The Indiana Victim Assistance Training Project’s mission is to develop and provide a comprehensive, accessible, diverse and affordable training series, available to all professionals who serve victims of crime in Indiana.
Advanced Training Opportunity
The Indiana Victim Assistance Training Project announces an upcoming training program.
On September 8-9, 2022, the Project will sponsor a two day training program for experienced victim advocates and others who provide direct services to victims of crime. Challenging Victims? The Cause, Impact and Treatment of Complex Trauma will explore the connection between victims of crime, trauma, and the symptoms of advanced or complex trauma. This multiple day program is offered free of charge and will be lead by Indiana University Professors who will focus on the causes, symptoms, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of complex trauma.
This free program will be held at the Ivy Tech Community College Culinary and Conference Center in Indianapolis. Register through the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/challenging-victims-the-cause-effect-and-treatment-of-complex-trauma-tickets-397259382507. We reserve the right to limit the number of registrations per agency should demand exceed seating capacity.
Training Information – Basic Academy
The Indiana Victim Assistance Basic Academy is an entry-level program providing affordable training to those who provide direct services to victims of crime. The Basic Academy is a hybrid model academy featuring both virtual and in-person sessions. The Indiana Victim Assistance Training Project intends to host two Basic Academies in 2022.
The Academy is open to anyone who:
1. Is employed by a government or non-profit agency who provides direct services to crime victims
2. Has held their current position for three years or less.
There is no charge to attend the Academy. Accepted students are required to participate fully and complete all sessions. Lodging assistance is available to accepted students who need to travel over 50 miles round trip to attend the in-person sessions.
This 40-hour program is designed to accommodate busy schedules by limiting the number of in-person classroom days and providing the remaining curriculum through webinars.
Modules are scheduled over the course of three weeks. Over the course of each academy, students will attend four in-person, classroom days at the locations listed below:
Next Scheduled Academy: August 15 – September 1
In-Person Days will be August 17 & 18 and August 31 & September 1 at Ivy Tech Culinary Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN
This Academy session will run Mondays through Thursdays, with Fridays off
Application period will be June 13 – July 8, 2022.
Click Here for the Application
Scholarship Opportunities
IN Victim Assistance Training Project Scholarship Program
The Indiana Victim Assistance Training Project is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships to further the knowledge and skills of those who provide direct services to Indiana victims of crime. Scholarships are available to attend national training events which are related to an applicant’s responsibilities for serving victims of crime.
To be eligible for an award, applicants must provide direct services to victims of crime and be employed by a non-profit or government agency. Applicants must have at least one year of experience serving victims of crime. Priority will be given to applicants who work with victims from communities that are historically marginalized and underfunded.
For more information on this scholarship opportunity, please consult the resources below:
Resources
Click the titles listed below to be directed to the appropriate web page.
Indiana 2-1-1 Dial 2-1-1 or (866) 211-9966
Aunt Bertha Search by zip code for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, housing, and more.
Indiana General Assembly Locate statutes and pending legislation.
Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry
Indiana Department of Corrections Victim Services Division
IN Department of Correction Offender Locator
IN Savin Department of Corrections victim notification system
Indiana Vine County Jail victim notification system
Career One Stop Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this site provides resources for finding a career, training and a job. Includes a search engine for up to date job postings.
Indiana Department of Education – Provides the list of rights guaranteed to homeless children through the McKinney-Vento act and a link to the McKinney-Vento Liaisons for each school district. Also includes tip sheets on SNAP and other benefits.
https://www.in.gov/doe/home/mckinney-vento-homeless-children-and-youth-program/
U.S. Department of Education – Links to information and regulations for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/landing.jhtml?src=rt
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education – Title IX overview and link to filing a complaint
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html
Child Victims and Witnesses Support materials created by the Office for Victims of Crime. The downloadable materials provide support to children of all ages.
https://ovc.ojp.gov/child-victims-and-witnesses-support
Child Care Answers provides a portal to find quality child care in central Indiana, services for free one-on-one support and a resource center with guides and self-help materials on a variety of topics. https://childcareanswers.org/
That’s Not Cool is an interactive website for teens that focusses on developing healthy relationships. The website includes resources and a peer social hub. Sponsored by Futures Without Violence
HERO’S Story Time: Helping Every child Reach Optimum Success, is a series of children’s books with accompanying material that helps parents encourage the development of positive traits, such as self-esteem., which help children to develop healthy relationships. Family Service Association of Howard County and Purdue Extension. Free downloads to Discussion and Activity pages
We Can Be Problem Solvers! Free downloadable book to help young children develop positive conflict resolution skills.
