates).
Why attend?
The Academy will address issues specific to Tennessee crime victims and offer opportunities for people who are fairly new to the field of victim advocacy to learn from experts and each other. Attendees will be able to expand their knowledge and skills in Tennessee law and advocacy issues. Participants in the Academy may also be eligible to receive national provisional advocate credentials through the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) for an additional fee of $100. This certification is increasingly being recognized as an important credential for entry level victim advocacy work nationwide.
Who should attend?
The Academy is designed for individuals who have less than two years experience assisting victims of crime and demonstrate a commitment to victim service. The training is appropriate for individuals working in victim advocacy programs, prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement, probation, corrections, domestic and sexual violence programs, child advocacy centers, and other victim service agencies. It also is appropriate for students who wish to pursue careers related to victim advocacy. Participants must commit to attending the full week of classes, complete home work, tests and pay all fees associated with the Academy. The Academy will be limited to 50 participants and you must be admitted prior to registering for classes.
What is in it for me?
Academic credit will be offered to undergraduate and graduate level students for an additional fee ($500 undergrad/$550 graduate).
How to Apply:
Applications for UTC students currently are available by following this link. Complete the application and email it to Dr. Eigenberg. Non-UTC students should apply by visiting the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence web site. For more information contact Dr. Eigenberg via email or call 423-425-4270.
Information for 2007 Attendees
