CELEBRATING 22 YEARS!
ACADEMY FACULTY & STAFF
Dr. Debra L. Stanley
Executive Director
Anne Marie Milun
Program Manager
alitecky@ubalt.edu
Cherie Peay
Program Coordinator
Nicole Feldhaus
Technician
nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu
Linda Dionne
Program Coordinator
ldionne@ubalt.edu
Debbie Bradley
Certification Coordinator
bradleyd@harfordsheriff.org
Faculty:
David Thomas
Dr. Heather L. Pfeifer
hpfeifer@ubalt.edu
Dr. Gabriela Wasileski
gwasileski@ubalt.edu
Dr. Melvin de la Cruz
mdelacruz@ubalt.edu
Contact Us
410.837.5055
2025 Roper Victim Assistance Academy Sessions
Winter In-Person (February 24-28)
Summer Virtual (June 2-6)
Questions: contact Anne Milun at alitecky@ubalt.edu or 410.837.5055
V-STEP ADVANCED TRAINING DESCRIPTIONS
(additional trainings available)
Active V-STEP Trainings Coming Up
BASICS OF INVESTIGATING: Sexual Child Abuse Cases
David A. Betz
Child sex abuse cases are often extremely difficult to investigative in part because of corroborating evidence and challenges with victims. The first purpose of a child abuse investigation is to ascertain the safety of the child and then to obtain the information necessary to resolve issues and....
CHILD ABUSE CRIMES: ADVANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE -3 Part Training
Dave A. Betz
Part I: Basics of Investigating: Sexual Child Abuse Cases (4 hours)
Part II: Physical Abuse and Shaken Baby Investigations (4 hours)
Part III: Victim interviewing (4 hours)
COMPASSION STRESS MANAGEMENT: TECHNIQUES TO COUNTERBALANCE THE INTENSITY OF YOUR WORK AND FACILITATE RESILIENCE
Heather L. Pfeifer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Working with victims of crime can be both one of the most rewarding and challenging careers. It is rewarding because one has the opportunity to help others when they are most vulnerable. However, it can also be very challenging because one will be exposed to other people’s pain and suffering on a...
CRIME VICTIMS and HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
This workshop presents the opportunity to explore the causes and consequences of trafficking in human and to provide clear and guided information across a broad spectrum of trafficking related issues.
CYBER-VICTIMIZATION
Melvin de la Cruz, Ph.D., M.A., M.P.A.
Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Cyber-victimization will be defined and victimization patterns examined. Emotional, social and financial impact of cyber-crime on individuals, organizations, and society will be examined. Reasons and motivations of cyber-victimization, and patterns of future cyber-victimization will be identified and analyzed. Types of secondary issues and behavioral risks derived from cyber crimes will be presented. Participation in the criminal justice system decision-making, victim services and restitution, and restorative justice initiatives are all a part of the discussion.
DEATH NOTIFICATION: Breaking the News with Compassion
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII
Death notification is acknowledged to be one of the most difficult tasks faced by law enforcement officers and other professionals. For most people, first learning about the death of a dear family member or close love one will, most likely, be the most traumatic event in their life. Few professionals have received either classroom or experiential training in death notifications...
DE-ESCALATION: RESTORATIVE APPROACHES
David R. Thomas
The importance of having a clear understanding of de-escalation and how it can be effectively utilized to handle explosive situations cannot be understated. This training will look at the complexities of conflict and how it can potentially impact the settings that we work in. It will place a spotlight on restorative justice and...
ETHICS IN VICTIM SERVICES TRAINING
Debbie Bradley, C.A., VASIII, MD Certification Coordinator
This workshop introduces participants to the concept of ethics and ethical standards when working with victims of crime. Utilizing case scenarios, participants engage in group discussion and small group activities that will help to broaden their understanding of the ethical dilemmas faced when working with victims of crime, the impact these can have on victims and providers and the impact unethical behavior can have on organizations.
