VAT Online Frequently Asked Questions
What is VAT Online?
Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) is a Web-based training program funded by the Office for Victims of Crime. It was developed by Cicatelli Associates Inc., in partnership with the National Center for Victims of Crime and Safe Horizon, Inc. The training is a basic, fundamental program that combines core information and basic skills needed by victim service providers to assist victims of crime effectively and sensitively. More specific information is provided to meet the needs of identified populations.
What are the goals for VAT Online training?
The goal of VAT Online is to provide a user-friendly training tool that will teach new victim service providers in all types of victim service agencies the basic knowledge and skills they need to respond effectively to crime victims. A secondary goal is to provide the training at a time and place convenient to the learner, which is achieved by the Web-based format.
What topics are included in VAT Online?
VAT Online includes seven modules. The modules cover:
- Goals and how to navigate through the online training
- Basic issues such as ethics and cultural competency that provide the foundation for victim services
- Characteristics, prevalence and other information about 14 types of crimes
- Core skills needed by victim service providers, such as establishing rapport, problem solving and crisis intervention
- Information about specific topics and skills needed to provide services to specific populations
- Information about and skills needed to collaborate with various types of systems, such as community-based, criminal justice-based faith-based, and reservation-based systems
- Challenging situations faced by victim service providers
How are these topics taught using an online format?
Each module in VAT Online is taught using interactive methodologies, case studies, exercises and other suggested activities to enhance the user’s learning.
Who is the intended audience?
The intended audience is new victim service providers with less than 3 years of experience working with victims of crime. The training will also serve as a refresher course for more experienced victim service providers.
How long does it take to complete VAT Online? Will I have to complete it all in one sitting?
The training is designed to take approximately 35-40 hours to complete and does not have to be completed all in one sitting. In fact, it is divided into various modules and sections so that the user can review it at his or her own pace and bookmark the last section reviewed. Each module or section takes about 30–60 minutes to complete. Learners can take the entire training program, or can complete specific sections of the program.
What are the costs associated with this training?
This program is offered free of charge. Since the course is available online, there are no tuition, travel, or other costs associated with taking it.
Who developed VAT Online and how did they decide what topics to include in the training?
This training was developed by Cicatelli Associates Incorporated (CAI) in conjunction with the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) and Safe Horizon, Inc. It was funded by the Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice.
The content of the training is based on a national needs assessment that was conducted in 2004, and has been developed with input from an advisory committee composed of national experts in the field of victim services. The needs assessment process included focus groups with victim service providers and managers, as well as with consumers. CAI also developed and distributed a national needs assessment survey. The content of VAT Online is a combination of original material developed specifically for this training, and online links and resources.
How often is this training going to be updated? Will I have to take this training every few years?
VAT Online will be updated every 2 years so that its content remains current. Your supervisor may request that you review specific sections periodically as a refresher.
What type of computer capability do I need to take VAT Online?
You will need a computer that has Internet access, as VAT Online is an Internet-based, online training. It can be used with a MAC or PC. Specific hardware/software requirements include:
- Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME or higher
- Mac OS 9 or OS X or higher
- 64 MB RAM
- Modem minimum speed of 56K (high speed internet is preferable)
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Macromedia Flash Player (the Flash player allows you to view and participate in interactive activities created by Macromedia Flash, which is a graphics animation creation program)
- Screen Resolution: Best viewed at a screen resolution of 1024 x 768
VAT Online is designed to be user-friendly and includes a module that explains how to navigate through the training.
Who can I contact if I have questions or technical problems with accessing or using VAT Online?
You can contact OVC TTAC at VATOnline@ovcttac.org or 1-866-682-8822.
As a supervisor, how can I use VAT Online as a training tool with my staff?
VAT Online will include a Supervisor Guide that provides suggestions on how supervisors can enhance staff’s experience of VAT Online. Additionally, the Supervisor Guide will include a description of benefits of VAT Online as well as an overview and summary of each of the seven modules. We expect the Supervisor Guide to be online and available for use in the near future.
Do I need supervisor approval to take the VAT Online training?
Anyone can access the VAT Online training. However, since VAT Online is a national program, your supervisor can help you apply the information and skills more specifically to your area and your agency, and can help you address your individual career plans.
Can I take VAT Online training during my work hours or do I have to take the training at home?
The program is available 24/7. You can take it from any location where there is a computer and Internet access. If you are using it as part of your on-the-job professional training, you should consult with your supervisor regarding when and where to take the training.
How will my supervisor know when I have completed VAT Online?
You can tell your supervisor that you have completed the training program or you can share your completed tests and evaluations with your supervisor.
Is there course accreditation for completing VAT Online?
When you complete VAT Online, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Who can I contact to learn more about VAT Online?
You can contact OVC TTAC at VATOnline@ovcttac.org or 1-866-682-8822 to learn more about this offering.
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