Online core advocacy training

Due to the impact of COVID-19, we are experiencing a high volume of requests. Please expect a delay in responses in regards to E-Learning. Thank you for understanding.

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence maintains a web-based core advocacy training course for community-based advocates for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, constructed in accordance with State of Oregon laws and guidelines.

An individual who completes the online core advocacy training course alone is not considered a “certified advocate”. Pursuant to state law, advocate certification is promulgated by qualified victim services programs and only covers work conducted under their auspices by advocates under their employ who meet the training standards. In other words, work performed by advocates outside the purview of their certifying victim services program may not be protected.

OCADSV strongly recommends supplementing any online coursework with in-person training, mentorship, and job shadowing.

Important information

The  learn.ocadsv.org curriculum now satisfies the two-hour training requirement covering the topics of “confidentiality and privilege, the Violence Against Women Act and other funding requirements relating to confidentiality, the provisions set forth in HB 3476, and related matters” (as defined in Oregon Administrative Rules 137-085-0080).

As of March 2018, it is our understanding that the Oregon Department of Justice – Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division considers this requirement fulfilled by:

  1. Completing all modules of the learn.ocadsv.org curriculum (and/or comparable in-person training); INCLUDING
  2. Viewing the Advocate Confidentiality and Privilege webinar in its entirety (included as a E-learning module, or on youtube) and having a supervisor document that you did so. 

Again, OCADSV strongly recommends supplementing any online training received with in-person training, mentorship, and job shadowing.

In order to be considered a “certified advocate” under Oregon state law, individuals must both complete the mandated training AND be a current employee or volunteer in an advocacy capacity with a qualified community-, campus-, or tribal-based victim advocacy program.

Additionally, confidentiality protections for communications between survivors and certified advocates are promulgated through the qualified victim services program, not the individual advocate. Work performed by advocates outside the purview of their certifying victim services program may not be protected.

See also: Advocate certification and training requirements

NOTE: Some advocacy programs have additional training requirements for their advocates above and beyond the minimums defined in Oregon state law.

Important informationDue to the impact of COVID-19, we are experiencing a high volume of requests. Expect potential delay.

For DV/SA community-based advocates

All community-based nonprofit qualified victim services programs in the state of Oregon may request access to the learn.ocadsv.org platform. 

In order to create accounts for advocates-in-training, each program must designate at least one person/account as a supervisor (programs can designate more than one supervisor if they wish). Ideally, the designated supervisor should be the direct supervisor of the advocate-in-training, but may also be a program manager, volunteer coordinator, or the executive director. 

NOTE: Organizations/programs that are not Coalition members in good standing may be charged monthly or annually for access to the OCADSV E-learning Platform.

For community partners and other non-advocates

First, contact your local advocacy program

If you or your organization need training about domestic and sexual violence, contact your local community-based domestic violence / sexual assault advocacy program.

They may be able to provide you with in-person training and/or create an advocate-in-training account for you to access the OCADSV e-learning platform.

For individuals

Individuals who are not currently working/volunteering with a qualified victim services program in the state of Oregon may request 90 days of independent access to the course for informational purposesWe consider each request for independent access on a case-by-case basis. Due to the volume of requests, you may be put on a waitlist if approved.

The Coalition cannot provide supervision or feedback on course progress for independent users. Additionally, independent completion of this online training alone DOES NOT satisfy the requirements for advocate certification under Oregon state law (in order to be considered certified, individuals must complete the required training AND be currently employed by or actively volunteering with a qualified victim services program).

Upon request, we will provide independent users with written proof of course completion. Again, this is NOT considered proof of certification, but may be helpful if you are applying to intern/volunteer/work in the survivor advocacy field.

For evaluation

Groups and organizations that are seeking to develop a similar course in another jurisdiction may request independent access to the course for evaluation purposesWe consider each request for independent access on a case-by-case basis.

Independent completion of this online training alone DOES NOT satisfy the requirements for advocate certification under Oregon state law (in order to be considered certified, individuals must complete the required training AND be currently employed by or actively volunteering with a qualified victim services program).

This is not legal advice.

This information was assembled by OCADSV staff for informational purposes only. The information presented on this page is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions, contact a qualified attorney.

You might also be interested in:

Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Training Requirements

Guidelines for Confidentiality Policies for DV/SA Nonprofit Grantees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Online core advocacy training

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