A curriculum must include the following topics:
Cluster #1 – Philosophical Foundations (minimum of 6 hours)
- Mission/Philosophy
- Underlying Conditions Contributing to Sexual Violence
- An overview of underlying conditions might include the following (among others):
- Violence accepted as a norm
- Oppression issues (sexism, racism, classism, etc.)
- Abuse of power and control
- Gender role stereotypes
- Victim-blaming
- Diversity
- Empowerment
- Ethics
- Confidentiality
- Boundaries
- Conflict of Interest
- Informed Consent
Cluster #2 – Crisis Intervention / Support / Information and Referral (minimum of 15 hours)
- Definitions and Continuum of Sexual Violence
- Dynamics of Child, Adolescent, and Adult Sexual Assault
- Male Victimization
- Effects of Victimization
- Crisis/Trauma Theory
- Advocacy and Counseling Skills
- Listening and Communication Skills
- Cultural Competency
- Grief and Coping Skills
- Empathy
- Community Resources
Cluster #3 – Advocacy (minimum of 6 hours)
- Support and Service Options for Victims (including advocacy, medical, and legal, and other resources)
- Rights of Victims
- Crime Victims Compensation (CVC)
- Components of Legal Advocacy
- Criminal Justice Process
- Crime Reporting & Mandated Reporting - Processes and Options
- Civil Remedies
- Civil and Criminal Court Orders (e.g. restraining orders, protection orders, anti-harassment orders, no
- contact orders)
- Medical Concerns and Treatment for Sexual Assault Survivors (including risk of pregnancy and STD
- infection, possible injuries, etc.)
- Components of Medical Advocacy
- Medical Forensic Examination and Evidence Collection
- Paperwork, such as victim impact statements, CVC forms, etc.
- Community Resources
Cluster #4 – Working Collaboratively (minimum of 3 hours)
- Role Clarification and Boundaries (re: work with clients, co-workers, the community, and other service providers)
- Professionalism and Service Standards
- How Local Agencies are Connected and/or Interconnected
- Relationships with CPS and Law Enforcement re: Mandated Reporting
- Accessing Additional Services
- Paper Work and Documentation