American Indian/Alaska Native Victim Assistance Academy

At the request of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), the Tribal Law and Policy Institute is developing a Victim Assistance Academy for people working in American Indian/Alaska Native communities. American Indians and Alaska Native suffer the highest rates of violent victimization in the nation. It is critical that victims have access to well-trained and informed advocates and allies who can assist them in the aftermath of crime. The AI/AN VAA is being developed to address the unique needs of both service providers and crime victims in Native communities. The existing state and national academies do not appropriately meet the needs of victim service providers working in Native communities.

The goals of the American Indian/Alaska Native Victim Assistance Academy are to:

develop and implement a culturally relevant, multidisciplinary, inclusive, foundation-level course that provides victim advocates and their allies with skills and real-world knowledge about the implementation of victim assistance services
provide a high-quality, culturally appropriate, education and skills training to victim services providers, advocates, and professionals from federal, state, local, and tribal settings
incorporate Native traditions and values and utilize interactive techniques to improve comprehension and retention.

General Resources

Module 1: Overview and Historical Context

Module 2: Introduction to Advocacy Roles, Responsibilities, and Skills

Module 3: Introduction to Justice Systems & Victims’ Rights

Module 4: Introduction to Victim-Centered Collaboration

Module 5: Responding to Sexual Assault

Module 6: Responding to Domestic Violence & Stalking

Module 7: Responding to Child Abuse

Module 8: Responding to Homicide

Module 9: Responding to Alcohol/Drug Related Crimes

Module 10: Responding to Other Crimes

Module 11: Responding to Specific Populations