https://challengingbehavior.cbcs.usf.edu/docs/ProblemSolving_Story.pdf
Reporting Elder Abuse | State hotline: 1-800-992-6978 or contact the local APS unit https://ddrsprovider.fssa.in.gov/APSOnlineReporting
LAVA Project (Legal Assistance for Victimized Adults) | Phone: 317-829-3104 or 1-800-869-0212 extension 2292
U.S. Administration on Aging Elder Care Locator
Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
Indiana Sexual Assault Service Provider Directory
National Sexual Assault Hotline (In English) (In Spanish)
Anyone affected by sexual assault can find support from online.rainn.org. To speak directly, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with someone over the phone who can help.
For military members . A Safe Helpline user can access one-on-one support, peer-to-peer support, information, resources and self-care exercises 24/7 to aid in their recovery. Access services online or by calling 877-995-5247.
National helpline for men who were sexually abused or assaulted. 1 in 6 offers a wide range of information and services for men with histories of unwanted or abusive sexual experiences, and anyone who cares about them. Resources include a 24/7 online helpline where men and the people who care about them can chat one-on-one with a trained advocate and free and confidential weekly online support groups for men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
The Sexual Assault Response Team Toolkit is designed to support SARTs in all aspects of their work, including practical tips for effective teamwork, ideas for expansion, tools for identifying what is most important in each community, best practices, and connections to technical assistance providers to guide development and improvement.
The CCRI Crisis Helpline provides information, guidance related to image documentation and takedown, referrals to attorneys, and emotional support to victims of Nonconsensual Pornography, Recorded Sexual Assault and sextortion.
CCRI Crisis Helpline (844-878-CCRI) (844-878- 2274) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Website includes an online image removal guide in addition to other resources.
Indiana Courts self-service resource page includes court forms, online protective order information and child support guidelines and calculator – https://www.in.gov/courts/selfservice/
The Indiana Bar and American Bar Association sponsor a web based program that allows clients to ask a question about their civil legal case which is answered by a volunteer attorney – https://indiana.freelegalanswers.org/
Indiana State Bar Association online attorney directory – https://www.zeekbeek.com/inbar
Indiana Coalition for Court Access
ICADV (limited to member programs)
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Provides callers with a range of comprehensive services, including crisis intervention, urgent and non-urgent referrals, tip reporting, and comprehensive antitrafficking resources and technical assistance for the anti-trafficking field. For more information, click here.
Indiana Youth Services Association
The Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program works to identify and provide comprehensive services to victims (24 and under) of trafficking or sexual exploitation. Statewide.
Human Trafficking Victim Services providers in Indiana
Online Referral Directory of anti-trafficking organizations and programs that offer emergency, transitional, or long-term services to victims and survivors of human trafficking as well as those that provide resources and opportunities in the anti-trafficking field.
Office on Trafficking in Persons
Provides a drop down menu of services that are available to victims.
Trauma recovery services for teen victims of sexual trafficking. Includes case management, residential, and community based services. The Survivor’s Corner includes resources and support information that
survivors can explore on their own.
Allies provides programs for survivors including mentorship and job training.
Services Available to Human Trafficking Victims
A resource guide published by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Includes suggestions for locating community resources for food, shelter, clothing, and other assistance.
Awareness/Education/Advocacy
Shared Hope International: www.sharedhope.org
International Justice Mission: www.ijm.org
Peer recovery support through Indiana 211 Be Well Indiana. Video overview of the program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5b6-PQ8Wno
Transportation to addiction treatment through Indiana 211. News coverage of the program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOIttovaM4c
Mental Health America – Has an anonymous, online tool to help individuals determine if they may have symptoms of a mental health condition and whether it is affecting their life such that they should reach out to a mental health provider for assistance. DIY tools for coping skills are provided as well as links to treatment resources. https://mhanational.org/about-mha-screening
Start Your Recover.org provides information and strategies for dealing with substance abuse both for the individual and those who care about them. Also includes links to Indiana rehab centers, counseling programs and support groups. https://startyourrecovery.org/treatment/rehab-centers/indiana
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Indiana Addiction Treatment Locator
Indiana Community Mental Health Centers
Community Mental Health Centers provide mental health and addiction services to persons with a serious mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. The target population are Hoosiers with the most need and least able to access care having no insurance or underinsured with limited income to 200 percent of poverty level. The CMHCs are required by Indiana code and by contract with the DMHA to offer a full continuum of mental health and addiction services. Click here for list of locations.
