In honor of those who have fallen victim to crime.
In memory of those whose lives have ended too soon.
Dedicated to those who work to make the world a better place.

This program is designed to train and qualify students to provide assistance to crime victims. The course provides an overview of criminal procedure and discusses the devastating effects crime can have on its victims.

EXPECTATIONS: You will be expected to spend an average of at least 12 hours per lesson reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that, barring extenuating circumstances, extensions will not be granted for this course. This course is the equivalent of at least 50 course contact hours. 70% is the minimum passing score on all tests and assignments for this course.
REQUIRED TEXT: Victim Advocacy Manual, available from The Center for Legal Studies by calling 1-800-522-7737 or Order Online Now

Reading Assignments for Lesson Topics:
Lesson One: : Introduction Victim Advocacy and Legislation regarding Victim Right	Read Chapters 1 & 2 in Victim Advocacy Manual (Manual)
Lesson Two: Introduction to the Legal Process and Effects of Victimization on the Victim	Read Chapters 3 & 4 in Manual
Lesson Three: Victim Advocate Skills and "ISMs" (a look at bias in victim advocacy)	Read Chapters 5 & 6 in Manual
Lesson Four: Assault, Battery, and Robbery and Homicide & Suicide	Read Chapters 7 & 8 in Manual
Lesson Five: Domestic Violence	Read Chapter 9 in Manual
Lesson Six: Sexual Assault/Rape and Child Abuse	Read Chapters 10 & 11 in Manual
Lesson Seven: Job Hunting Techniques	Read Chapter 12 in Manual

ASSIGNMENTS: For the first six lesson's topic you will submit a 50-point short answer/essay assignment covering the topics in your lesson's reading. There is no assignment for Lesson Seven.

EXAMS: You will complete two exams. Each is worth 100 points. The first exam is due with your Lesson Four Assignments; the last exam is due with your Lesson Six Assignments.

REFLECTION ASSIGNMENTS: You will also post your responses to six reflection assignments. These assignments will be submitted with your lesson assignments and make up your class participation grade. All lesson objectives, assignments, and tests can be found in the Lesson Material packet.

GRADING
Your grade will be based on your completion of six writing assignments, two exams, and class participation.

Your final grade will be figured as follows:

• The six assignments are worth 50 points each and comprise 40% of your grade.
• The two exams are worth 100 points and comprise 40% of your grade.
• Your participation in class participation assignments comprises 20% of your grade.

Refund Policy

• Students have 30 days from the date they register for the DVD format course to drop the class and receive a refund less a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.
• If students drop after 30 days from their registration date no refund will be issued.
• Materials including all printed packets, handouts, and DVDs, must be received by CLS in new condition no less then 30 days from the date of purchase. No items will be accepted after 30 days.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Center for Legal Studies gratefully acknowledges contributions to the development of this course: Patty Mosher, Victim Assistance Program Director in Douglas County, Colorado, for providing access to her program and research materials; Leigh Builder, Victim Assistance Advocate in Atlanta, Georgia, for providing national information and research materials; Joseph Arseneau, former police officer and educational researcher, for providing research development and contacts as well as initial inspiration for the certificate program format; Annalisa Philbin, J.D. for her legal expertise; and Alison Hatch, Director of Continuing Education at the Center for Legal Studies, and former Legal Victim Assistant in Boulder Colorado, for editing and researching.