Domestic Violence Advocate Trainings

40-Hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Training

Completion of this training meets the requirements set by California Evidence Code 1037.1 for designation as a Domestic Violence Counselor or Advocate. After completing 40 hours of virtual training, graduates shall receive a Certificate of Completion that will enable them to pursue volunteer and employment opportunities which involve working directly with survivors of domestic violence in California.

Registration:

Email dvtrainings@narika.org for questions and information

Schedule (subject to change):

Oct - Dec, 2023
Tuesdays & Fridays - Full Day (exact times TBD) (including 1 hr break for lunch)

Training sessions will be held hybrid: in-person in Fremont, CA and online. You must be able to attend all dates in order to receive your certificate!

40-Hour Training Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be able to attend all training sessions in this 40 hour training in order to receive their certificate.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

• Applicants must have internet access/a computer or tablet that they are able to use in order to attend virtual sessions. Virtual sessions will require participants' cameras to be turned on for attendance and participation purposes.

• If applicants are interested in volunteering as an advocate with Narika, they will be required to complete at least 100 hours of volunteering and be willing to complete a background check. If you have any questions or concerns about this background check, please contact dvtrainings@narika.org.

• If you have received any services from Narika in the past, we appreciate your interest in helping other survivors. Please contact dvtrainings@narika.org to set up a time to discuss how we can best accommodate you.

• Applicants are expected to do their part in creating a safe, non-judgmental space in which each person present – whose background, experiences, beliefs and values may differ from theirs – may participate in their own exploration of issues related to domestic violence.
  Please note all direct service volunteering must be in person. There are no remote direct service volunteering services available in Narika at the moment.

• Spots are limited. Application does not guarantee a spot. All applicants will be invited to a one on one meeting with a Narika staff. There is no charge for this training.
  
  NOTE: Narika staff reserve the right to refuse enrollment to anyone who they feel is not suitable for the program. Participation in training does not guarantee certification as a domestic violence advocate, nor does it guarantee a volunteer or work assignment.
  
  Email: dvtrainings@narika.org for questions and information

Interested in taking one of our trainings but can’t attend these dates? Make sure to fill out our interest form so we can update you with future trainings.

FAQ:

WHO ARE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCATES?

Domestic Violence Advocates are the backbone of agencies and organizations that provide support services to survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence advocates provide confidential services to survivors by supporting them with various challenges like housing, physical and mental needs, financial support, parenting, and navigating the court and criminal justice system. They provide supportive counseling, encourage survivors to empower themselves and equip them to deal with any conflicting and challenging feelings that arise as a result of their trauma. Most domestic violence agencies require that their advocates and even non-advocate staff complete 40-hours of training which is satisfied by Narika’s training. The agency may require addition training and shadowing after completion of a 40-hour training.

WHAT TYPES OF VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AFTER THE 40-hour TRAINING?

Completion of the training allows you to volunteer or work for organizations that provide services to survivors of domestic violence in California. Advocates usually join teams in community organizations like Narika or agencies within the criminal justice system. The counselor’s role will vary depending on the type of organization or agency and its needs. At Narika, you will be eligible to support the advocacy team in all aspects of direct services, including but not limited to, crisis line monitoring, supportive counseling, and our SEED job training program. Those who choose to volunteer with Narika must undergo additional hours of helpline monitoring, shadowing and reverse shadowing before taking on clients alone. If applicants are interested in volunteering as a DV advocate with Narika, they will be required to complete at least 100 hours of volunteering onsite, in-person, at our Fremont location and be willing to complete a background check. Advocacy volunteering hours are typically scheduled as 4-hour shifts, 1-2 times a week. 100 hours can be typically completed over 25 weeks of volunteering. If you have any questions or concerns about volunteering or about the background check, please contact dvtrainings@narika.org.

HOW MUCH DOES THE 40-hour TRAINING COST? DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS?

There is no charge for this training.

How long is the 40-hour ca domestic violence advocate certificate valid for?

This certification is valid as long as you are a practicing domestic violence advocate with an agency and you continue to comply with all requirements set forth in the California Evidence Code [1037 - 1037.8].

40-hour Training Curriculum: 

1. History, Overview & Dynamics of Domestic Violence

2. Direct Client Services & The Advocate’s Role 

3. Safety Planning and Trauma Informed Care, Protocols & Policies

4. Confidentiality, Privilege & Mandated Reporting

5. Domestic Violence & the Court System

6. Resources & Referrals

7. Case Management: Role Play & Scenarios

8. Cultural Influences on Domestic Violence, Cultural Responsiveness, and the Unlearning of Assumptions and Prejudices

9. Domestic Violence and Working with Unique Populations & Survivors with Disabilities

10. Immigration Remedies for Survivors of Domestic Violence

11. Teen Dating Violence

12. Employment Protections for Survivors of Domestic Violence

13. Self Care, Trauma & Resilience

14. Narika’s Mission, Structure and Advocacy

Unable to Attend Our Current Course Offerings?

Click Here to Fill Out our Training Interest Form

Photos from past courses:

Testimonials