Victim Advocacy Certificate Course

Participants will be prepared to work in victim advocacy arenas, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers, crisis hotlines, and with state and county governments to assist crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery. Course topics include legal terminology, legal process, legislation regarding victims rights, jurisdiction and venue, ethics, effects of victimization on the victim, victim advocate skills, guardianships and crisis intervention. It also covers counseling skills for victims of assault, battery, robbery, domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, murder and homicide.

Lesson 1: This first section focuses on legal terminology and the legal process, theories of victimization, effects of crime on victims and guidelines for responding to victims of crime and trauma. Crime victim statutes will also be discussed.

Lesson 2: This section covers crisis theories and the role of the crisis interventionist. Students will learn how to respond to crisis situations, understand the actual nature of the crisis, assess the victim's situation, and implement effective listening skills to determine the best support system for the victim.

Lesson 3: During this section, students will learn the facts and myths regarding domestic violence, crimes against children, sexual assault, and related crimes. Discussions will include restraining orders, basic police procedures, guidelines for assisting those dealing with the death of a loved one, and the role of the victim advocate. Job search strategies and placement possibilities will also be discussed. A high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite, but students will be expected to complete a significant amount of homework and pass two exams.

Tuition: $575.00

For payment plan contact Continuing Education at 956-326-3068

Click to view Syllabus or to Order Books Online

*WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Students may drop the course with a full tuition refund less a non-refundable $15 administrative fee if written notice is sent to The Center for Legal Studies by email at info@legalstudies.com by the Wednesday before class begins. Students may drop the course with a 50% tuition refund if written notice is sent to The Center for Legal Studies by email at info@legalstudies.com anytime from the Thursday before the course begins until the first Thursday of class. After the first Thursday of class, no refunds will be issued.

***All classes are subject to cancellation if there is insufficient number of attendees. ***

For additional information contact:
CONTINUING EDUCATION
5201 University Boulevard, Pellegrino Hall 301
Laredo, TX  78041
Tel. 956.326.3068 — Fax 956.326.2838
Email: continuingeducation@tamiu.edu
Office Hours: Mon - Fri, 8 am - 5 pm