Domestic Violence Advocacy Fundamentals

This training, designed for new advocates or seasoned staff, is comprised of three full days of live training and 10 hours of online pre-learning through ODVN's eLearning Network. This updated DVAF training includes exciting new videos and participant engagement through scenarios, break-out sessions and panel discussion. 

The training is a pre-approved program through the Ohio Advocate Network (OAN) credentialing board and meets the training requirements for the Registered Advocate (RA) credential. The topics include: 

• Holistic Case Management: professional boundaries and ethics, service excellence, meaningful access, and accommodations
• Victimization Process: life generated and batterer generated risks, perpetrator accountability, rules of a batterer, impact of a batterer on children and teens, and supporting parents as survivors
• Survivor-Defined Advocacy: principles of trauma-informed care, impact of trauma in the brain and body, active listening, empathy, and vicarious trauma
• Safety Planning: court safety, safety and visitation, considerations for survivors from underserved communities (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, older adults, etc.), danger and lethality assessments, technology and safety
• Legal Advocacy: legal remedies for survivors, legal resources, risks and benefits of protection orders, Ohio's Crime Victim Compensation program
• Cultural Responsiveness: implicit bias, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), impacts of systemic oppression and barriers for underserved communities

***Pre-Learning Requirement: Before you register for this training, please be sure that you can attend all three dates. No partial credit will be given. Also, this is a hybrid training that requires you to complete 10 hours of online learning prior to the 3 days of live training. This pre-learning will be completed through ODVN's eLearning Network. After you've registered, you'll receive further instructions to register for and complete these online learning modules. All online learning should be completed by Friday, May 31st.

ODVN Trainers: Alicia Williamson, Assistant Deputy Director; Sonia Ferencik, Youth Advocacy and Trauma-Informed Services Coordinator; Kelly VanDriest, Legal Intake Coordinator; Taylor Smithey, Legal Assistant; Erin Egan, Coordinator for Outreach to Marginalized Survivors; Leah Stone, Training and Technical Assistance Manager; Denise Kontras, Membership and Program Coordinator; Emily Kulow, Director of Mobile Advocacy and Meaningful Access, and others.

Location: Day 1 offered as a hybrid training, so participants can attend Day 1 virtually or in-person. The in-person location is ODVN's Training room at 174 E. Long Street, Columbus. Days 2 and 3 are virtual only.

CEUs: 15 CEUs are available for Ohio licensed social workers and counselors. To obtain 15 CEUs, you are required to attend the entire training (including the pre-learning component) and complete the evaluation. When you register, please include your complete license number if you are a licensed counselor or social worker in Ohio. Evaluations and Certificate Request Forms must be completed within 24 hours after the training to receive CLEs and CEUs.

Cost: Free for ODVN Members (ODVN Member Program or Individual/Organizational Membership); $150 for Non-ODVN Members. ***Note: If paying by check, please include the name of the training on the memo line. 



Deadline to register: May 30, 2024

Please share any accessibility needs and accommodations when registering for this event, including for American Sign Language interpreting. Day 1 of this training is being offered with the option to attend in-person or virtually. If you plan to attend in-person, place share any dietary restrictions when registering. Days 2 and 3 are only offered virtually.



Upon registering, you should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you have not, please contact [email protected].