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Buffalo State College

The Center for Health and Social Research

June 2008

This summer the Center once again worked with the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault by serving as the academic partner for the fourth New York State Victim's Assistance Academy at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY from June 15-20. For a brief history of the academy and some perspectives on the inaugural event, you can also listen to this podcast.

New York State Victim's Assistance Academy (NYSVAA)

NYSVAA is an interdisciplinary, academically-based learning experience for crime victim service providers, advocates and allied professionals. This five day program provided a foundation in the principles and policies of victims' rights work and a comprehensive set of skills and resources for service providers to meet the needs of crime victims in New York State.

Why a Statewide Academy?

Over 500 programs provide victim assistance in New York State, from comprehensive agencies to individuals in health care, law enforcement, and criminal justice programs. Changes in technology include automated notification, uses of DNA, and the Internet. Changing demographics drive a need for cultural competence, and new legislation impacts anyone who works with victims of crime. Providers from different professions and experiences need a uniform, comprehensive education in victim services.

The U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) piloted the first National Victim Assistance Academy in 1995, the centerpiece of its efforts to train advocates and allied professionals. New York State is one of the first 10 states to receive a grant to develop a state-specific Academy modeled after the NVAA.

Who Should Attend?

Advocates, survivors, volunteers in shelters and on crisis hotlines, part- or full-time professionals in the field need to understand legal, criminal justice and social service systems. Law enforcement officers, social workers, medical practitioners and other professionals who work with victims learn about victim rights and assistance. The program emphasized collaboration between systems and improving service to diverse populations. It was designed for people with up to five years of experience in a victim services field. Professionals were able to earn continuing education credits, college credit, and other certifications. Scholarships were also available to cover fees associated with the Academy, which includes the courses, room, board, NYSVAA Manual, and related material.

Leading the Way

A statewide Advisory Committee includes representatives from Buffalo State College SUNY, CASA-NYS Advocates for Children, Capital District Women's Bar Association Legal Project, Delphi Drug & Alcohol Council Inc., NYS Crime Victims Board, NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Office of the NYS Attorney General, NYS Office of Children & Family Services, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, NY State Police, US Attorney General's Office in Buffalo, and the Victims of Violence Program-YWCA Cortland. NYSCASA is grant recipient and lead agency.

How Do I Find Out More?

Any person can become a victim of crime at any moment. The NYS Victim Assistance Academy helps victims by offering a foundation of knowledge, skills and resources to the people who are expected to serve them. For more information about how you can get involved as a student, a teacher, or supporter, contact NYSCASA at 518.482.4222 x306 or by sending email.