The Roper Victim Assistance Academy
of Maryland

Victim Assistance Academy Newsletter

Overview

The RVAA of Maryland is modeled on the National Victim Assistance Academy, the nation's premier training and education program for professionals who assist victims of crime.

The RVAA of Maryland offers a rare opportunity to live, work, study and interact with victim service providers from all areas of advocacy. While it is assumed that students have had previous training in their area of specialization, this course provides a fundamental overview of the entire field of advocacy including victimology, victim rights, and victim assistance for residents in Maryland.

Who Should Apply?

The RVAA of Maryland encourages the attendance of individuals from victim service agencies and other organizations that serve crime victims. This includes volunteers and paid staff from a variety of community-based and system-based programs and other allied professionals such as law enforcement and corrections. We encourage individuals to apply who are responsible for the training of staff who service crime victims.

Participant Eligibility

The RVAA of Maryland is designed primarily for victim service providers and allied professionals who have had a minimum of two years in the field of victim assistance. Volunteers in the field with a minimum of 24 months active volunteer experience are welcome to apply.

Selection Process

In selecting fifty (50) participants from among all those who apply, the Selection Review Board will engage in a process intended to promote an Academy class which reflects a balance in cultural, programmatic, professional, and geographic diversity.

Academy Cost and Funding Option

The all-inclusive cost to students for tuition, all course materials, housing and meals is $300.00. However, agencies receiving VOCA funding from the MD DHR, CSA-OVS, and have a line item in their budget earmarked for training may use those funds to defray the cost of the RVAA of Maryland. Agencies that do not have training funds designated as such in their approved budgets, but have unspent VOCA funds they wish to transfer into a training line item for the Academy, must contact the CSA-OVS for approval to do so.

Academy Faculty

Outstanding State leaders in the field of victimology, criminal justice and victim rights join expert practitioners and academy host faculty to provide a rich education foundation grounded to practical application across the field.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions or need additional information about the Roper Victim Assistance Academy please contact:

Debra L. Stanley, Ph.D
Academy Director
Roper Victim Assistance Academy
(410) 837-6082
dstanley@ubalt.edu