Training and Outreach Program

The Office of Victim Services (OVS) offers training and information to criminal justice professionals, service providers, educational institutions, the public, and any person or agency that assists crime victims.

Training and Outreach News

09/19/17 -- Effective October 1, 2017, there will be a number of legislative changes to the statute for the OVS Crime Victim Compensation Program that all VOCA funded staff need to be made aware of.
The OVS Training and Outreach Unit is now offering a series of trainings for VOCA funded contractor staff to review the changes to the victim compensation program and their potential impacts on the clients that you serve. Attendance at one of these trainings will be required for all VOCA funded staff that work with crime victims. Please see the Contractor Training Flyer for further information: Contractor Training Flyer

OVS trainings are designed to provide valuable information and knowledge to support the delivery of comprehensive, quality services to crime victims. OVS collaborates with community partners to co-sponsor trainings and events that focus on specific victim issues.

The Training and Outreach Unit is responsible for the distribution of OVS publications, forms, and posters designed to increase the public’s awareness of the rights and services available to crime victims. To order OVS materials, please use Judicial Form ES017PD or ES017DCF or General Requisition Form.

Training Opportunities: The following OVS trainings are available upon request. To request a training, please email Tina.Bouchard@jud.ct.gov. To view upcoming OVS Trainings, please click on the OVS Training Calendar. Also see our Contractor Training Flyer.

OVS Training Opportunities [+] (Click to expand or collapse)

OVS Programs and Services
Explains OVS's role in the criminal justice process, the programs and services available, and collaborative efforts with community partners.

Victim Compensation Program
Overview of Victim Compensation Program benefits available, the process, and how to assist victims and family members file an application for victim compensation.

Civil Protection Orders
Information on civil protection orders and how to assist applicants who apply for this order.

Court Orders of Protection
A review of the orders available in the civil and criminal courts and an overview of the assistance available in obtaining orders of protection.

Connecticut Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (CT SAVIN)
Information on CT SAVIN notification events and how to assist victims in registering for notification.

Court 101
Explains the criminal justice process, OVS and CT SAVIN’s role in that process, and how victim service providers can assist crime victims as they navigate the criminal justice system.

"Most useful was the information on where to refer victims in the courthouse. I also learned how to speak with and approach victims. The language you should or should not use with victims."
-- Comment received on a training provided to Judicial Branch marshals

Victims’ Rights
Overview of the constitutional and statutory rights of crime victims, and how victims may exercise those rights.

Contractor Training
The Training and Outreach Unit provides trainings to the staff of contracted agencies. These trainings include information on OVS services, victim rights, victim notification, court process, testifying at a trial, the OVS victim services advocate role, and victim compensation. For more information on upcoming training dates and how to register, please click on the Contractor Training Flyer.

Culture of Victims
This training will provide a greater understanding of the prevalence of victimization, the neurological impact of trauma, how words may impact a victim, and what crime victims would like victim services providers to remember.

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC)
OVC TTAC offers comprehensive and practical skill-building sessions to victim service providers and allied professionals throughout the country. Please visit the OVC TTAC website to find current training opportunities.

Top