Victim Advocacy Certificate

Program Overview

The Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Certificate in Victim Advocacy prepares graduates to be strong victim advocates in their communities. This includes a partnership effort with the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP). Those who complete the required coursework en route to earning the certificate, are authorized to use the C.A. credential after their name upon completion of the application with NACP.

The Victim Advocacy Certificate prepares learners to serve as effective, ethical, and informed advocates within the justice system and community settings. The program emphasizes the core functions of victim advocacy, including understanding the various types of advocates, their roles, and how they interact with systems of justice. Learners explore the emotional and social dynamics of advocacy work, the impact of trauma on victims, and how to respond using trauma-informed approaches. The program also introduces professional standards and practical skills necessary for documentation, communication, and ethical decision-making in victim services.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Examine the emotional and social competencies essential for criminal justice professionals to do their jobs effectively.
• Demonstrate the foundational skills necessary to become a credentialed advocate
• Distinguish between various types of advocates and their roles
• Recognize the effects of trauma, stress, and crisis on victims and integrate trauma-informed strategies into advocacy
• Discuss how victim advocacy operates as a component of the criminal justice system.