Advocate Training

What is the 60-Hour DV/SV Advocate Training?

The 60-Hour Domestic/Sexual Violence Advocate training gives basic knowledge to:

• Understand the dynamics of domestic abuse
• Learn how to empower survivors
• Become familiar with resources and procedures
• Develop practical expectations for helping survivors.

The training is offered twice a year in the fall and spring and typically adheres to the following structure:

1. Four (4) in-person training sessions from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. & are generally scheduled the second Wednesday of each month once the training begins.
2. The in-person training sessions take place at our downtown administrative office in Somerset, New Jersey. The specific address will be disclosed to you upon acceptance into the training program.
3. Cohorts are limited to fifteen (15) slots available per training.
4. There is no cost associated with taking this course.
5. This training satisfies the Attorney Generals requirements for the Domestic Violence Advocate role, and the Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate role. Please note, this certificate is transferrable to other Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence agencies throughout the state of New Jersey.

Fall 2023 Training Dates: 

Wednesday,  September 13, 2023: 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023: 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023: 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023: 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

To see a sample syllabus from our spring 2023 cohort, please click here.

*This is subject to change*

The Enrollment Process:

1. Complete our Volunteer Interest Form

2. A Volunteer Associate will reach out to you to get to know you a bit better answer any questions you may have regarding the volunteer training process or volunteer opportunities. After connecting, you will be given the link to the full volunteer application to complete.

3. Upon receipt of your completed volunteer application, you will receive an email from our volunteer manager inviting you to sign-up for a 45-minute virtual meet and greet. This will email will also have enclosed 

   1. How to Prepare for the 45-minute meet and greet. 

4. You will receive a notification via email informing of whether you have been accepted into the 60-hour training with the following information:  

   1. Volunteer Handbook 

   2. Specific Address for In-Person Training 

   3. 60-Hour Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate Training FAQ  

   4. Date of the Mandatory 60-minute Virtual Information session for the upcoming cohort which will cover: 

      1. Organizational Overview (5–Minutes)  

      2. Organizational Impact & Statistics (5–Minutes) 

      3. Training Process Overview (15-Minutes)  

      4. Volunteer Opportunities Overview (10-Minutes) 

      5. Meet & Greet (15-Minutes) 

      6. Q & A (10-Minutes) 

   5. Start Your Training!

Training Curriculum: