About our Instructors

Instructors for the NYSVAA include academic faculty members, professional service providers, advocates, and other subject matter experts. The curriculum uses a variety of adult education teaching strategies including victim impact panels, discussions, small group exercises and case studies to complement classroom lectures, networking opportunities and residential community experiences.

The goal the New York State Victim Assistance Academy (NYSVAA) is to improve direct services and outcomes for victims of crime, especially for populations that are currently not well-served. The Academy:

• Establishes a statewide standard of knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective services to victims of crime.
• Emphasizes strong collaboration between victim service practitioners, criminal justice, law enforcement, policymakers, educators and researchers.
• Lays a foundation for academic courses and degree programs in victim services and is offered for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education credit, and for professional credentials from OASAS and the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA).
• Create opportunities for victim service professionals to earn credentials for professional development and improved careers opportunities.

In 2007, eight faculty served in interdisciplinary core teaching teams throughout the week-long Academy, with 12 guest experts who taught specific topics from their professional fields. A total of 37 subjects were taught.