EXPLORING THE DYNAMICS AND EFFECTS OF SECONDARY VICTIMIZATION ON FAMILIES OF CRIME VICTIMS
Heather L. Pfeifer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
This workshop presents the third piece of artwork in the Illuminations portfolio, in which “J” addresses the question “how did this (e.g., child sexual abuse) affect your family?” It allows participants the opportunity to explore the concept of secondary victimization, the varied responses to trauma within the family, and how those responses can exacerbate or mitigate the negative effects of trauma for the victim.
FROM TRAUMA TO TRUST: POLICE-COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE
David R. Thomas
This training provides an in-depth overview of the groundbreaking work being done by Equal Justice USA in cities across the US. From Trauma to Trust: Police-Community Collaborative engages local law enforcement with the communities they serve in facilitated discussions identifying how trauma manifest in the lives of both. Methods of utilizing...
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION: ADDRESSING GENDER and IMPLICIT BIAS
David R. Thomas
The importance of having a clear understanding of gender-based violence and how it can be effectively addressed cannot be understated. This training will look at the complexities of gender-based violence and how they affect the general population...
HOW TRAUMA-INFORMED PROVIDERS IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSES
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Although prevalence estimates vary, there is consensus that high percentages of justice-involved women and men have experienced serious trauma throughout their lifetime. The reverberating effects of traumatic experiences can challenge a person's capacity for recovery and pose significant barriers to accessing services, often resulting in an increased risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system.
ILLUMINATIONS PROGRAM - DIALOGUE WITH A VICTIM: A CASE STUDY
Heather L. Pfeifer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Illuminations is a portfolio of artwork and companion written materials created by two brothers who were sexually abused by the same offender during their childhood. The boys’ desire is that by sharing their story, it can help to broaden others understanding of the experience and behavior of victims in the aftermath of trauma, and the impact such experiences has on a victim’s family, thereby enable participants to know how to respond in a more empathic manner when working with the victim.
IMMIGRANT CRIME VICTIMIZATION
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Within the crime victim population, there is a subgroup of victims that has been identified as uniquely vulnerable. Victims that lack legal migration status are subject to great potential. With language and cultural barriers, as well as lack of knowledge about the legal system, they fear that in seeking law enforcement protection...
IMMIGRANT YOUTH - INTERSECTION OF HOMELESSNESS, VICTIMIZATION-PRINCIPLES FOR CHANGE
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director, Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice Program, School of Criminal Justice, University of Baltimore
Immigration cases involving youth are even more complicated and implicate sensitive issues beyond those encountered in adult cases. With sharp increases in the numbers of unaccompanied immigrant youth entering the United States, state courts and victim advocates play a critical role in these youth protections.
INTEGRATED ADDICTION TREATMENT: HELPING CLIENTS & FAMILIES
Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LPC
Chief Clinical Officer, Foundry Treatment Center, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
For years, addiction treatment professionals have been clearly stating that addiction is a family disease, while failing to treat it in a systemic fashion. What has made the treatment of addiction even more complicated is the realization of the wide-spread co-occurrence of trauma and addiction in those suffering with the disease. While addiction treatment providers are recognizing the need for trauma informed addiction treatment for individual clients, there has remained a gap in clearly articulating a process for integrating trauma and addiction treatment for clients and especially for their family members.
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, LETHALITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL
David R. Thomas
This training takes an in-depth look at the nexus between intimate partner violence (domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, strangulation, dating violence) and the danger these offenders are to not only their significant others, but to third parties, and to law enforcement. A look at the research indicates...
LEADERSHIP DURING AND AFTER COVID-19: INSIGHTS INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPASSION FATIGUE AND ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH
Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., MAC, LPC
Chief Clinical Officer, Foundry Treatment Center, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
This presentation will focus on assisting treatment leaders to better understand the sources and symptoms of burnout and vicarious trauma on employee and organizational health. The first half of the program will focus on compassion fatigue education from a leadership perspective. This will include discussions of compassion fatigue basics, a look at the sources and long-term implications of organizational trauma...