Vet Center Locations Provide a broad range of counseling and other services for military veterans.
Locations serving Indiana:
- Gary: 219-736-5633
- Southbend: 574-231-8480
- Fort Wayne: 260-460-1456
- Cincinnati area: 513-763-3500
- Louisville area: 502-287-6710
- Evansville: 812-473-5993
- Indianapolis 317-988-1600
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress or their loved ones, prevention and crisis resources.
The Trevor Lifeline Call 1-866-488-7386 or TEXT Start to 678678
Crisis intervention & suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
SAMSHSA Disaster Distress Hotline 1-800-985-5990 or text “Talk With Us” to 66746
Provides immediate crisis counseling to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human caused disaster.
Legacy House (Marion County) 317-554-5272 or 317-880-1472
Provides trauma-informed care to adults and children affected by all types of violent crimes at no cost to the victim.
Community Health Network- Grief & Bereavement Services
Offers support groups and initial grief counseling.
National Alliance for Grieving Children
A nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. Provides a list of Indiana bereavement programs that serve children and adolescents.
The National Center for Grieving Children and Families. The Dougy Center provides resources and information for persons suffering from the death of a loved one. Including a search engine for finding local grief support programs. They address a broad scope of grief and are not solely focused on crime related deaths.
Provides help in finding subsidized apartments, Public Housing and Choice Vouchers – Department of Housing and Urban Development
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
US Department of Treasury – Find rental assistance in your area https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program/program-index
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Helpful resource sections such as Tenant and Debt Collection Rights. A rental assistance program finder is also included. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/find-help-with-rent-and-utilities/?utm_source=HUD+Exchange+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=8550b6ad2e-from_our_federal_partners_new_search&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f32b935a5f-8550b6ad2e-19568097
Family Promise of Hendricks County – Provides housing, stability services and homelessness prevention. https://fphc.dreamhosters.com/
Office for Victims of Crime (Directory of Crime Victim Services)
National Deaf Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline Videophone: 1 (855) 812-1001
National Domestic Violence Hotline Voice: 1 (800) 799-7233 TTY: 1 (800)787-3224
National Runaway Safeline CALL 1-800-RUNAWAY, TEXT 66008
The Trevor Lifeline (crisis intervention & suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth) Call 1-866-488-7386, Text Start to 678678
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs 212-714-1141
We operate a free, bilingual (English/Spanish), 24-hour, 365-day-a-year crisis intervention hotline (212-714-1141) that is staffed by trained volunteers and our professional counselor/advocates to offer support to LGBTQ & HIV-affected victims and survivors of any type of violence. Our hotline is also available to service providers who want support in working with an LGBTQ or HIV-affected survivor.
IndyPride – Counseling and other community resources for central Indiana.
Mosaic Health – Provides health care and emotional support for the LGBTQ Community
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Resource Guide
Family & Social Services (Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services)
Can provide legal and other resources to assists person whose civil rights have been denied due to a disability
Offers a full range of behavioral health services to Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing and Late-Deafened individuals.
Indiana Chapter of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Provides list of ASL interpreters.
Offers advocacy services to Deaf and hard of hearing survivors of Domestic Violence/Sexual Violence in Indiana. Also offers education and outreach services.
Indiana Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Directory that provides links and contact information for healthcare, advocacy, accessibility, and other disability-related resources and services across the state.
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Parking placards.
ADA Greatlakes or call 800-949-4232
The Great Lakes ADA Center can answer question about rights or obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ICADV – Locate Indiana Service Providers
Locate Batter Intervention Programs
National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 800-799-7233; 800-787-3224 (TTY)
The Hotline advocates assist victims, and anyone calling on their behalf, by providing crisis intervention, safety planning and referrals to local service providers. Advocates are available to speak with victims in over 200 languages. Resources provided on the website include safety planning tips for specific circumstances such as when children or pets are involved.
The StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is a culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. StrongHearts advocates offer crisis intervention, safety planning, refferals, education and advocacy.
National Network to End Domestic Violence Technology Safety for Survivors
Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors. Safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology. Includes a technology safety plan guide.
The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) Resources for victim service providers. Including a 22 page guide for advocates on responding to victims of stalking.
Exodus – Exodus provide services to refugee newcomers from the point of arrival to self-sufficiency. A refugee is a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country. This can include victims of human trafficking.
Immigration Advocates Network – Provides a directory of Indiana Immigration Legal Services .
Immigration Legal Resource Center. – “Living in the United States: A Guide for Immigrant Youth” Contains a compilation of resources for immigrant youth prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
Coalition for Our Immigrant Neighbors.org (COIN) – provides immigration updates for providers and hosts a resource page for immigrants and non-English speaking persons. https://www.coalitionforourimmigrantneighbors.org/service-providers.html
Center for Victims and Human Rights (CVHR) provides representation in humanitarian immigration matters, protective orders, joint protection orders, paternity cases, asylum and special immigrant juveniles cases – cvhr.org
Indiana Latino Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence accessible only by Facebook at this time but that is subject to change.
Mexican Consulate – Renew or obtain documents. Also has a department for victims of crime with some legal resources https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/indianapolis/
Esperanza United (formerly Casa de Esperanza). While they provide services in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, the website provides webinars and information for advocates serving Latin@ communities. https://esperanzaunited.org/en/knowledge-base/
Indiana Court Services Certified Interpreter Registry https://www.in.gov/courts/admin/diversity/language-access/interpreter-services/
FSSA ( Deaf and hard of hearing only) https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2712.htm
Central Indiana Interpreting Service https://ciis.us/
Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters ( Directory) https://www.matiata.org/directory
LTC Language Solutions https://ltclanguagesolutions.com/interpretation/
Continental Languages ( Northwest Indiana) http://www.continental-languages.com/
American Translator Association ( Directory) https://www.atanet.org/onlinedirectories/
International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (Directory) https://www.iapti.org/registered-members/
Language Line https://www.languageline.com/
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) http:// www.najit.org See list of Federally Certified Interpreters by state https://najit.org/resources/public_release_roster/
Indiana Department of Health, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education list of interpreting agencies https://www.in.gov/health/cdhhe/files/Indiana-Interpreting-Agencies.pdf
These links are provided to assist you in finding resources. ICADV/ the Indiana Victim Assistance Training Project does not warrant the quality of services provided.
Emergency housing
SOAR Initiative provides foster care and access to veterinary care for pets of people in crisis. Serves the Indianapolis area- https://www.soarinitiative.com/
Beacon of Hope Crisis Center – https://beaconofhopeindy.org/foster-pet-program.html
Humane Indiana provides for crisis fostering of pets in Northwest Indiana. https://humaneindiana.org/crisis-foster-care
The Anti-Cruelty Society provides for emergency shelter and foster care for the Chicago area. https://anticruelty.org/safe
Monroe County Humane Association Provides emergency housing. https://www.monroehumane.org/emergency-housing/
Humane Society of Saint Joseph County provides emergency housing. https://humanesocietystjc.org/about-us/community-programs/
Pet Food Pantries or Pet Owner Assistance
Almost Home Humane Society Tippecanoe County https://www.almosthomehumane.org/pet-food-assistance
Ark Animal Rescue & Adoption Lagrange https://arkanimalrescue.weebly.com/
Best Friends Food Pantry Wasbash County 260-901-9334
The Bluffton Wells County animal Shelter 260-824-6063
The Brown County Humane Society https://www.fwpetfoodpantry.com/
The Chow Pantry, Inc Brownsburg https://www.chowpantry.org/
Ernie’s Heart Pet Food Pantry Madison County https://www.facebook.com/ErniesHeart or 765-425-5407
Fort Wayne Pet Food Pantry, Allen Count https://www.fwpetfoodpantry.com/
Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside ( FIDO) https://www.fidoindy.org/
Friends of LaPorte County Animal Shelters 219-380-3081
Good Samaritan Network Hamilton County https://www.gsnlive.org/
Humane Society for Hamilton County https://www.hamiltonhumane.com/resources/local-services
Hedricks County Animal Shelter https://www.hendrickshumane.org/our-programs1.html
Hendricks County Friends of the Shelter (food pantry) call 317-410-9167
Humane Society of Elkhart County https://elkharthumanesociety.org/programs-and-resources/
Human Society of Hobart https://www.hshobart.org/special-programs/hsh-pet-food-pantry
Humane Society of Johnson County https://www.hsjc.org/
Lennox Legacy Rescue, Inc. Adams County https://www.lennoxslegacyrescue.org/adams-county-pet-food-pantry.html
Paws of Grant County https://pawssofgrantcounty.com/
Mitzy’s Morsels Pet Food Pantry Madison County 765-623-5011
Monroe County Humane Association https://www.monroehumane.org/pet-food-supply-pantry/
Human Society of Saint Joseph County https://humanesocietystjc.org/about-us/community-programs/
Scott County Pet Pantry 812-820-1680
Scott County Humane Society https://www.sc4paws.org/info/display?PageID=20326
Vanderburgh County Humane Society https://www.vhslifesaver.org/get-help/foodassistance
Webinars and Online Training
Online Victim Assistance Training: VAT Online is a foundational Web-based victim assistance training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the essential skills and knowledge they need to more effectively assist victims of crime.
