About Advocate Core Training

The 30-hour Advocate Core training is designed to help new sexual assault advocates provide responsive and effective advocacy to survivors of sexual assault. This training meets the requirements as outlined by the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy. This training has been designed to increase both the knowledge and skill base for training participants and emphasizes a participant-centered training approach.

The Advocate Core is considered a basic, entry-level sexual assault training designed for new volunteers and staff providing sexual assault services to survivors. It has been intentionally designed for those new to the field and should not be considered a relevant training for those who have been providing sexual assault training for at least two years. Although anyone is welcomed to attend an advocate core, it is hoped that those who have been in the field select other training forums to learn new skills and knowledge.

Day One

• Dynamics of Sexual Assault
• Myths & Facts of Sexual Assault
• Definitions of Sexual Assault
• Continuum of Sexual Assault
• Prevalence & Statistics
• Rape Culture
• Feminism
• Diversity, Cultural Competency, Anti-Oppression

Day Two

• Dynamics of Child & Adolescent Sexual Abuse
• Myths & Facts
• Definitions of Child Sexual Assault
• Short & Long Term Impacts of Child & Adolescent Sexual Assault
• Mandated Reporting
• Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault
• Effects of Victimization
• Individual Perspective
• Cultural Perspective
• Working with Different Populations
• Grief & Coping Skills
• Advocate’s Role
• Empowerment
• Confidentiality
• Boundaries
• Skill Building Practice

Day Three

• Crisis Intervention & Listening Skills
• Listening Skills Tools & Tricks of the Trade
• Crisis Intervention Model
• Suicidal Callers
• Medical Advocacy
• Skill Building Practice

Day Four

• Legal Advocacy