Victim Advocacy Training
The Training and Outreach Program provides two training sessions per quarter for victim service providers. Additional training may be scheduled as requested.
The Training and Outreach Program is committed to supporting victim service providers through comprehensive educational initiatives. To ensure consistent professional development and the dissemination of best practices, the program regularly schedules and delivers two structured training sessions every quarter. These quarterly sessions cover a range of critical topics designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and efficacy of those working directly with victims.
Additional, targeted training may be scheduled to address the identified needs of the victim service community.
Statewide Advocates for Victims Organization (SWAVO)
Statewide Advocate Victim Organization (SWAVO) curriculum is designed quarterly by a steering committee, made up of both system based victim service and community based victim service providers. The topics are gathered from past evaluations, training need requests, and current events. This eight hour training takes place every March, June, September, and December.
Utah Victim Assistance Academy (UVAA)
This forty-hour training qualifies participants to provide direct trauma-informed services to crime victims in Utah. The curriculum follows standards set by the Office for Victims of Crime and covers a wide range of topics. UVAA provides training four times a year: January, May, August, October. To find the next UVAA, check the upcoming Events
For additional 40 Hour Trainings offered in Utah that meet the statute requirement visit UDVC.org and UCASA.org
Training Request
Empowering Utah's Victim Services: The UOVC Training and Outreach Commitment
The UOVC Training and Outreach team can work with you one-on-one to strengthen victim services and understand the different roles of advocates. We cover a variety of trauma-informed approaches to victims of crime.
You can request attendance, support, and training at your agency, local SART’s, coalitions, and community response teams. We are happy to host a training session with you. Please fill out the training request form.
The Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC) Training and Outreach team is dedicated to the comprehensive empowerment and professional development of Utah's vital victim service providers. We serve as a resource, offering personalized consultation, strategic guidance, and support to strengthen both the operational capacity of agencies and the effectiveness of individual advocates. Our core mission is to ensure that every survivor in Utah receives compassionate, high-quality, and trauma-informed care.
Our comprehensive training curriculum is meticulously designed to be trauma-informed, evidence-based, and immediately applicable in the field. Key areas of instruction include:
- Trauma-Informed Care for Practice: This presentation focuses on the practical, day-to-day application of trauma-informed principles across all facets of victim services. Participants learn how to create physically and emotionally safe environments, foster trustworthiness and transparency, support peer interaction and mutual self-help, incorporate collaboration and mutuality, and empower choice and voice for every survivor.
- Advocacy Roles and Best Practices: This training clarifies the multi-faceted functions of a victim advocate. Core topics cover essential skills such as crisis intervention and emotional first aid, criminal justice system navigation, comprehensive resource connection, and maintaining ethical boundaries and confidentiality standards. We equip advocates to serve as informed, professional liaisons throughout the victim’s journey.
- Understanding the Criminal Justice System: This presentation provides insight into navigating the complexities of both the criminal and juvenile justice systems, from initial reporting through post-conviction. It equips advocates with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively inform and notify victims, while ensuring their voices are heard throughout the justice process.
- Utah’s Crime Victim Compensation Program and Advocacy: This presentation offers a comprehensive look at the services provided by the Utah Office for Victims of Crime. It details eligibility requirements, explains the application procedure, and includes guidance for victim advocates on supporting victims throughout this process.