Massachusetts Victim Assistance Academy - Brief Curriculum Overview

Our primary mission is to improve services to crime victims through state-of-the-art training, which centers around a unique ‘across system/across time, victim-centered model’. However, we have also designed MVAA to be a rejuvenating experience for all who attend, and one that supports the building and fostering of collaborative relationships with colleagues from other agencies, organizations, and professional disciplines from across the state.  The 2007 MVAA was deemed ‘a model for the nation’ by representatives of the Federal Office for Victims of Crime.

The MVAA curriculum reflects a new model that helps victim service providers better understand the crime victim’s experience on simultaneous levels...across time, across discipline or system. A brief overview of this innovative model is outlined below. We encourage you to pursue this innovative training experience that alumni have praised for its notable contributions to their personal and professional lives.  Space is limited and applications are due by May 7, 2008. For more information, contact MOVA at 617-727-5200.

Sample Academy Agenda:
Day 1
Type of Crime:    Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Time Period:         First 24 hours
Disciplines/Systems:     Criminal Justice, Victim Advocacy, Mental Health
Special Topic:        Medical/Health Care

Day 2
Type of Crime:     Property Crime & Assault
Time Period:         1 month
Disciplines/Systems:     Criminal Justice, Victim Advocacy, Mental Health
Special Topic:        Faith, Immigrants & Refugees

Day 3
Type of Crime:     Homicide & Motor Vehicle Homicide
Time Period:         2-12 months
Disciplines/Systems:     Criminal Justice, Victim Advocacy, Mental Health
Special Topic:        Victims & the Media

Day 4
Type of Crime:     Child Abuse
Time Period:         12 months and beyond
Disciplines/Systems:     Criminal Justice, Victim Advocacy, Mental Health
Special Topic:        Juggling Multiple Demands / Secondary Trauma

Day 5
Evaluations & Assessment

Small class sizes are combined with case studies, didactic and experiential learning, professional consultation, and informal discussion sessions to maximize the ability for the MVAA to meet each student’s needs. A relaxed yet professional curriculum, designed by a combined team of leading practitioners and academics, assures an up-to-date and user-friendly training that will positively influence professional practice.  In addition, students participate each day in small mentoring groups with an experienced facilitator to debrief and discuss that day’s content, its relevance to their practice, the emotional impact of the learning experience, and the importance of building and strengthening collaborations.