Domestic Violence Advocacy Fundamentals

This virtual training series, 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 for only attending part of the training. 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, February 28th.

ODVN Trainers: Sonia Ferencik, Youth and Trauma Services Manager; Alicia Williamson, Senior Director of Survivor Services; Leah Stone, Training Director; Denise Kontras, Membership and Program Coordinator; Emily Kulow, Director of Mobile Advocacy and Meaningful Access; Kelly VanDriest, Legal Assistance Program Manager; Miranda Armstead, Legal Assistance Program Coordinator, and others.

CEUs: 17 CEUs (include 3.5 for Ethics) are available for Ohio licensed social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists. To obtain 17 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, social worker, or marriage and family therapist in Ohio. Evaluations and Certificate Request Forms must be completed within 24 hours after the training to receive 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: Thursday, February 27, 2025

Please share any accessibility needs and accommodations when registering for this event, including for American Sign Language interpreting. 



Upon registering, you should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you have not, please contact training@odvn.org.