LISA FERENTZ : TRAUMA AND CLIENTS 4 SESSIONS (2 Hours Per Session)
Lisa Ferentz lisa@theferentzinstitute.com
Session I: Trauma Informed Assessments
Session II: Understanding Dissociation in Traumatized Clients
Session III: Treating Addictive Behaviors in Traumatized Clients
Session IV: Moving From Post-Traumatic Stress to Post-Traumatic Growth
PHYSICAL ABUSE AND SHAKEN BABY INVESTIGATION
David A. Betz
Child abuse is one of the leading causes of death in children between one and four years of age and often unrecognized until death or serious injury occurs. An unprotected and abused child is frequently re-injured. On occasion, children are taken away...
THE ABUSIVE PERSONALITY
David R. Thomas
Understanding domestic violence begins with understanding those who perpetuate it. This track is designed to teach the student the process by which the abusive personality is formed. The curriculum is based upon the work of Drs. Donald Dutton, William Pollack, and James Gabarino and their work with abusive individuals...
THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT 2023 New!
David R. Thomas
This training takes a fact-based look at patriarchy and its foundational significance in support of sexual violence over the centuries. It will explore how this solidly structured aspect of our society served to victimize women, as well as less powerful men. It places things in context...
THE SCIENCE OF WELLNESS: SELF-CARE & HEALING TRAUMA
Jedidiah D. Smith Ph.D., CHHP LLC
We've all heard the clinical saying, Stress is a Silent Killer. Actually Stress is not silent and it need not be a killer at all. Self-care improves your ability to help... This modified 5 hour training (1.5 hour break for lunch) will teach victim service advocates the science of self-care and healing trauma and...
TRAUMA INFORMED ORGANIZATION: Where to Start (Part I & Part II)
Gabriela Wasileski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Director, B.S. in Criminal Justice program
Trauma-Informed organizations are built upon the understanding that trauma can manifest behaviorally and the collaboration across systems is important to link individuals to trauma-informed services/treatments to increase their ability to recovery. The process to becoming a trauma-informed organization is incremental and often begins...
TRAUMA SERIES - 4 Part Training Session NEW 2023!
Dr. Michael F. Barnes, MAC, LPC
Part I: Neurobiology, Memory, & Symptoms of PTSD (3 hours)
Part II: Understanding The Cause & Symptoms of Developmental/Complex Trauma (3 hours)
Part III: Secondary Trauma and It’s Impact on Individual Family Members and entire Family Systems (3 hours)
Part IV: Compassion Fatigue and the Cost of Caring for Mental Health Professionals (3 hours)
VICARIOUS TRAUMA AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS
David R. Thomas
It explores the potential impact these factors can have on us both collectively and individually. It then goes on to explore how community partners can effectively communicate, collaborate, and cooperate in order to best serve the public, engage in wellness practices within our perspective entities.
VICARIOUS TRAUMA, RESILIENCY AND WELLNESS
David R. Thomas
In the helping fields, the trauma we bear witness to everyday has an impact on us. Understanding how it affects us and what can be done about it is the purpose of this training. This training takes a closer look at trauma in general, and vicarious trauma. It explores the potential impact these factors can have on us both collectively and individually.
WOMENS USE OF VIOLENCE IN HETEROSEXUAL INTIMATE PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS
David R. Thomas
The topic of women utilizing violence in their intimate relationships has become a topic of hot debate, especially over the past few years. This training will explore women’s use of violence/force, in the context of intimate relationships. The student will learn the difference between men’s use of violence in intimate heterosexual relationships, and...
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONNECTION
David R. Thomas
The workplace is yet another area in our society that has flown under the radar screen when it comes to the role it plays in combating domestic violence. This course of study is geared towards the workplace be it public or private; large or small. The course will educate the student on domestic violence and how it impacts the workplace.