Summary:

This Vital Subjects webinar was designed to educate participants about the unique challenges faced by victims who have pets; the correlation between animal abuse, interpersonal violence, and child abuse; and the importance of providing safe havens for both humans and their pets. The webinar highlights the critical role that pet shelters, such as Noah's Animal House (a 2019 CNN Top Ten Hero), play in supporting survivors of interpersonal violence.

This training is ideal for professionals working in domestic violence shelters, animal welfare organizations, child advocacy centers, social services, and law enforcement.

Participants were able to—

• Explain the correlation between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, and how it impacts both human and animal victims.
• Describe at least two best practices for integrating pet-friendly policies and facilities into domestic violence shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of both survivors and their pets. 

Summary:

As a sequel to the recent Expert Q&A on "Strengthening Our Own Support Systems: Promoting Positive Culture Instead of Cancel Culture," this webinar introduces a practical framework for building and sustaining a healthy victim services organization—one that is survivor centered, trauma informed, and resilient. Grounded in principles of collective care and shared accountability, the session explores how organizational well-being is strengthened by individual leadership and by the health, connection, and stability of the teams that carry the work forward.

This webinar translates research and field insights into practical approaches that support workforces, strengthen policies, and enhance partnerships. Participants will explore common challenges (e.g., vicarious trauma, turnover, role clarity) and learn simple tools to bolster organizational and team health without adding any extra burden. Emphasis is placed on nurturing supportive team dynamics and cultivating workplaces where care and accountability are shared across roles and levels.

By the end of the session, participants leave with clear, achievable steps tailored to the size and context of their agency. Participants will be able to—

• Identify at least two strengths and two gaps in their current organizational and team health, and
• Determine and commit to one actionable improvement over the next 90 days.

Summary:

Many victims of crime envision a more expansive definition of justice outside of the offender-focused criminal justice system we all know. This expansion of justice options can be found within the spectrum of restorative justice. This Vital Subjects webinar was designed to provide an overview of restorative justice practices and principles that can provide opportunities for victims' voices to be elevated and for offenders to learn more about the impact of the harm they have caused.

Participants were able to—

• Identify three restorative practices that elevate victims' voices.
• Describe the connections between trauma-informed practices and restorative practices. 

Summary:

Are you ready to create a strong and sustainable peer-to-peer wellness program that addresses vicarious trauma by developing a workplace that thrives on mutual support and empowerment? Watch this recording to learn about the essential tools and strategies that foster a wellness-oriented environment by creating a sustainable and impactful peer-to-peer wellness program. Participants will be able to —

• Learn about the crucial role of leadership in supporting wellness initiatives and self-care.
• Identify the essential competencies and skills required for peer support specialists to assist their peers effectively.
• Describe how to ensure ethical practices, set clear boundaries, and incorporate self-care provisions for peer specialists.

Summary:

This Vital Subjects webinar is designed to empower victim assistance providers with the best practices for trauma-informed care in the wake of mass violence incidents. Participants learn how trauma may affect a survivor’s reactions and learn effective strategies to enhance trauma-informed responses for survivors and families. Information is also shared about the different types of resource centers that may be established to support recovery after an incident of mass violence and the role of victim assistance in this type of program. After participating in this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify three ways trauma impacts a survivor’s reactions and responses to a traumatic event.
• Describe three types of resource centers that may be established in response to a mass violence incident.

Summary:

Deaf individuals in the United States face domestic or sexual violence rates equal to or higher than hearing individuals but often encounter systemic barriers and challenges when seeking help. This webinar explores working with Deaf crime victims, such as victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and financial crimes. Cultural aspects, like language diversity and communication methods in the Deaf community, and the societal impact of audism are examined. Information on “For the Deaf by the Deaf” programs and other resources benefiting Deaf victims in their communities are also shared. After participating in this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify three barriers Deaf victims face in seeking victim services, with special considerations for people with developmental disabilities, Deaf/Blind, and hard-to-reach populations.
• Describe three immediate steps victim service providers can take when meeting a Deaf victim for the first time.

Summary:

Victim assistance programs must always be prepared for the ebb and flow of funding. One element of planning should include diversifying funding through new sources and strategies. Learn how to identify and leverage creative fundraising opportunities, whether via nontraditional grant sources, new partnerships, or cross-agency collaborations. As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify one new potential source of program funding or income.
• Identify one opportunity for collaboration or partnership that will support program sustainability.