Victim Advocate Day
WHEREAS, victim advocates are individuals committed to assisting victims of crimes; and victim advocates are dedicated professionals constantly seeking to enhance their skills and improve services for crime victims; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy (VVAA) was designed by a Steering Committee which includes representatives from the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the University of Richmond, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, law enforcement, prosecution, Virginia Commonwealth University, the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, the Virginia Network for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Social Services, the Parole Board, the Attorney General's Office, the U. S. Attorney’s Office, the F.B.I., local victim assistance programs, and crime victims; and,
WHEREAS, victim advocates represent a diverse spectrum of disciplines including law enforcement officers, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, volunteers, sexual assault advocates, domestic violence advocates, victim/witness staff, and other victim service providers; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy (VVAA) provides a 36-hour comprehensive, academically-based, interdisciplinary and interactive educational program for victim advocates; and
WHEREAS, the VVAA curriculum provides a foundation in the principles and policies of victims’ rights, as well as skills, knowledge, and resources that will enable graduates to better meet the needs of all victims; and,
WHEREAS, the VVAA provides knowledge, resources, and practical skills to enhance, strengthen and improve responses to crime victims; and establishes a statewide standard of knowledge and skills needed to provide effective services to crime victims; and,
WHEREAS, the VVAA promotes collaboration between victim service providers, allied professionals, policymakers, educators and researchers; and,
WHEREAS, the VVAA provides opportunities for victim advocates to earn credentials to enhance their professional development and career opportunities; and,
WHEREAS, the third class of the VVAA graduates this day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize July 30, 2010 as VICTIM ADVOCATE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.