Mission
The KVAA will develop a community of practice that supports Kentucky's direct service providers to practice from a foundation that is survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally humble, and founded on an ethical and anti-oppression framework.
What is the KVAA?
The Kentucky Victim Assistance Academy (KVAA) is a comprehensive, educational opportunity for new and inspiring victim assistance providers, victim advocates, criminal justice personnel, and allied professionals working directly with crime victims. The Academy uses a multidisciplinary approach to improve the level of knowledge and skills of victim service providers and promotes the provision of consistent victim services across the state. The Academy also provides opportunities for crime victim service providers to connect with peers and empower Kentucky communities to recognize, respect and respond to the needs and experiences of crime victims.
2024 Kentucky Victim Assistance Academy
Dates: September 8 - 13, 2024
Location: Cumberland Falls State Park
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024
Cost: Free
2024 KVAA Flyer
KVAA Goals
- Provide students with best practices, knowledge, and concrete skills for serving victims of crime.
- Create a community of practice among participants, KVAA alumni, staff, and faculty.
- Expand participant understanding of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue among victim service providers and the importance of implementing strategies that promote self-care and resiliency and reduce the negative impact of the work.
Academy Faculty
The KVAA faculty includes professionals widely recognized as leaders in their fields. Many of these professionals speak at victim services conferences around the country and collectively bring decades of experience leading specialized crime victim service programs in the state.
In addition to the faculty, KVAA offers a unique mentorship aspect. Each student will be paired with a mentor who is an established victim services professional in Kentucky. This is a highlight of the KVAA experience.
Who should apply?
Individuals who work with victims of crime are encouraged to attend. This includes paid (full or part time) staff from a variety of community-based and systems-based programs and other allied professionals, such as law enforcement, health care providers, faith
based leaders, and policy makers. KVAA is free to attend.
How Do I Apply?
Click on the link above to begin the application process. Please note that the application includes a personal statement where prospective students are asked to briefly state why they want to attend and how their participation will benefit them, their organization, and their community.
Questions?
The KVAA is supported with funding through the Victims
of Crime Act (VOCA) Supplement per 22 RS HB1, State Recovery Fund (SFRF),
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) SLFRP1027.