Identity Theft Victim Assistance Online Training Supporting Victim’s Financial and Emotional Recovery: Program provides knowledge and skills to more effectively serve victims of identity theft and assist with their financial and emotional recovery.
Online Elder Abuse Training for Legal Service Providers: Training program for legal aid and civil attorneys has four modules that offer a variety of information, tools, and resources to identify and respond to elder abuse, including Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Financial Fraud and Exploitation, Ethical Issues and Practical Strategies, and What Every Legal Services Lawyer Needs to Know About Elder Abuse.
Polyvictimization in Later Life: Focuses on awareness of polyvictimization in later life and providing knowledge and skills to address the needs of victims.
Understanding Human Trafficking Training
Offers foundational learning on trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches to human trafficking.
Archived webinars: ICADV maintains a library of recorded webinars focused on violence prevention, advocacy skills, housing, and legal issues. The button below will take you to ICADV learning management system where the archive is housed. You’ll see access to the archive on the far right or if you scroll down to the bottom of the page. You’ll need to set up an account in the LMS, and then you’ll be able to access all archived recordings, as well as materials for many of the sessions. Once you view the full recording, the system will provide access to a certificate of participation for that webinar for your records. Any questions about the webinar archive can be directed to the ICADV training coordinator: cburton@icadvinc.org
OnLine Training Institute: The OLTI offers the opportunity for interested professionals to expand their knowledge of cutting edge developments in the criminal justice and community response to sexual assault, with particular emphasis on those crimes committed by someone who is known to the victim ( i.e., non-strangers).
Webinar archive: Provides a multitude of webinars on a variety of topics related to sexual assault including the Neurobiology of Sexual Assault.
Online Training Portal: The training portal offers courses for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals to gain knowledge and training on specific course topics. Includes archived webinars.
Library of Human Trafficking Training, Tools, and Resources: A Searchable Database of Resources Related to Combating Human Trafficking is a compilation of more than 500 in-person and online trainings, webinars, workshops, tools, articles, blogs, checklists, and other resources to better inform anti-human trafficking efforts. This library includes resources which are no or low cost to law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges. While targeted for these groups, these resources may also benefit their multidisciplinary partners.
Provides an Online Resource Library on Gender-Based Violence and webinar calendar.
The NCAC Virtual Training Center (VTC) offers a wide range of FREE online training opportunities for child abuse professionals. NCACvtc includes live and archived Webinars and Recorded Trainings.
Trauma-Informed Legal Advocacy Project http://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/trainingta/trauma-informed-legal-advocacy-tila-project/
E-learning platform https://education.victimsofcrime.org/
Provides a vast scope of programs.
Technical Assistance Request
If you are in need of assistance related to any upcoming Victim Assistance Trainings or anything else related to victim advocacy, please fill out the following form. A representative from ICADV will respond to your request as soon as they are able.
The Victim Assistance Training Project is supported under VOCA Grant No. 2018-V3-GX-0028 awarded to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence by the Office For Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Together, we can end domestic violence.
We believe that violence is preventable. When we come together, we create real change in the lives of individuals and in our communities. Join us in the movement to make Indiana a state that is safe, inclusive, and equitable for everyone.